NatCen Opinion Panel

Britain’s longest-running random probability-based panel, providing robust data from a representative sample at affordable prices.

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About the NatCen Opinion Panel

Tell us what you really think about the big issues. By taking part you will make sure that organisations like government departments, charities and universities take into account your views, and those of people like you.

The NatCen Opinion Panel is a study including thousands of people from across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland who share their experiences and opinions on a variety of important topics. We have invited people who took part in the British or Scottish Social Attitudes survey, the National Values Survey or the Consumer Protection Study to join our panel. 

We will be contacting you every so often to invite you to complete some short but important questionnaires covering a variety of topics. For example, we have previously asked people questions about the environment, healthcare, Brexit and issues in their local area.

The panel will only be used to carry out research for the benefit of society. The panel is funded by a variety of organisations like government departments, charities and universities. For example, previous funders include the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Shelter, the Department for Transport, Imperial College London and the Economic and Social Research Council.

Fund questions

Place questions on Britain’s first probability-based online and telephone panel.

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Latest questionnaires

Time Use Studies

To go to the “ONS Time Use Study” webpage click here

Why have I been invited to join the panel?

You previously took part in a NatCen study such as the British or Scottish Social Attitudes survey, the National Values 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. 

Everyone we have invited to take part has been carefully selected to provide a truly representative picture of people living in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. We want to represent people of all walks of life and capture a full range of beliefs and opinions. 

Update your contact details

It is important we have the correct details for you so that we can keep in touch.

Go to the form.

Why take part?

We’re not like other research you may have been asked to take part in. Here are some reasons why we hope you will take the time to answer our questions.

Not-for-profit. This panel will only be used to carry out research for the benefit of society. We do research on behalf of non-profit organisations like government departments, charities, and universities. We will never ask you to take part in market research. 

Help us help others. By answering our questions you could make a difference in the real world. Government departments, charities and other policy groups will use the information you provide to ensure they make the right decisions. 

You. Everyone we have invited to take part has been carefully selected to provide a truly representative picture of people living in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. We want to represent people of all walks of life and capture a full range of beliefs and opinions. 

Get your views heard. By taking part you’ll be making your opinion on important issues count and ensuring that your views, and the views of people like you, are represented.

Privacy

In this privacy notice, we explain the legal basis for data processing, who will have access to your personal data, how your data will be used, stored and deleted, and who you can contact with a query or a complaint.

Click here to read the privacy notice.

Funders

The NatCen Opinion Panel is funded by a variety of non-profit organisations, like government departments, charities and universities.

Our previous funders include the Economic & Social Research Council, HM Revenue & Customs, Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Shelter.

Find out more

For more information, please email us at OpinionPanel@natcen.ac.uk or call us on 0800 652 4569. Our team will be happy to answer any queries you may have.