ONS Time Use Study: FAQs

What is the ONS Time Use Study?

The ONS Time Use Study is a study which aims to find out how different people across the UK spend their time. This year the study is being conducted with members of the NatCen Opinion Panel, such as yourself. To find out more about this study visit: natcen.ac.uk/TimeUseStudy, or find out more about the NatCen Opinion Panel, visit: natcen.ac.uk/OpinionPanel.

What is the Office for National Statistics (ONS)?

The ONS is the UK’s largest independent producer of official statistics and its recognised national statistical institute. They are responsible for collecting and publishing statistics related to the economy, population and society at national, regional and local levels, and are the funders - alongside other government departments - of the ONS Time Use Study. To find out more visit ons.gov.uk.

What will taking part in the 'ONS Time Use Study' involve?

As a member of the NatCen Opinion Panel you have been invited to take part in the ONS Time Use Study. We would like you to tell us what you did on specific days. As well as what you have done, we would like to know, for example, how long these activities took, who you did them for and how much you enjoyed them. We will also ask some questions about you, so we can understand how different types of people spend their time. You can answer all these questions through a website specially designed for recording this type of information.

Do I have to take part?

Taking part is your choice. If you would rather not take part in this study, simply ignore our messages or let us know so that we won’t send you any reminders. If you would like to leave the NatCen Opinion Panel, please get in touch so we can update your records.

Will I receive a voucher for taking part?

You will receive a shopping voucher as a thank you for taking part. You can spend these at a range of high street shops including Argos, Boots and TK Maxx.

What will you do with the information I give?

The information you give will be used for research purposes only. The survey responses you provide will be shared with approved (government) organisations. We will not pass on your contact details to ONS or any other approved (government) organisations, and they will not be able to identify you. Most of the results will appear as statistics and we will not identify your individual opinion without seeking your permission. We will analyse your answers together with answers you gave to previous questionnaires to help us to understand things like how different people spend their time.

How do you safeguard my privacy?

All your information will be held until no longer required in accordance with current data protection legislation. Under this legislation, NatCen is the ‘Data Controller’ for your contact details, and ONS is the ‘Data Controller’ for the survey data, with NatCen and Panlogic acting as ‘Data Processors’ on behalf of ONS. ONS will hold your survey information on the basis of ‘Public Task’. If you want to learn more, you can read our data protection policy at natcen.ac.uk/TimeUseStudy-privacy. 

Can I request access to my data?

Because your data are collected for research and statistical purposes, you do not have the right to access it or request for it to be amended. For more information about your data and your rights, you can contact the NatCen Data Protection Officer by email: dpo@natcen.ac.uk.

How did you get my contact details?

You previously took part in a NatCen study such as the British or Scottish Social Attitudes survey, or the Consumer Protection Study and were asked if it would be okay to contact you about research in the future. At the time you provided us with some contact details.

How can I contact you?

To get in touch, you can email us at OpinionPanel@natcen.ac.uk or call us on 0800 652 4569.