Ed Humpherson to Delphine Robineau: National Records of Scotland publication review

Published:

Sent from: Office for Statistics Regulation

Sent to: National Records of Scotland

Dear Delphine,

National Records of Scotland publication review

Thank you for writing to us to highlight National Records of Scotland (NRS)’s first annual statistical work programme and public engagement activity which seeks views on proposed changes to NRS’s existing official statistics.

The 2026-2027 annual work programme outlines key planned developments to official statistics produced by NRS. This programme is a way of communicating NRS’s priorities with users. It ensures NRS remains transparent through transition periods and providing clarity on how its priorities are developing over time. This programme is also a way to manage user expectations. It puts user engagement at the core of decisions about proposed changes to statistics and commits to updating the programme each year based on user feedback.

I also welcome your review across the NRS portfolio of statistics which has identified several proposed changes. Statistical producers are operating in a challenging context, with increasing demand for timely and relevant statistics alongside pressures on capacity and resources. Your approach reflects a constructive attempt to balance sustainable delivery of statistics of high public interest whilst creating the capacity to enhance their value. You have considered a range of important factors that have resulted in the proposed changes, including:

  • User need and public value
  • Opportunities to reduce duplication
  • The long-term sustainability of statistical production

I am pleased to see the alignment of the review to the principles of the Code of Practice for Statistics. I support NRS’s approach and its public commitment to invite feedback and make decisions in a transparent and open way.

In an exercise of this kind, it is essential to ascertain user needs and concerns and demonstrate that you consider them in your decision making. We therefore encourage you to continue to involve users in your decision making throughout the review. My team will continue to engage with you as it progresses.

Yours sincerely,

Ed Humpherson 
Director General for OSR