Lifestyles Surveys: Consultation Review

Introduction

Our Lifestyles Statistics team produce the following publications comprising the Lifestyles surveys:

These surveys are commissioned and managed by the NHS Information Centre and the findings are used to produce reports which provide an insight into the health and behaviour of people in England. The longevity of the surveys also enables changing trends to be studied over time. They can be used to help decision makers improve policies and services and ultimately improve the health of population in this country.

Aims of the Consultation

This consultation aims to:

  • engage with the users of the surveys to develop a more complete understanding of the use made of this data
  • ensure the surveys are relevant and meaningful to the needs of users
  • seek the views of users on the content and format of the publications

These all need to be considered against increasing resource pressures, following the Government's 2010 spending review. Comments are invited from all interested parties.

Process

In accordance with the Code of Practice for Official Statistics, this consultation will be placed on the NHS Information Centre's website for 12 weeks. During that time we will proactively seek the views of known users of the reports whilst also publicising the consultation more widely. Following the consultation period, all comments we receive will be considered and decisions made on the future format of the survey publications. We will inform all respondents of the outcome (via email so please ensure you provide your contact details), and publish the outcome on our consultations page.

How to Respond

This consultation will run for 12 weeks from midnight on Friday 30 December 2011to Friday 23 March 2012. Please ensure you submit any comments prior to the closing date so they can be considered. Comments can be returned via email to lifestyles@ic.nhs.uk or by post to:

Lifestyles Statistics
The NHS Information Centre for health and social care
1 Trevelyan Square
Boar Lane
Leeds
LS1 6AE

Comments are invited from all interested parties. When responding, please state whether you are doing so as an individual or representing an organisation. If you could also provide contact details (name, email address, organisation) this will allow us to follow-up with any questions that arise from your response.

If you would like to know more about the consultation or if you have any queries, please contact the Lifestyles Statistics Section Head at the NHS Information Centre:

Paul Eastwood
Email: paul.eastwood@ic.nhs.uk
Telephone: 0113 254 2509

Confidentiality and Data Protection

Please note that if you want the information that you provide to be treated as confidential, be aware that, under the Freedom of Information Act, there is a statutory Code of Practice with which public authorities must comply and which deals, among other things, with obligations of confidence. In view of this it would be helpful if you could explain to us why you regard the information you have provided as confidential. If we receive a request for disclosure of the information, we will take full account of your explanation but we cannot give assurance that confidentiality can be maintained in all circumstances.