Administrative data is information created when people interact with public services, such as the Census or HMRC, and is collated by the government.
Administrative data provides an invaluable wealth of information for research about society, offering comprehensive insights beyond what is possible through limited survey participation. As these datasets encompass records on entire populations engaging with government services, they facilitate a more holistic representation than potentially skewed survey sampling.
However, the most critical benefit arises when connecting datasets across departments and institutions, linking together a unified narrative. Examining interdependencies within wages and employment, and other facets of life reveals intricacies that could remain hidden in isolation. This linking of data resources shapes an accurate model of societal dynamics, and enhances our understanding of where change is needed to meaningfully improve lives.
Moreover, with extensive details already documented in administrative systems, researchers avoid reinventing the wheel by gathering primary data. The years invested in aggregating, cleaning, and managing these databases enable academics to hit the ground running in analysis. By minimizing the resources needed for baseline collection, administrative access allows greater resources to be concentrated on study implications and applications.
Data driven research for public good
Administrative data is an invaluable resource for public good. In this video, ADR UK explain what administrative data is, why it’s so important, and how we ensure it is used for research in a safe and ethical way.
The WED Project’s linked datasets
Using the 2011 Census will allow researchers to investigate topics in relation to personal characteristics, such as changes in the ethnicity and gender wage gaps, the impact of disability on earnings, and migrants’ transitions in the labour market.
By linking in the two HMRC data sources- PAYE and Self Assessment, it provides a broader understanding of all income sources, as well as that earned from employment, which will provide a fuller picture of individual and household earnings.
Across the UK, administrative data is currently a largely untapped resource. It has the potential to drive important research and provide powerful insights into our society, directing decision makers to where change is needed.
Check out our Frequently Asked Questions for more information on our linked datasets.