Do you use census data? We'd like your feedback.

Ex Service person indicator

  • Mnemonic reference

    EX_SERVICE_IND_P

  • Applicability

    Person

  • Type

    Derived Variable

Definition

An indicator for whether a person has previously served in the UK Armed Forces.

Classification

Total number of categories 3

Code Name
1 UK Armed Forces Veteran
2 Not a UK Armed Forces Veteran
-5 No code required - comprises children under 16 and full-time students living away from home during term time.

Source question or variables

Question 26 - Have you previously served in the UK Armed Forces?

  • No
  • Yes, previously served in the Regular Armed Forces
  • Yes, previously served in the Reserve Armed Forces

Reason for asking

During Census 2022 question development, a user need was identified for data on the ex service community in Scotland. This data will be used to commission and deliver appropriate services to meet the needs of this community and monitor the effectiveness of these, as outlined in the Armed Forces Covenant. Specifically data is required to understand employment, education and health outcomes.

England & Wales and Scotland (2011) comparison

The ex-service question was asked for the first time in Scotland's Census 2022 as no such question was asked in Census 2011.

This question is identical to the one asked in England & Wales in 2021.