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The Survey of Adult Skills, part of the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) led by the OECD, aims to measure essential skills for adults to participate in society and for economies to thrive. The 2023 survey is particularly challenging, requiring direct, robust assessment of literacy, numeracy, and adaptive problem-solving skills, with additional background information collected. The survey provides crucial insights into changes in adult skills over the past decade, building on findings from the first cycle in 2012. The survey is conducted in 31 countries, including England, and needs to provide highly robust time series data and comparisons of adult skill levels between countries.
Approach
Working with NFER, Verian led the in-home survey for England. The survey involved interviews and skills assessments with nearly 5,000 adults (aged 16 to 65). A detailed background questionnaire collects information about factors affecting skill development, such as education, socio-economic background, and engagement with literacy, numeracy, and technology. Verian also carried out direct skills assessments, measuring literacy, numeracy, and adaptive problem-solving skills. The survey was administered using a tablet-based platform, with additional data collected through doorstep interviews for those unable or reluctant to complete the survey. The survey followed strict technical standards and guidelines to ensure high-quality and internationally comparable data.
Outcome
The 2023 survey revealed that England's average literacy scores have remained stable since 2012, with adults scoring above the OECD average. Positively, numeracy scores have significantly improved, with England outperforming most countries in the G7. Adaptive problem-solving skills were also above the OECD average. The survey highlights how higher skill levels are associated with higher educational attainment and employment. It also shows that the gap between the highest and lowest achievers has been increasing over time. The study findings show the importance of interventions to build adult skills.
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