Delphine Robineau to Ed Humpherson: Invitation to begin assessment for Scotland’s 2031 Census

Published:

Sent from: National Records of Scotland

Sent to: Office for Statistics Regulation

Delphine_Robineau_to_Ed_Humpherson_Invitation_to_begin_assessment_for_Scotland_2031_Census (165 KB)

Dear Ed,

Invitation to begin assessment for Scotland’s 2031 Census

Thank you for your letter of 19 May 2026 setting out the Office for Statistics Regulation’s intended approach to assessing the 2031 censuses across the UK. I welcome the clarity you have provided on OSR’s proposed principles and the reflections drawn from your regulation of the 2021/22 censuses.

In accordance with Section 12(1) of the Statistics and Registration Service Act 2007, I request an assessment of the 2031 Census in Scotland. We support the direction outlined in your letter, particularly the emphasis on a phased and flexible assessment process, enabling regulatory activity to be applied proportionately and focused on areas of greatest importance to users. We also recognise the importance of your proposed approach to accreditation decisions being made ahead of publication, alongside transparent communication of their provisional nature where appropriate.

We note that OSR’s approach builds on its recent assessment of Scotland’s 2022 Census outputs. We welcome the confirmation in your letter that these statistics meet the standards for accredited official statistics, reflecting NRS’s sustained focus on quality, transparency, and user value. We are committed to maintaining and strengthening these foundations and build on previous OSR recommendations as we progress planning for 2031.

NRS has undertaken a comprehensive programme of topic consultation, engaging extensively with users, stakeholders and expert communities to inform the development and prioritisation of census content. This work has been delivered in close collaboration with the Office for National Statistics and other UK census offices, allowing for timing differences due to legislation timelines, supporting a coherent, evidence-based approach to question development and ensuring strong alignment where appropriate, while recognising Scotland’s distinct requirements.

We are also building on our established approach to proactive and structured stakeholder engagement, working closely with local authorities, policy partners, academic experts and special interest groups. This engagement is central to ensuring that the census continues to produce outputs that are relevant, accessible and maximise public value.

We have carefully considered the recommendations arising from OSR’s final assessment of the 2022 Census, and these are being embedded within our 2031 planning. In particular:

  • We are strengthening our approach to user-centred design, ensuring lessons from 2022 are systematically carried through to output development and dissemination.
  • We are enhancing engagement with expert users and specialist groups during question design, alongside strengthening how we communicate quality and its implications.
  • We will continue our close collaboration with ONS and NISRA, supporting coherent approaches to question design, shared methodologies and work plans and transparency in decision-making.
  • We are progressing work to enhance dissemination tools ahead of the 2031 census, including improving the functionality and accessibility of the Flexible Table Builder.
  • We are maintaining close engagement with local authority users, particularly regarding outputs for smaller geographies, including data zones.

We particularly welcome OSR’s intention to prioritise early engagement on new and revised questions, and we are committed to working closely with your team to ensure that all aspects of census design are supported by robust evidence and fully aligned with the Code of Practice for Statistics.

We welcome the opportunity to contribute to the proposed in-person roundtable and to continue a constructive and transparent dialogue as the assessment approach is further developed.

NRS remains fully committed to embedding the principles of Trustworthiness, Quality and Value throughout all stages of census planning, development and delivery, and to ensuring that the 2031 Census serves the public good.

I am copying this letter to Alison Byrne, Chief Executive at NRS.

Yours sincerely,

Delphine Robineau

Director of Statistics, Data services and Census
Head of Profession for Statistics
National Records of Scotland