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Collecting data on ethnicity

Collecting data on ethnicity There are some recommendations when collecting data on ethnicity:

• Avoid making assumptions about people’s ethnicity. For example, making assumptions based on a person’s appearance that they are Indian. Aim to understand how individuals prefer to be addressed and how they prefer to describe themselves.
• It is advisable to avoid making assumptions about people’s nationality. For example, making assumptions that a Black or Asian person is not British. This is an example of a microaggression. Aim to find out more about individuals.
• In the UK, avoid using the term ‘BAME’ which stands for ‘Black, Asian and minority ethnic’ people and groups. This is because it lumps everyone who is not White into one group, ignoring that people have different lived experiences and disparate cultural. It is always a good idea to find out how people prefer to describe themselves.
• In the UK, avoid using the term ‘people of colour’ when referring to people from ethnic minority backgrounds as this term excludes White minority groups like the Irish traveller ethnic group. It is best to use the term ethnic minority people or groups – or ‘people from ethnic minority backgrounds’ instead.

The following is an example of how to ask for ethnic data (adapted from the 2011 harmonised standard ethnic group question for England):

Q. What is your ethnic group?
(Choose one option that best describes your ethnic group or background)

• Asian / Asian British
  • Indian
  • Pakistani
  • Bangladeshi
  • Chinese
  • Any other Asian background, please describe
• Black / African / Caribbean / Black British
  • African
  • Caribbean
  • Any other Black / African / Caribbean background, please describe
• Mixed / Multiple ethnic groups
  • White and Black Caribbean
  • White and Black African
  • White and Asian
  • Any other Mixed / Multiple ethnic background, please describe
• White
  • English / Welsh / Scottish / Northern Irish / British
  • Irish
  • Gypsy or Irish Traveller
  • Any other White background, please describe
• Other ethnic group
  • Arab
  • Any other ethnic group, please describe
• Don’t know
• Prefer not to say