National Survey to interview 12,000 people

11 Apr 2019 12:00 PM

The biggest annual survey of people in Wales is underway.

A total of 12,000 people will take part in interviews that will inform important decisions on services and government policies on education, health, employment, council services and leisure activities available in Wales.

The Newport-based Office for National Statistics (ONS) runs the National Survey for Wales on behalf of the Welsh Government and other public bodies.

The survey results are used by the Welsh Government to understand more about the everyday lives and views of people across Wales.

Dr Steve Marshall, Welsh Government’s Chief Social Research Officer, yesterday said:

“Last year the survey found that while 86% of people are satisfied with care from their GP, 42% find it difficult to make a convenient appointment. Also, 85% of households have access to the internet, while 68% of those with internet access were satisfied with the speed of their connection. These and other survey results are being used to help improve services nationally.”

Survey participants are selected randomly to form a representative sample of the population. Interviews are conducted in people’s homes by experienced interviewers in either English or Welsh and take around 45 minutes to complete.

Interviewer Jane Aslett from Welshpool spoke to 400 people between Wrexham and Newtown for last year’s survey. She yesterday said:

“I’m proud of what I do for a job. I feel privileged to meet and be made welcome by so many interesting, diverse and friendly people. You never know who you will meet when you knock on a door. I look forward to the 2019 to 2020 survey year and hope that the next 12 months can be as interesting and as challenging as last year.”

Martina Helme, the National Survey for Wales Manager for the ONS, yesterday said:

“This survey really matters because it gives the Welsh Government important information that supports policies that it can’t get any other way. So, if you are contacted by the ONS for an interview, please take this valuable opportunity to make your views count.”

Media contacts:

Media Relations Office: +44 (0)845 6041858
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E-mail: media.relations@ons.gov.uk