The Office for National Statistics has appointed a Census Engagement Manager to support residents in Dudley Borough and help make Census 2021 a success.

Alison Pugh, the area’s Census Engagement Manager will help organisations, charities, faith groups and community leaders within the Borough raise awareness of the census and the value to residents in taking part.

Alison is a resident of Dudley Borough and has twenty five years experience of working in the Voluntary sector. She said:

“I feel very fortunate to help support residents of Dudley Borough. Census 2021 will provide the opportunity for residents to make a difference in their community.

“I would love to hear from you to learn more about your community and the ways in which I can help support you in Census 2021”.

The census is a once-in-a-decade survey that provides a snapshot of households in England and Wales, helping to plan and fund public services. Everyone across England and Wales will be asked to take part and the information people give will decide how services are planned and funded.

Ultimately, it ensures funds are invested in emergency services, health care, school places and other vital services. Pete Benton, Director of Census and Survey Operations, added:

“The census engagement managers and community advisers we have appointed have a critical role in making sure everyone understands why the census is important and making sure all households across England and Wales know why it is important to take part and how to get the help they need.”

For the first time, the census will be run primarily online, making it easy for most people to complete the questionnaire on any device – whether that be a computer, a mobile phone or a tablet. Local Census support centres will be offering help, while paper questionnaires will be available for those who need them. All census staff will o​perate in line with the Government’s latest Covid-19 guidance.

The 2021 Census will include a new question on veterans of the UK Armed Forces, as well as voluntary questions, for those aged 16 and over, on sexual orientation and gender identity.

The census will be held on 21 March 2021. While results will be available the following year, all personal records will be locked away for 100 years and kept safe for future generations.

For more information, visit census.gov.uk.