On 21 March, the 2021 census will ask respondents to state if they have ever served in the UK Armed Forces, Regular or Reserve. In this episode Neil ‘Jacko’ Jackson (Director, Defence Relationship Management), speaks with Kerryanne Wilde (Census Engagement Manager, Office for National Statistics), Damian Paterson (Deputy Director, Office for Veteran’s Affairs) and General Sir John McColl (Chairman, Cobseo) about the inclusion of this question, what it means for the UK’s veteran population and how it will help the UK become the best place in the world to be a veteran. What is the census? The census provides data on how members of society live and work, as well as informing government policy, planning and funding decisions at both a national and local level. It takes place every ten years, and collects information about people and their households. The next census is being held on 21 March 2021. This year there will be a veterans question included in the census, this means that for the first time veterans will be able to identify themselves as former military personnel. The inclusion of this question will allow for improved veterans services, with the data collected going towards informing and improving support services for former personnel. 

ONS Website (Census Page): https://www.ons.gov.uk/census 

Cobseo Website: https://www.cobseo.org.uk/ 

OVA Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/office-for-veterans-affairs

DRM Gov.uk page: https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/defence-relationship-management 

Veteran Fact Sheet 2020: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/veterans-factsheet-2020 

The Strategy for our Veterans: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/strategy-for-our-veterans 

Veterans News and Communications Hub:https://www.gov.uk/guidance/veterans-news-and-communications-hub 

Strengthening the Covenant in Legislation: https://www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk/strengthening-the-covenant-in-legislation/ 

RBL - Count them in Campaign: https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/things-to-do/campaigns-policy-and-research/campaigns/count-them-in 

Armed Forces Covenant Website: https://www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk/ 

Please note this episode was recorded virtually due to Covid-19. 

Music: Adventures by A Himitsu Creative Commons – Attribution 3.0 Unported- CC By 3.0 Released by Argofox Promoted by Audio Library