Is it possible to use existing registers or administrative data (e.g. population register, social insurance register, unemployment register, etc.) to collect participants’ data for ESF monitoring?

Yes, the use of registers is recommended since it avoids collecting again information that already exists. For the use of existing register(s) to maintain micro-data for ESF purposes, the following questions should be considered:

• Will it cover all participants? If not, how/where will you store the micro-data for participants who are not covered? How will this be merged with the data in the register when compiling indicators or developing representative samples?
• For which of the common indicators does the register include the required information? Are the relevant variables recorded in a way that is consistent with the definitions? If not, how to deal with the gaps/differences?
• Will data be maintained in the register for long enough (ESF monitoring /evaluation/ audit)?
• Are adequate procedures/agreements in place to ensure that any requests for detailed information are fulfilled comprehensively and in a timely manner?
• Is the information up-to-date?