Developed by Digimap, the pioneering States of Guernsey Rolling Electronic Census Project has been completed.
As a result, comprehensive Guernsey population statistics will be available more frequently than in other jurisdictions and at a lower cost. The first collection of information, which is published in the Electronic Census Report, includes a breakdown of population by parish, school catchment and voting district along with a host of other information in addition to regular updates to population trends.
Reports published by the Policy Council using information from the Rolling Electronic Census now provide a much stronger evidence base for decision making in many spheres.
Helen Walton, Rolling Electronic Census Project Manager, said:
“It has been a really exciting project to be involved in; no other jurisdiction has done this as far as I’m aware, so I’m really proud of what we have achieved. Information that previously would only have been updated once every 5 or 10 years, after each resource-hungry census, is now available quarterly at the click of a button. It costs less than a traditional census and means we can turn the information around and put it into the public domain more quickly and frequently.
You will see changes and additions to several of our regular publications over the coming months as we incorporate the answers to our most frequently asked questions and more. But, if we’ve missed some particular analysis that you would find useful or if anyone has any questions, please get in touch (our contact details are included in all of our publications).”
Colin Vaudin, Chief Information Officer, said:
“This Project is a brilliant example of how States’ information can be better used, by making the most of technology and innovation; as part of the SMART Guernsey digital transformation. It has saved money and has saved people filling out more forms that just replicated data we already had. More importantly it will enable us to provide better customer service. It puts Guernsey in an enviable position regarding access to population statistics and therefore in a much better position to develop policies and plans based on real, accurate and timely information.
I’m looking forward to building on what has been delivered by this project and to take it to the next level to make a real and positive change to islanders’ lives.”
Jonathan Le Tocq, Chief Minister, said:
“The information that the Rolling Electronic Census now gathers will greatly improve the States’ evidence base for decision making. We now have more facts at our fingertips so this will prove invaluable when we are faced with making decisions which impact on our lives as a community.
Information from a traditional census is in effect out of date almost as soon as it is published and would not then be updated for 5 or 10 year, whereas this ‘real-time’ information will enable us to better monitor the effectiveness of existing policies year on year and if changes are needed, the impacts of any proposals can be more easily modelled.”