On behalf of the Inclusive Data Taskforce, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) commissioned Basis Social to undertake research with a range of civil society organisations (CSOs), as well as members of the public that have specific personal characteristics or are under-represented in UK data and evidence.
This research involved workshops, group discussions and interviews with over 80 CSOs working across 15 different equalities areas and over 90 members of the public.
Members of the public identified a common set of principles they felt were important for organisations collecting data to adhere to, including transparency, anonymity, data security, inclusive data collection methods and receiving feedback on research outcomes. For CSOs, the accessibility, robustness, statistical validity, relevance and depth of data were seen as essential for their strategic planning and provision of services.
Within the workshops, themes of intersectionality, disaggregation, harmonisation, and granularity appeared fundamental for understanding the needs and lived experiences of under-represented groups. This report details the ways in which ONS and other organisations collecting data can best work with CSOs and individuals to ensure that the UK data better reflects the UK population.
Basis Social added that, to ensure everyone counts in UK data and evidence, it will be important to increase people’s participation in shaping the agenda that determines what data are collected and how they are used. Greater inclusivity is about providing people with greater understanding, ownership and control over not just their data, but what their data represents: their lives and circumstances.