Insights 2022 is published
Understanding Society launches 11th annual Insights report, showcasing Covid research.
With the current coronavirus situation in the UK, there is an even greater need for data about the experiences of the whole population. The Understanding Society COVID-19 survey allows researchers to explore how the pandemic is impacting individuals, families and communities across the UK through our large and representative sample of the UK population."
COVID-19 survey - latest updates
- The COVID-19 survey has now been completed.
- Waves 1-9 data are now available.
- The dataset includes 2019 pre-pandemic data from the main survey interviews.
- Special Licence datasets with LAD and LSOA identifiers and school codes are available.
The COVID-19 survey
From April 2020 participants from our main Understanding Society sample werwe asked to complete a short web-survey. This survey covered the changing impact of the pandemic on the welfare of UK individuals, families and wider communities. Participants completed a regular survey, which included core content designed to track changes, alongside rotating content adapted each wave as the coronavirus situation developed. There was a telephone version of the survey in some waves for participants unable to take part online.
The COVID-19 study was funded by the Economic and Social Research Council and the Health Foundation. Fieldwork for the web surveys was carried out by Ipsos MORI; fieldwork for the phone surveys by Kantar. Both agencies have conducted the COVID-19 youth surveys.
If you would like to receive updates from Understanding Society on the COVID-19 survey please join our mailing list. If you are a researcher or analyst and have a question about the COVID-19 study you can contact the COVID survey team by email: covid@understandingsociety.ac.uk. If you are a participant of the study and have a question please contact the participant liaison team.
COVID-19 datasets
Data from the COVID-19 survey is available from the UK Data Service. If you have a question about using the COVID-19 dataset please contact our user support team.
You can find the Understanding Society COVID-19 dataset, Study Number 8644 here.
Special Licence data
Special Licence datasets are available:
- SN 8663 - Understanding Society: COVID-19 Study, 2020: Special Licence Access, Census 2011 Lower Layer Super Output Areas
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SN 8730 - Understanding Society: COVID-19 Study, 2020: Special Licence Access, School codes
Questionnaire content
The COVID-19 survey has the core modules:
- Household composition
- Coronavirus illness
- Long-term health conditions management
- GHQ
- Loneliness
- Employment
Plus rotating content on a wide range of topics. The questionnaires can be found here. You can find the content for the survey in the long-term content plan.
Blog: What happend to unpaid care during Covid-19?
Unpaid carers play a critical role in our health and social care system – who provided care during the second wave of the pandemic and why is it important?
Briefing notes
See how the COVID-19 data can be used with these topic based briefing notes prepared by the Understanding Society team. Briefing notes explore families, schooling, home working, household finances, and health and caring.
User Guide
The User Guide contains information about the Study, such as sample and questionnaire design, data collection and data processing, and information about using the dataset for research.
Video: Using the COVID-19 survey
Our Impact
The government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) asked Understanding Society to analyse information on the take-up of Covid vaccines, leading to a to a drive to encourage different ethnic groups to get vaccinated.
HM Treasury has used our data to understand the economic impact of the pandemic.
Find out more about the impact Understanding Society has on policy, and about how you can work with us to provide evidence for decision-makers.
Latest research
Latest blog
Lower wellbeing in poorer areas during Covid
The role of neighbourhood deprivation in the pandemic's effect on mental health
Contact our User Support Forum if you need help using the data or have a question for the Study team
Support forum