02 July 2008
On Wednesday 2nd July the States of Jersey Statistics Unit launches the 2008 Jersey Annual Social Survey (JASS).
The Jersey Annual Social Survey is now in its fourth year. The Jersey public have been extremely helpful in providing their opinions through this survey over the last three years, and again this year a random sample of 3,500 households on the Island will be asked to respond.
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.
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.
To ensure that all the population is covered by the random sample of households, the household member aged over 16 who next celebrates a birthday is asked to complete the form.
Commenting on the survey Dr Duncan Gibaut, Head of the States of Jersey Statistics Unit, said: “The Social Survey has proven to be an invaluable source of information for the development of evidence-based policy, and its continued usefulness depends on the public’s support. From the good response to the pilot we ran in May, we know that people found the form easy to complete and the topics are relevant to the lives of Islanders.”
“I would like to reassure everyone 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 do receive a form please complete it and send it back. By doing so you’ll help us all gain a better understanding of social issues in the Island .”
For further information, please contact …
Dr Duncan Gibaut, Head of the States of Jersey Statistics Unit
440403, d.gibaut@gov.je
gov.je