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International Survey of Adult Skills

About the study

This exciting new study is the largest of its kind to be conducted in the world and is taking place in 26 countries across Europe, North America and Asia. The survey is being conducted amongst 16-65 year olds and will ask people about the skills and competencies they use in their everyday life, education and work. ISAS covers those aged 16 to 65 to focus on the working age population - this is the standard international age range which we use in order to be able to compare results with other countries.

How we're working

The study is a collaboration between the governments of participating countries and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). In the United Kingdom, the study has been commissioned by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills. The National Foundation for Education Research (nfer) is leading the study in partnership with ourselves, TNS-BMRB and the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency.

Potential policy impact

The International Survey of Adult Skills will be an important source of information for policy makers. Findings from this study will help the UK ensure its population has the skills needed to stay competitive in a global economy, show how the UK is doing compared to other countries and help inform future policies on adult skills.

Method

This study will take place during August 2011 to March 2012, and will involve face-to-face interviews with at least 4,500 people. A large pilot survey was undertaken between May and August 2010. In this pilot we conducted face-to-face interviews with around 1,500 people.

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