Scotland's Census 2022: equality impact assessment - version 3

Annex A - Equality Questions in Paper Census Questionnaire

Age

Individual question: 2

2. What is your date of birth?

Day / Month / Year

Guidance:

How do I answer this question?

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 do not know your date of birth, estimate it as best you can.

I am answering for someone else and do not know their date of birth. How do I answer?

If you are answering for someone else and do not know their date of birth, please estimate it as best you can.

Babies born after 20 March 2022 should not be included.

Why is this question asked?

Answers to this question are used to calculate age.

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.

Sex

Individual question: 3

3. What is your sex?

Female / Male

Guidance:

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 do not 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.

A voluntary question about trans status or history will follow if you are aged 16 or over. You can respond as non-binary in this question.

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

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

You do not 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.

Answering individual questions in private

Any member of the household aged 16 or over can use an individual questionnaire to provide answers in private. They can do this either online using an Internet Access Code or on paper.

If a person chooses to complete an individual questionnaire:

• they must still be included as a household member on the household questionnaire
• we will use answers from individual questionnaires if they are different from those on the household questionnaire
• the household will not be informed of the request to complete an individual questionnaire
• they have a legal responsibility to complete it

(Link to find out more about completing an individual questionnaire).

Confidentiality

Your census return will be kept secure and will be confidential for 100 years.

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

(Link to find out more about how we store and use information).

Who should answer this question?

Everyone should answer this question

Trans

Individual 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, transnwoman):

Guidance:

How do I answer this question?

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

If you consider yourself to be trans or have a trans history, select 'Yes' and describe your trans status, for example, non-binary, trans man, trans woman.

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

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

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

If you are answering for someone else, where possible you should ask them how they want to answer.

If they are away, and you do not know how they would respond, please do not answer this question.

Answering individual questions in private

Any member of the household aged 16 or over can use an individual questionnaire to provide answers in private.

They can do this either online using an Internet Access Code or on paper.

If a person chooses to complete an individual questionnaire:

• they must still be included as a household member on the household questionnaire
• we will use answers from individual questionnaires if they are different from those on the household questionnaire
• the household will not be informed of the request to complete an individual questionnaire
• they have a legal responsibility to complete it

(Link to find out more about completing an individual questionnaire).

Confidentiality

Your census return will be kept secure and will be confidential for 100 years.

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

(Link to find out more about how we store and use information).

Why is this question asked?

It is important to capture this information. There is currently no data on the size and location of the trans population in Scotland.

Your answer to this question allows organisations like third sector or local authorities 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.

Who should answer this question?

This question should be answered for everybody who is aged 16 or over, but it is voluntary. This means you only have to answer it if you want to.

If you are answering for someone else, where possible you should ask them how they want to answer.

If they are away, and you do not know how they would respond, please do not answer this question.

Marriage or civil partnership

Individual question: 5

5. On 20 March 2022, 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
• Widowed
• Surviving partner from a civil partnership

Guidance:

How do I answer this question?

Select one option only. This question is asking you about your legal status on 20 March 2022.

I was divorced or widowed but I have since remarried. Which option do I select?

You should answer based on your current status. If you were divorced or widowed and have since re-married, select 'Married'.

My partner and I live together as a married couple but we are not legally married. Which option do I select?

Your answer should relate to legal status only. If you are living with your partner but are not legally married or in a registered civil partnership, 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.

What is a civil partnership?

A civil partnership is a legal registered relationship between two people. It gives them similar rights and responsibilities to a marriage.

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

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

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 do 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, select either:

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

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

If your marriage or civil partnership is legally recognised in the United Kingdom 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 is not valid any more

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

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)

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, select 'Never married and never registered in a civil partnership'.

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.

Who should answer this question?

This question should be answered for everybody who is aged 16 or over.

Sexual orientation

Individual 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?

Select only one response.

If your answer is not listed, choose 'Other sexual orientation' and describe your sexual orientation.

This question is voluntary. This means you only have to answer it if you want to.

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

If you are answering for someone else, where possible you should ask them how they want to answer.

If they are away, and you do not know how they would respond, do not answer this question.

Answering individual questions in private

Any member of the household aged 16 or over can use an individual questionnaire to provide answers in private. They can do this either online using an Internet Access Code or on paper.

If a person chooses to complete an individual questionnaire:

• they must still be included as a household member on the household questionnaire
• we will use answers from individual questionnaires if they are different from those on the household questionnaire
• the household will not be informed of the request to complete an individual questionnaire
• they have a legal responsibility to complete it

(Link to find out more about completing an individual questionnaire).

Confidentiality

Your census return will be kept secure and will be confidential for 100 years.

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

(Link to find out more about how we store and use information).

Why is this question asked?

It is important to capture this information. Your answer to this question allows organisations like third sector and local authorities 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.

Who should answer this question?

This question should be answered for everybody who is aged 16 or over, but is voluntary. This means you only have to answer it if you want to.

Country of birth

Individual 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', enter the current name of the country.

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

Enter the current name of the country.

I do not know my country of birth. How do I answer?

If you do not know your country of birth, enter your best guess. This may be the continent, region or island. For example, Asia, Africa, Great Britain or Middle East. Otherwise, enter 'Other'.

Why is this question asked?

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

Who should answer this question?

Everyone should answer this question.

Answering on paper

If there is not enough space, write in 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 write in "USA".

Long-term conditions

Individual 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 condition that has lasted less than 12 months, answer based on how long you expect the condition to last.

I am not sure which option to select to include my condition. How do I answer?

If you are unsure which option to select, select 'Other condition'. If you select 'Other condition', enter the name of the 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 are away, select the answer you think they would choose.

Examples of long-term 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
• 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

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

Who should answer this question?

Everyone should answer this question

Answering on paper

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

Long-term health problem or disability

Individual 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. include mental health problems and problems related to old age. You should choose the response that you feel best describes your situation.

I am not sure of the level of my health condition or disability. How do 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 do 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 am not sure how long my health problem will last. How do I answer?

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

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 are away, select the answer you think they would choose.

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

Who should answer this question?

Everyone should answer this question.

Religion

Individual 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:

How do I answer this question?

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

Who should answer this question?

This question is for everybody but is voluntary. This means you only have to answer it if you want to.

My child is too young to belong to a particular religion. How do I answer?

Select 'None' or leave the question blank.

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 are away, and you do not know how they would respond, do not answer this question.

My religion or denomination is not listed. How do I answer this question?

Select 'Other Christian', 'Muslim' or 'Another religion or body' and then enter details of your religion, religious denomination or body in the space provided.

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

Any member of the household aged 16 or over can use an individual questionnaire to provide answers in private. They can do this either online using an Internet Access Code or on paper.

If a person chooses to complete an individual questionnaire:

• they must still be included as a household member on the household questionnaire
• we will use answers from individual questionnaires if they are different from those on the household questionnaire
• the household will not be informed of the request to complete an individual questionnaire
• they have a legal responsibility to complete it

(Link to find out more about completing an individual questionnaire).

Confidentiality

Your census return will be kept secure and will be confidential for 100 years.

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

(Link to find out more about how we store and use information).

Ethnic group

Individual 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, SIKH, JEWISH):

Guidance:

What does 'ethnic group' mean?

Your ethnic group could be your cultural or family background.

It is 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.

Why is this question asked?

It is 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.

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. How do I answer?

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

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 are away, select the answer you think they would choose.

Answering individual questions in private

Any member of the household aged 16 or over can use an individual questionnaire to provide answers in private.

They can do this either online using an Internet Access Code or on paper.

If a person chooses to complete an individual questionnaire:

• they must still be included as a household member on the household questionnaire
• we will use answers from individual questionnaires if they are different from those on the household questionnaire
• the household will not be informed of the request to complete an individual questionnaire
• they have a legal responsibility to complete it

(Link to find out more about completing an individual questionnaire).

Confidentiality

Your census return will be kept secure and will be confidential for 100 years.

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

(Link to find out more about how we store and use information).

Who should answer this question?

Everyone should answer this question

Answering on paper

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.