Scotland's census 2021: equality impact assessment

Annex A - Equality Questions in Paper Census Questionnaire

Age

Question: 2

2    What is your date of birth?

Day Month Year

Guidance:

How do I answer this question?

Please enter the date you were born.

Enter the day, month and year in the format DD MM YYYY. For example, if you were born on the 2^nd November 1990 then you would enter 02 11 1990.

If you don't know your date of birth, please estimate it as best you can.

I'm answering for someone else and don't know their date of birth.

If you're answering for someone else and don't know their date of birth, please estimate it as best you can.

What will you use this information for?

Age is used with other data, for example, sex and marital status, to provide important information about the population. The census combines this information to measure changes in society and calculate rates of :

• mortality
• fertility
• marriage
• divorce

It is used to produce statistics to support allocation of public money and to plan and deliver public services.

Why do you not just ask for age?

We ask for date of birth, rather than age, so that we can work out your age at different dates.

Who should answer this question?

Everyone should answer this question.

Why is this question asked?

Answers to this question are used to calculate age.

Sex

Question: 3

3    What is your sex?

Female          Male

How do I answer this question?

If you are transgender the answer you give can be different from what is on your birth certificate. You don't need a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC).

If you are non-binary or you are not sure how to answer, you could use the sex registered on your official documents, such as your passport or driving licence. The next question is a question about trans status and history. You can respond as non-binary in this question.

I am answering for someone else. How do I answer?

If you're answering for someone else, where possible you should ask them how they want to answer. If they're away, select the answer you think they would choose. You don't need to know or ask whether they have a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC).

Why is this question asked?

The sex question provides vital information for organisations on national and local population statistics, and for long term analysis, as it has been asked since 1801. This question is also used for equality monitoring.

Trans

Question: 4

4    Do you consider yourself to be trans, or have a trans history?

• This question is voluntary
• Answer only if you are aged 16 or over
• Trans is a term used to describe people whose gender is not the same as the sex they were registered at birth

• Tick one box only

No
Yes, please describe your trans status (for example, non-binary, trans man, trans woman):

Guidance:

How do I answer this question?

This question is voluntary. You do not have to answer it if you do not wish to.

Trans is a term to describe people whose gender is not the same as the sex they were registered at birth.

If your gender is the same as the sex you were registered at birth and you do not consider yourself to be trans or have a trans history, tick 'No'.

If you consider yourself to be trans or have a trans history, tick 'Yes' and you can write in the term you use to describe your trans status.

Who should answer this question?

This question should be answered by people aged 16 and over.

I am answering for someone else. How do I answer?

If you're answering on behalf of someone else, where possible you should ask them how they would answer. If they're away, and you do not know how they would respond, please do not answer this question.

Answering individual questions in private

An Individual Questionnaire can be used to provide answers in private.

Any member of your household who is aged 16 or over can complete an Individual Questionnaire, either online or on paper.

Information about everyone in your household must still be included in the Household Questionnaire.

Answers from Individual Questionnaires will be used if they are different from those on the Household Questionnaire.

An Individual Questionnaire or Internet Access Code can be ordered online (link to census website) or by contacting us (link to contact page of website)

Confidentiality

All personal information that you put into your census return will be kept secure, and will be kept confidential for 100 years.

It is against the law for anybody who works on or with the census to make public any personal details from the census during the 100 year period.

You can find out more about how we store and use census information here (link to privacy page of website)

Why is this question asked?

As there is no data on the size and location of the trans population in Scotland, your answer to this question allows providers to plan and design services. It is also used for equality monitoring.

Marriage or Civil Partnership

Question: 5

5    On 21 March 2021, what is your legal marital or registered civil partnership status?

Never married and never registered in a civil partnership

Married

In a registered civil partnership

Separated, but still legally married

Separated, but still legally in a civil partnership

Divorced

Formerly in a civil partnership which is now legally dissolved

WidowedSurviving partner from a civil partnership

Guidance:

How do I answer this question?

This question is asking you about your legal status. Select one answer according to your status on 21 March 2021. For example, if you are divorced or widowed and have re-married, please select 'Married'.

If you are living with a partner but are not legally married and have never been married you should select 'never married and never registered in a civil partnership'.

I am married to a person of the same sex but it is a marriage, not a civil partnership. How should I answer?

If you have registered a legal marriage to a person of any sex, then you should answer 'Married'.

What is a civil partnership?

A civil partnership is a legal registered relationship between by two people of the same sex. It enables same sex couples to get legal recognition of their relationship. It also gives them similar rights and responsibilities to a marriage.

My partner and I live together as a married couple but we are not legally married. What option should I choose?

Your answer should relate to legal status only. If you are living with your partner, this is not a legal marital or civil partnership status and should not be included. You should select one of the other options as appropriate.

I registered a marriage or civil partnership in the last few days. I have not received the certificate and do not know if it is registered yet. What option should I select?

You do not need the certificate for your marriage or civil partnership to be official. What is important is that your ceremony was legal in the United Kingdom.

If so, please select either:

• 'Married' or
• 'In a registered civil partnership'

I registered a marriage or civil partnership outside of the UK. What option should I select?

If your marriage or civil partnership is legally recognised in the United Kingdom please select 'Married' or 'In a registered civil partnership'.

What if my marriage or civil partnership has been annulled?

How you should answer this question depends on why your marriage or civil partnership was annulled. When the court grants an annulment, it may say that your marriage or civil partnership was either:

• void – in effect, the marriage or civil partnership never existed
• voidable - this means the marriage or civil partnership was valid at the time it was registered but it isn't valid any more

Whether the court will say your marriage or civil partnership is void or voidable depends on the circumstances.

Civil partnerships or same sex marriages formed in Scotland cannot be voidable. However, those formed in England and Wales can be.

You can find out more about void and voidable marriages and civil partnerships online (link to government website – how to annul marriage)

If your marriage or civil partnership was annulled because it was void, please select your legal marital status from before the void marriage or civil partnership.

If your marriage or civil partnership was annulled because it was voidable, please select 'Divorced' or 'Dissolved civil partnership'.

Why is there not an option to select 'single'?

There is no option for 'single', as this is not a legal status. If you have never registered a marriage or civil partnership, please select 'Never married and never registered in a civil partnership'.

Who should answer this question?

Everyone should answer this question.

Please answer this question for children, even though they may not be old enough to be legally married or in a registered civil partnership. Select the 'Never married and never registered in a civil partnership' option for them.

The legal age for marrying or forming a civil partnership in the UK is 16. In some other countries the legal age for this is lower. This means we need to ask this question of all people, regardless of age.

Why is this question asked?

Information on legal marital or civil partnership status is important for the provision of housing and the planning of local services. It helps to understand changing patterns of:

• marriage
• civil partnerships
• partners living together
• household formation

Marital or civil partnership status is protected by the Equality Act 2010.

The Scottish Government and other public bodies will use this information for:

• equality impact assessments
• informing policies and practices
• informing decisions on housing
• planning of local services.

Sexual Orientation

Question: 8

8    Which of the following best describes your sexual orientation?

• This question is voluntary
• Answer only if you are aged 16 or over
• Tick one box only

Straight / Heterosexual

Gay or Lesbian

Bisexual

Other sexual orientation, please write in:

Guidance:

How do I answer this question?

This question is voluntary. You do not have to answer it if you do not wish to.

Select only one response.

You may choose from the following options:

• Straight or Heterosexual
• Gay or Lesbian
• Bisexual

If your answer is not listed, you can choose 'Other sexual orientation' and enter your answer, for example, asexual, pansexual or questioning.

Who should answer this question?

This question should be answered by people aged 16 and over.

I am answering for someone else. How do I answer?

If you're answering on behalf of someone else, where possible you should ask them how they would answer. If they're away, and you do not know how they would respond, please do not answer this question.

Answering individual questions in private

An Individual Questionnaire can be used to provide answers in private.

Any member of your household who is aged 16 or over can complete an Individual Questionnaire, either online or on paper.

Information about everyone in your household must still be included in the Household Questionnaire.

Answers from Individual Questionnaires will be used if they are different from those on the Household Questionnaire.

An Individual Questionnaire or Internet Access Code can be ordered online (link to census website) or by contacting us (link to contact page of website)

Confidentiality

All personal information that you put into your census return will be kept secure, and will be kept confidential for 100 years.

It is against the law for anybody who works on or with the census to make public any personal details from the census during the 100 year period.

You can find out more about how we store and use census information here (link to privacy page of website)

Why is this question asked?

A person's sexual orientation affects the services they require and your answer to this question allows providers to plan and design services based on the data collected. It is also used for equality monitoring.

Country of Birth

Question: 9

9    What is your country of birth?

Scotland > go to 11

England > go to 11

Northern Ireland > go to 11

Wales > go to 11

Republic of Ireland

Elsewhere, please write in the current name of the country:

Guidance:

How do I answer this question?

Select one option only. If you select 'elsewhere' please also provide the current name of the country.

My country of birth has changed name and/or boundaries. How should I answer?

Please enter the current name of the country.

I don't know my country of birth. What should I enter?

If you don't know your country of birth, please enter your best guess – this may be the continent, region or island. For example, Asia, Africa, Great Britain or Middle East. Otherwise, please select 'Other'.

If there isn't enough space, enter as much as the space allows

It may be possible to shorten the name of the country. For example if you were born in the United States of America, you can enter 'USA'.

Who should answer this question?

Everyone should answer this question.

Why is this question asked?

The information from this question can help the government study patterns of migration and can assist with planning services to meet the needs of migrant communities.

Disability

Question: 18

18  Do you have any of the following, which have lasted, or are expected to last, at least 12 months?

• Tick all that apply

Deafness or partial hearing loss

Blindness or partial sight loss

Full or partial loss of voice or difficulty speaking (a condition that requires you to use equipment to speak)

Learning disability (a condition that you have had since childhood that affects the way you learn, understand information and communicate)

Learning difficulty (a specific learning condition that affects the way you learn and process information)

Developmental disorder (a condition that you have had since childhood which affects motor, cognitive, social and emotional skills and speech and language

Physical disability (a condition that substantially limits one or more basic physical activities such as walking, climbing stairs, lifting or carrying)

Mental health condition (a condition that affects your emotional, physical and mental wellbeing)

Long-term illness, disease or condition (a condition, not listed above, that you may have for life which may be managed with treatment or medication)

Other condition, please write in:

No condition

Guidance:

How do I answer this question?

Select all options that apply and write in details if required.

I am not sure how long my condition will last. How do I answer?

If you have a health condition that has lasted less than 12 months, please answer based on how long you expect the condition to last.

I'm not sure which option to select to include my health condition. How do I answer?

If you are unsure which option to select, please select 'Other condition'. If you select 'Other condition', please enter the name of the health condition.

I am answering for someone else. How do I answer?

If you are answering on behalf of someone else, where possible you should ask them how they want to answer. If they're away, select the answer you think they would choose.

If there isn't enough space, enter as much as the space allows

If the name of the condition is longer that the space provided, please enter as much as you can using one letter per box.

Examples of health conditions:

Deafness or partial hearing loss examples

• Deaf
• Deafblind
• Deafened
• Deafness
• Hard of hearing
• Hearing impaired
• Profoundly deaf
• Severely deaf

Blindness or partial sight loss

• Artificial eye
• Blind
• Deafblind
• Detached retina
• Legally blind
• Sight loss
• Partial sight loss
• Partially sighted
• Sight loss
• Visually impaired

Communication equipment examples

• No battery (low tech)
• Battery operated (high tech)

Full or partial loss of voice or difficulty speaking due to health conditions such as

• Autistic spectrum disorder
• Cerebral palsy
• Dementia
• Head or brain injury
• Learning disability
• Motor neurone disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson's disease
• Profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD)
• Stroke

Learning disability examples

• Acquired brain injury
• Cognitive impairment
• Down's syndrome
• Fragile X syndrome
• Mild learning disability
• Moderate learning disability
• Neonatal brain damage
• Profound learning disability
• Severe learning disability
• Special needs

Learning difficulty examples

• Dyscalculia
• Dyslexia
• Dyspraxia
• General learning difficulty
• Global learning difficulty
• Learning difficulty
• Meares-Irlen syndrome
• Specific learning difficulty
• Verbal dyspraxia

Developmental disorder examples

• Asperger syndrome
• Attention deficit disorder
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
• Autistic spectrum condition
• Autistic spectrum disorder
• Emotional learning behaviour
• Emotional learning difficulty
• Global developmental delay
• Oppositional defiant disorder

Physical disability examples

• Amputee
• Hemiplegia
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Difficulty walking
• Paralysis
• Paraplegia
• Physically disabled
• Quadriplegic
• Unable to walk
• Uses walking stick
• Wheelchair user

Mental health condition examples

• Addiction
• Anxiety
• Bipolar disorder
• Depression
• Eating disorder
• Panic attacks
• Postnatal depression
• Schizoaffective disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Seasonal affective disorder
• Self harm

Long-term illness, disease or condition examples

• Angina
• Arthritis
• Asthma
• Cancer
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Dementia
• Diabetes
• Epilepsy
• Heart condition
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Multiple sclerosis
• Osteoporosis
• Stroke
• Thyroid gland condition

Who should answer this question?

Everyone should answer this question

Why is this question asked?

The answers to this question provide important information about different health conditions and disabilities in the Scottish population. The data from this question provides information on the experiences and circumstances of people with disabilities. Local governments, public bodies and third sector organisation use this information to measure and assess:

• service planning
• healthcare delivery
• development of social care policies and strategies
• research.

Question: 19

19  Are your day-to-day activities limited because of a health problem or disability which has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months?

•  Include problems related to old age

Yes, limited a lot

Yes, limited a little

No

Guidance:

How do I answer this question?

It is up to you to consider how your day-to-day activities are limited by your disability or health problem. Please include mental health problems and problems related to old age. You should choose the response that you feel best describes your situation.

I'm not sure of the level of my health condition or disability. How should I answer?

Try to think about how limited your day-to-day activities are after you have taken any medication or treatment.

For example, you may be hard of hearing and use a hearing aid. Think about how limited your activities are when you are wearing your hearing aid.

Some days I feel more able to do things than on other days. How should I answer?

If, on some days you feel better or worse, then you should answer based on how you feel most of the time.

What are day-to-day activities?

Day-to-day activities are everyday things, for example:

• eating
• bathing/washing and dressing
• walking or using stairs
• lifting
• gripping objects such as cutlery
• using public or private transport
• household cleaning
• remembering to pay bills

I have a health problem that has lasted less than 12 months. I am not sure whether it will last 12 months or more. Should I include it?

Please answer based on how long you expect your health problem to last.

Who should answer this question?

Everyone should answer this question.

Why is this question asked?

Answers to this question provide the only measure of long-term health problems or disability in small areas. The data are used to:

• support policy development
• measure healthy life expectancy

allocate resources for care of the elderly

Religion

Question: 21

21  What religion, religious denomination or body do you belong to?

• This question is voluntary

      None

Church of Scotland

Roman Catholic

Other Christian, please write in below:

Muslim, write in denomination or school below:

Hindu

Buddhist

Sikh

Jewish

Pagan

Another religion or body, please write in:

Guidance:

Who should answer this question?

This question is voluntary. You do not have to answer it if you do not wish to.

My child is too young to belong to a particular religion. What option should I select?

Please select 'None' or leave the question blank.

How do I answer this question?

Select one box only. If you select 'Other Christian' or 'Muslim' please enter the details of your denomination or group. You can enter 'Christian' or 'Muslim' if you do not have a denomination. If you select 'Another religion or body' please enter details of your religion, religious denomination or body.

I am answering for someone else. How do I answer?

If you're answering on behalf of someone else, where possible you should ask them how they want to answer. If they're away, and you do not know how they would respond, please do not answer this question.

If you are answering for someone who can't answer due to their mental capacity, for example someone with dementia, you do not have to answer this question as it is voluntary.

My religion or denomination isn't listed. How do I answer this question?

Select 'Other Christian' or 'Another religion or body' and then enter details of your religion, religious denomination or body.

Why is this question asked?

It's important to capture this information. It contributes to a better understanding of the diversity of Scotland.

Your answer to this question allows providers to design services to meet the needs of your community.

It also supports efforts to make sure people are treated fairly and promote a more equal society.

Answering individual questions in private

An Individual Questionnaire can be used to provide answers in private.

Any member of your household who is aged 16 or over can complete an Individual Questionnaire, either online or on paper.

Information about everyone in your household must still be included in the Household Questionnaire.

Answers from Individual Questionnaires will be used if they are different from those on the Household Questionnaire.

An Individual Questionnaire or Internet Access Code can be ordered online (link to census website) or by contacting us (link to contact page of website)

Confidentiality

All personal information that you put into your census return will be kept secure, and will be kept confidential for 100 years.

It is against the law for anybody who works on or with the census to make public any personal details from the census during the 100 year period.

You can find out more about how we store and use census information here (link to privacy page of website)

Race

Question: 23

23  What is your ethnic group?

• Choose ONE section from A to F, then tick ONE box which best describes your ethnic group or background

A   White

Scottish

Other British

Irish

Polish

Gypsy / Traveller

Roma

Showman / Showwoman

Other white ethnic group, please write in:

B   Mixed or multiple ethnic groups

Any mixed or multiple ethnic groups, please write in:

C   Asian, Scottish Asian or British Asian

Pakistani, Scottish Pakistani or British

Pakistani

Indian, Scottish Indian or British Indian

Bangladeshi, Scottish Bangladeshi or British

Bangladeshi

Chinese, Scottish Chinese or British Chinese

Other, please write in:

D   African, Scottish African or British African

Please write in (for example, Nigerian, Somali):

E   Caribbean or Black

Please write in (for example, Scottish Caribbean, Black Scottish):

F    Other ethnic group

Arab, Scottish Arab or British Arab

Other, please write in (for example, Jewish):

Guidance:

What does 'ethnic group' mean?

Your ethnic group could be your cultural or family background.

It's up to you how you answer this question.

If you are unsure of your ethnic group, you should select the option that you think is most appropriate.

How do I answer this question?

First, choose the group that best describes you. Then choose one option from the section that best describes your ethnic group or background.

You may need to write in your ethnic group in the space provided.

Some boxes have a list of ethnic groups (for example, 'Pakistani, Pakistani Scottish or Pakistani British'). The list simply shows all the ethnic groups which are included in that category, so you can tick the box if your ethnic group is any of those in the list.

My ethnic group is not listed. What should I do?

Please use the response options to help guide you. If you feel that none of the options provided are appropriate, please select 'Other' under the group you feel most closely matches you. You can then write in your ethnic group.

How many options can I select?

You should choose one section from A to F and then select one option within that section that best describes your ethnic group or background.

If I select an option that has a list of options (for example, 'Pakistani, Pakistani Scottish or Pakistani British'), do I need to circle the one that applies and/or cross out the ones that do not apply?

No, the list simply shows all the groups which are included in that category, so you can select the option if your ethnic group is any of those in the list. You should not circle or cross out any of the terms.

I am answering for someone else. How do I answer?

If you are answering on behalf of someone else, where possible you should ask them how they want to answer. If they're away, select the answer you think they would choose.

Answering individual questions in private

An Individual Questionnaire can be used to provide answers in private.

Any member of your household who is aged 16 or over can complete an Individual Questionnaire, either online or on paper.

Information about everyone in your household must still be included in the Household Questionnaire.

Answers from Individual Questionnaires will be used if they are different from those on the Household Questionnaire.

An Individual Questionnaire or Internet Access Code can be ordered online (link to census website) or by contacting us (link to contact page of website)

Confidentiality

All personal information that you put into your census return will be kept secure, and will be kept confidential for 100 years.

It is against the law for anybody who works on or with the census to make public any personal details from the census during the 100 year period.

You can find out more about how we store and use census information here (link to privacy page of website)

Who should answer this question?

Everyone should answer this question

Why is this question asked?

It's important to capture this information. It contributes to a better understanding of the diversity of Scotland.

Your answer to this question allows providers to design services to meet the needs of your community.

It also supports efforts to make sure people are treated fairly and promote a more equal society.