• SEARCH
  • FILTERS
  • DETAILS
  • HUMAN

How to discover ONS datasets with your AI

Connect your AI to the UK ONS catalog to find specific statistical data without manual searching. Once connected, your agent handles the heavy lifting of navigating complex metadata and filter requirements.

Ask AI about this page

Short answer

How can I find specific ONS datasets using my AI?

Your AI searches the ONS catalog for keywords and then inspects the metadata to find valid filters for your query. You'll get a list of matching datasets and the exact dimension options needed to extract the data you want.

The outcomes

What your AI delivers

The AI turns a vague question about UK statistics into a precise list of data sources and filter parameters.

SEARCH

Targeted dataset lists

The AI scans the entire ONS catalog to find datasets that match your specific topic or keyword. You get a list of relevant titles and IDs.

FILTERS

Valid dimension options

The AI identifies which filters, like geography or time periods, are actually available for a specific dataset. This prevents errors when you try to pull data later.

DETAILS

Dataset metadata

Your agent pulls the technical details and descriptions for any dataset it finds. This helps you confirm the data is exactly what you need before you download it.

HUMAN

Final data selection

The AI presents the options, but you decide which specific dataset and filter combination is right for your analysis. You make the final call on the data scope.

The workflow

What your AI does when a search arrives.

The AI acts as a specialized researcher that knows how to navigate the ONS structure.

  1. Locate datasets

    The AI searches the ONS catalog using your natural language keywords to find relevant statistical series.

    search_datasets

  2. Inspect dataset structure

    Once a match is found, the AI looks up the specific technical details and metadata for that dataset.

    get_dataset_info

  3. Identify available filters

    The AI looks at the dimensions available within a dataset to see how the data can be sliced.

    get_dimensions

  4. List filter values

    The AI retrieves the specific valid options for each dimension, such as specific years or regions.

    get_dimension_options

Try it

Copy these to start.

Use these prompts to kick off your search.

Starting points

Swap out the bracketed topics for whatever you are looking for, like 'employment rates' or 'population density'.

UK ONS Connector

You're all set. Choose your MCP client and follow the setup instructions.

Connector linkhttps://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_elId3ORHnly5hmv8I2ZP1QwKuXGH3LHeJ39nOp7z/mcp

Claude Desktop

Follow the steps below to connect in seconds.

  1. 1In Claude Desktop, open Settings → Connectors.
  2. 2Click “Add custom connector” and paste the connector link above as the remote MCP server URL.
  3. 3Click Add and start a new chat — UK ONS capabilities are ready to use.
Configuration · claude_desktop_config.jsonCopy
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "uk-ons-full-complete-statistical-intelligence-mcp": {
      "url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_elId3ORHnly5hmv8I2ZP1QwKuXGH3LHeJ39nOp7z/mcp"
    }
  }
}
Copy into chat04

  • Find me all ONS datasets related to [topic].

  • Search for [keyword] datasets and tell me what filters are available for them.

  • I need data on [topic]. Find the right dataset and list the valid [dimension] options.

  • Look up the details for the [dataset name] dataset and show me how I can filter by [dimension].

  • Claude
  • ChatGPT
  • Cursor
  • VS Code
  • Windsurf
  • Claude Code
  • JetBrains
  • Cline

Start here

Connect UK ONS Full once, then ask.

One click connects your AI to the ONS catalog. Your credentials stay encrypted, and you can start asking questions immediately.

Connect UK ONS Full to your AI

FAQ

How the connector behaves

  • 01

    Can the AI download the actual CSV files for me?

    No. The AI finds the datasets and identifies the correct filters, but you must handle the actual file downloads through the ONS website or your own tools.

  • 02

    Can the AI change or edit ONS data?

    No. This connector is read-only. It can only search and retrieve information from the ONS catalog.

  • 03

    Does the AI know about datasets added yesterday?

    The AI can only see what is currently available in the ONS catalog through the search tools.

  • 04

    Can I ask for data from specific UK regions?

    Yes, provided the dataset you are looking at includes geographic dimensions. The AI will use the dimension tools to find those specific region names for you.

  • 05

    Will the AI suggest filters that don't exist?

    No. The AI uses specific tools to pull valid dimension options directly from the ONS, so it only suggests filters that are actually supported.

  • More questions about UK ONS Full? The Connector page answers them. See everything the UK ONS Full Connector can do

Connect UK ONS to Claude, Cursor, ChatGPT & more