Slides from 2017 Census Roadshow

1. An update on the qualifications
question
2021 Topic consultation
 Users need qualifications data to understand the skills available in the local workforce and to target policies and services to fill
any skill gaps. Users identified a moderate need for information on all qualifications held by the respondent as well as highest
qualification held.
What have we done so far?
 Updated and re-ordered response options to ensure all qualifications are captured and easy for respondents to find.
 Developed a new format for collecting information online.
 Carried out a pilot study to test the new online layout, with a view to wider user testing in the coming months.
For more information on the qualification topic please contact:
census.customer.services@ons.gsi.gov.uk
And quote ‘qualifications topic’ in the subject line.
Online
The proposed online question will have the same options as the
paper version, but they are likely to be split out into different
groups. Splitting the question is intended to make it easier for
respondents to identify the options that apply to them, reducing
their burden and providing better quality data.
Longer instructions
encourage respondents
to think about all their
qualifications
There are new response
options for “1 AS level,
5+ GCSEs any level” to
make sure all
respondents have an
option to select
NVQ levels 4 and 5 have
been split out to better
meet user need
Future plans
A recommendation for the qualifications question will be made in
2018 and will consider user need, burden on respondents and
space constraints on the questionnaire.
We’ve planned comprehensive testing to make sure the new
layout captures the quality of information we need.
The response option for
capturing degrees has
been reworded
Additional wording for
the foreign
qualifications response
option encourages
respondents to select
UK equivalents if known
The new grading
system for GCSEs has
been included
Potential 2021 paper question
Thinking of any studies, exams or qualifications, which of the
following do you have?
Tick every box that applies (whether UK or foreign equivalent)
if you have any of the qualifications listed
o 1-4 GCSEs or O levels or CSEs (any grades), Entry level,
Foundation Diploma
o 1 AS level, 5+ GCSEs any level
o 5+GCSEs (grades A*-C, or grades 9-4) or O levels
(passes) or CSEs (grade 1), School Certificate, 1 A level,
2-3 AS levels/VCEs, Higher Diploma
o 2+ A levels, 4+AS levels/VCEs, Higher School
Certificate, Advanced Diploma
o Apprenticeship (trade/advanced/foundation/modern)
o NVQ Level 1 Foundation GNVQ, Basic Skills
o NVQ Level 2, intermediate GNVQ, City and Guilds
Craft, BTEC First, RSA Diploma
o NVQ Level 3, Advanced GNVQ, City and Guilds,
Advanced Craft, ONC, OND, BTEC National, RSA
Advanced Diploma
o NVQ Level 4, HNC, RSA Higher Diploma, BTEC Higher
o NVQ Level 5, HND, Foundation degree
o University certificate, diploma or degree
o Other vocational/work-related qualifications
o Professional qualification (for example teaching,
nursing, accountancy)
o Foreign qualifications (UK equivalent not known)
o No qualifications
Potential 2021 online questions