CS_Census 2021 Final Reminder_GN/JH

Subject:
Census 2021: Final reminder to complete
From:
Warwick Student Communications
To:
Jemima Spoon <mrgammon+Test@gmail.com>

If you've already completed the Census 2021 for your term-time address, you do not need to read this message.

Hello Jemima

There's been a great response to Census 2021, but it's important everyone is counted so the Office for National Statistics (ONS) wants to make sure as many of you as possible complete a census for your term-time accommodation.

This helps the ONS build an accurate and representative count of the student population. If you haven’t completed the census for your term-time address, please read on to find out how to complete it. 
 
Completing the census 

We’re aware there have been some issues with the ONS postcode finder for on-campus addresses. Please use the postcodes on the MyWarwick Census page to find the postcode used by the ONS for your hall of residence.  
 
You’ll also find guidance on the MyWarwick Census page on how to complete the census depending on where you’re living at the moment. It’s important that all students, including international students, are represented because the information collected helps to inform funding decisions that impact the student community and student experience. Even if you were living at home on Census Day (21 March) or are still living at home and were included on your household census, you should still complete the census for your term-time address by Monday 17 May.
 
If you have any problems, please contact ONS using their web form or hotline.
You may still have questions about the census so the ONS have put together some myth-busting facts below that may help answer them:

Myth 1: Students don’t count in the census

Students are vitally important and do count! All students need to be included in the census, and they should complete a form for their usual term-time address even if they weren’t there on census day. This is extremely important so the ONS can build an accurate picture of the student population in every local area. The information students provide is crucial in helping to make sure students in their area get the services they need now and in the future.

Myth 2: I’ll be counted twice if I’ve already been included on my household form

Don’t worry, the stats experts at the ONS will make sure there is no double-counting when the data is processed. There are two questions on the household form that work together to provide an indicator that is used in processing to identify and remove the duplication.

If you aren’t counted at your term-time address, there will only be a partial record of you. You won’t have had the chance to answer questions on your sexual orientation, religion or gender identity, for instance. These individual questions are important when it comes to planning local services.

Myth 3: I’m not a British citizen, so I don’t have to be counted

Everyone staying in England and Wales on Census Day, 21 March, has to be counted and that includes international students. If you’re an international student and not currently in England or Wales, but would normally be, the ONS also want to count you.

Myth 4: My information will be shared

That’s not the case – no one will see the information you provide on the census for 100 years.

No individual or their responses can be identified in the statistics we publish. In fact, your personal information can't be seen by anyone who makes decisions about you. It cannot be used by government to influence benefit claims, a residency application, immigration status or taxes, or by landlords or any other private organisation.

Myth 5: The census is pointless. It doesn’t help me.

The census benefits us all by underpinning the services every single one of us relies on. It provides information on our living arrangements, health, education and the jobs we do and the information from it will help inform decisions at a local and national level for years to come. 

Myth 6: Census 2021 is over – I’ve missed Census Day so I don’t have to do it

Wrong! Every household is required by law to complete the census and even though Census Day – 21 March 2021 – has been and gone, it is not too late to complete a questionnaire. It only takes 10 minutes and you can visit the census website now and request an access code.
 
Find out more information on the ONS website.

Best wishes,
Warwick Student Communications Team