30 July 2008
On Wednesday 2nd July the States of Jersey Statistics Unit launched the 2008 Jersey Annual Social Survey (JASS). So far, the Unit has received a fantastic response from the
Jersey
public, but is looking to increase this further and today is sending out reminder forms to those households from whom a response hasn’t yet been received.
In each of the last three years that the survey has run, the
Jersey
public have been extremely helpful in providing their opinions through this survey. This year a random sample of 3,500 households on the
Island
were asked to respond.
The Statistics Unit runs the project independently, on behalf of other States departments, who request the specific topics to be covered within the survey. The survey has a set of core questions asked every year, covering population demographics, economic activity and household structure, which are aimed at ensuring key census variables are updated annually. The department-specific topics covered in 2008 include: Family Issues; Housing Standards; the Jersey-UK Car Ferry Service; Travel and Transport; Public Services; the Fire and Rescue Service; Health, Lifestyle and Leisure activities; Pensions and Long-term care.
The survey is designed to gather information on
Jersey
residents’ opinions and lifestyle. The information gathered can directly inform policy decisions, and helps to assess and improve aspects of
Island
life.
Commenting on the survey Dr Duncan Gibaut, Head of the States of Jersey Statistics Unit, said: “The response received so far to the
Jersey
Annual Social Survey has been fantastic, and I’d like to thank everyone who has taken the time to tell us their views, and to send the form back. We are sending reminders out today to those people who haven’t yet responded to give them a final opportunity to be included.”
“The information gathered by the survey can directly inform policy decisions, and it is used to assess and improve aspects of
Island
life. By increasing the response rate further, we can increase the range and depth of our understanding of residents’ opinions and behaviours.”
“I would like to reassure everyone again that all responses to the survey will be treated in the strictest confidence and will only be used to produce aggregate numbers. So if you receive a reminder form this week, please fill it in and send it back. By doing so you’ll help us all gain a better understanding of social issues in the
Island
.”
-ends-