Key Findings from the Community and Engagement Survey 2025/26

The Community and Engagement Survey 2025/26 provides comprehensive insights into how people in England engage with their communities, culture, media, and live sports. Conducted by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), this survey replaced the previous Participation and Community Life Surveys. The data collection primarily spanned from October 2025 to March 2026.

Structure and Scope of the Survey

Implemented as a continuous online survey, the Community and Engagement Survey targets individuals aged 16 and over in England. It collects data at the national, regional, and local authority levels, offering nuanced insights into demographic and geographic variations.

Data Collection Timeline

• April to September 2025: Initial data collected via the Participation Survey.
• October 2025 to March 2026: Majority of data collected through the new Community and Engagement Survey.

The next update featuring quarterly data from April to June 2026 is scheduled for release in September 2026.

Key Findings

The survey provides valuable data on community engagement, enriching public understanding and assisting policy formulation. While specific findings aren't detailed in this release, demographic and geographic breakdowns are available in published reports.

Engagement Across England

Respondents provided insights into various facets of their community involvement and engagement with cultural activities. While comprehensive statistics are available, highlights include:

• Engagement trends by age group
• Regional differences in cultural participation
• Impact of major events on community engagement

Supplementary Information

Additional data and analysis can be accessed in the published reports, which offer detailed demographic and geographic breakdowns. For more targeted insights, these detailed statistics are invaluable.

Regulatory and Access Details

The survey data is regulated by the Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR), ensuring trustworthiness and quality. Pre-release access was strictly controlled, with only essential personnel provided early entry for briefing purposes.

Access and Further Research

For stakeholders and analysts, the findings outline key aspects of community and cultural engagement across England. Detailed statistics are available alongside related surveys like the Scottish Household Survey and the National Survey for Wales.

Researchers and interested parties can reach out to the DCMS directly at [email protected] for further inquiries, ensuring a channel for feedback and additional information.

For comprehensive interpretation guidance, consult the technical report and supplementary documents provided by the DCMS.