A new strategy for collecting information on the participation in cultural activity has been launched by The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), with some changes in the methodology for the programme which aim to have more evidence on causes of data patterns and trends.
DCMS writes (within the executive summary):
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) drives growth and enriches lives. Government believes everyone should be able to access and participate in the arts, heritage and sport no matter what their background or where they come from, and that these activities have a vital role to play in health and well-being and in promoting social mobility through broadened experiences and networks.
Taking Part is DCMS’ flagship survey, and provides evidence to support government’s policies in these areas. It is a continuous household survey in England and has two main aims:
- to provide robust time series data to monitor participation and the activity of the general population;
- to provide data which allow us to understand the reasons for participation and behaviour change.
This document sets out significant developments to the Taking Part survey, changes which DCMS believes will deliver a survey fit for the future and allow the survey to meet these two important aims.
These changes will ensure:
- High quality data to support policy makers, practitioners and academics working in DCMS sectors;
- Better dissemination of available data to increase its use, supporting better policy making, delivery and evaluation;
- More evidence on causality, providing a fuller understanding of the contribution of culture and sport to society and how it impacts upon the well-being and lives of the nation.
Over the last 11 years, DCMS and its funding partners (currently Arts Council England, Historic England and Sport England) have worked with TNS BMRB to deliver the Taking Part survey. During this time the survey has evolved significantly, and we are very grateful to TNS BMRB for all the work they have done. In December 2015, Ipsos MORI in partnership with NatCen won the Taking Part contract for the next three years (2016-2019), with the potential to extend a further two years. Together, they will work with DCMS and its funding partners to deliver the Taking Part survey from April 2016.
View the full report and more detailed information on the changes
IHBC newsblogs on participation in heritage
