LONDON, ENGLAND.-The "taking part" survey went live on Monday 18 July 2005. It is an unprecedented piece of work commissioned by the DCMS and its partner NDPBs, which aims to gather robust information on participation and non-participation in our sectors.

This national survey of culture, leisure and sport will be conducted by the British Market Research Bureau: Social (BMRB Social). It is a continuous national survey, comprising of 27,000 in house interviews with adults, plus a 1,500 boost amongst black and minority ethnic groups.

Until now there has been no single survey providing the required detail of data on participation and attendance across all DCMS sectors; the Department and its partners relied on a patchwork of research drawn together from various sources. Both DCMS and its NDPB partners recognised the need for quality-assured data on participation, attendance, attitudes and related factors across our sectors, particularly to inform policy and planning.

In addition to information on levels of participation and attendance across our sectors, the survey will collect vital information on what helps or hinders people from taking part.

A copy of the questionnaire and a timetable of quarterly release dates will be available on this website soon; the first quarter results will be published on the site by the end of the year.