Who could knock at my door?

In March 2011, you'll get a census questionnaire in the post which you'll need to complete and return online or by post, before, on, or as soon as possible after census day on the 27 March 2011.

An electronic tracking system is being used to tick off all completed questionnaires the Office for National Statistics (ONS) get back by post or online.

A 2011 Census collector may visit you to chase up a late questionnaire.  They will be checking why you haven't sent yours back, offer help and advice, and give you another questionnaire to complete if yours has been lost or damaged.  If you're not in when they call, they will leave a calling card and come back another time.

You should only get a visit from a census collector if:

• ONS haven't yet received a completed questionnaire back from you - either in the post or online.
• You have requested a visit through the census helpline and a census co-ordinator has contacted you to arrange this.

Census collectors will be out and about visiting households from late March through to 6 May 2011.

How do I know if it's someone from the census?

The caller will always carry their photo ID, bearing the 2011 Census and ONS logos.  Ask to see it if they do not automatically show this to you.  Our staff will do everything they can to reassure you and will not try to prevent you from checking their identity.

Please contact the census helpline for advice if you have any doubts as to the identity of 2011 Census staff on 0300 0201 101.

The census helping will be open from 4 March to 15 May 2011.

What the census collector will do:

• always show their 2011 Census photo identity card,
• leave a calling card if you're out, reminding you to complete and return your questionnaire, and telling you they'll be back,
• offer advice and help about how to complete and return the questionnaire,
• answer any concerns you may have about privacy and confidentiality,
• explain how you can get extra help if you have sight, hearing, language or literacy difficulties,
• give you another questionnaire to complete and submit online or post back - if you've mislaid yours,
• remind you that taking part in the census is required by law.

What the census collector will not do:

• ask you to provide bank, debit card or credit card details,
• call to deliver your census questionnaire; this is all being done by post,
• ask you to leave your questionnaire on the doorstep or with a neighbour for collection,
• ask for any personal information other than to confirm your name, address and date of birth,
• come into your home - unless you invite them in,
• fill in the questionnaire on your behalf: unless you are unable to do this yourself,
• leave a spare census questionnaire with your neighbour or ask them to provide personal or detailed information about you if you're not in.

Who else could I get a visit from?

Census non-compliance officer
Census non-compliance teams will be working from 26 April 2011 to 12 August 2011.  You will only get a visit from a Census Non-compliance Officer if you have refused to complete your questionnaire.  Refusal to complete the census questionnaire is an offence under the Census Act 1920 and Census Order 2009, and could lead to prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.

Other ONS survey interviewers
ONS may be carrying out other surveys in your area at the same time as the census.  If you have been selected for one of these, you will receive a letter telling you this before the interviewer calls.  Interviewers will always carry ONS photo ID.  If you need further clarification, please call the ONS Survey Enquiry Line on 0800 298 5313

Page last updated: 15th February 2011