Guidance

DSIT Public Engagement Survey: Information for Participants

Published 8 September 2025

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dsit-public-engagement-survey-information-for-participants/dsit-public-engagement-survey-information-for-participants

1. Overview

The DSIT Public Engagement Survey is a continuous push to web survey of UK adults aged 16 and over. The survey will be a main evidence source for DSIT and its sectors by providing statistically representative national estimates of adult engagement with DSIT’s sectors. The survey’s main objectives are to: 

  • Provide a high-quality evidence source that can be used to understand how people are engaging with or experiencing science and technology in their day-to-day lives. 

  • Provide reliable data by demographics, such as population sub-groups or regions of the UK, to meet user needs, providing evidence that enables us to monitor whether science and technology is experienced differentially within the population. 

  • Underpin further research on what is driving engagement and the value and benefits of engagement with science and technology. 

The survey is currently in a pilot stage with the main fieldwork to begin in November 2025. 

Official statistics presenting the results of the survey will be published by DSIT on an annual basis. The statistics produced will not identify you or anyone in your household. Your answers will be combined with those of all others who take part in the survey. 

2. I have received a letter inviting me to participate in the Participation Survey. How can I check if it is genuine? 

The survey is delivered by Verian on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. 

Verian will be able to confirm whether your letter is genuine and that you have been selected to take part. Their freephone number is 0800 008 3256, or you can email PESurvey@veriangroup.com.

You can also contact the DSIT survey support team for further information at: publicengagementsurvey@dsit.gov.uk  

3. Being chosen for interview 

Addresses are randomly selected from the Post Office’s list of addresses in the UK, so that the results reflect the experiences and views of the whole population. If your address is selected you will receive an invitation letter which will include your reference number and password, as well as instructions about how to take part. 

If you would prefer to fill in a paper version of the questionnaire, you can request this by calling the Verian survey help team on 0800 008 3256 and they will arrange for a paper version to be posted to your household. 

4. Data Protection and Privacy Notice 

For general information on how DSIT handles personal data, please read DSIT’s personal information charter. 

For more detailed information about how your personal data is processed specific to this survey, as well as your rights under the data protection legislation, please read the DSIT Public Engagement Survey: Privacy Notice

5. Enquiries 

For general queries about the questionnaire and survey outputs, please contact the DSIT Public Engagement Survey team: publicengagementsurvey@dsit.gov.uk

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