ADR Wales and Welsh Government report on Welsh language ability is first publication to use analysis in the Integrated Data Service
Categories: Research using linked data, Research findings, ADR Wales, YDG Cymru, Office for National Statistics, Housing & communities, World of work
26 October 2023
A new report, produced by ADR Wales in partnership with the Welsh Government and the Office for National Statistics (ONS), is the first published output using analysis in the Integrated Data Service (IDS). The report explores the differences between estimates of Welsh language ability reported in Census 2021 and the Labour Force Survey.
The publication results from a workplan between the Welsh Government and ONS to improve understanding of Welsh language statistics. This workplan intends to explore different reporting of Welsh language skills. It will also look at the quality of different data sources used to report Welsh language ability and suggest improvements.
This work also aims to showcase the benefits and value of the IDS and Secure Anonymised Data Linkage (SAIL) Databank. The IDS is a cross-government service that securely enables co-ordinated access to a range of high-quality de-identified data – critical to informing policy decisions and improving public services. The ONS is the lead delivery partner for the IDS.
ADR UK is working closely with the ONS to support a smooth transition from the ONS Secure Research Service to the IDS, and the ADR Wales team within the Welsh Government has been supporting ONS as early adopters testing the IDS. Experts from the SAIL Databank at Swansea University, part of ADR Wales, have been supporting and advising the IDS team.
What’s next?
Future analysis from the joint Welsh Government and ONS is expected to explore the following research questions:
- What are the differences between main data sources on the Welsh language in their estimates of Welsh language ability? Why are these differences changing over time?
- How can we improve the collection of information about Welsh language ability that will support future public policymaking on the Welsh language?
The full report can be read on the Welsh Government website: Differences between estimates of Welsh language ability in Census 2021 and household surveys