Today, the Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR) has published the findings from its third and final assessment of Scotland’s Census 2022, produced by National Records of Scotland (NRS). The final report focuses on how NRS addressed previous requirements, particularly in relation to Scottish census outputs and ensuring engagement meets user needs.
This assessment confirms that NRS has met all requirements set out by OSR in the Phase 2 assessment, and that the census statistics continue to meet the standards of the Code of Practice for Statistics, retaining their status as accredited official statistics.
OSR found that NRS released the census outputs in an orderly and well‑structured way, shaped by extensive public and user engagement throughout the process. Despite challenges arising from lower‑than‑expected response rates, NRS carried out rigorous quality assurance and communicated the quality of the data clearly, including appropriate explanations of uncertainty. The assessment also recognises NRS’s work with the other UK census office to improve coherence and comparability across the UK. Notably, this included work with the Office for National Statistics to produce guidance on comparing and using 2021 and 2022 census outputs.
Looking ahead, OSR has set out recommendations for NRS to build on this success as it plans for the 2031 Census, including strengthening expert engagement, enhancing data‑zone‑level usability, and improving the accessibility and functionality of the Flexible Table Builder.
Ed Humpherson, Director General for Regulation, said:
“I am delighted that this final assessment of Scotland’s Census 2022 marks the formal end of all our assessments of the 2021/22 censuses in the UK. This is a significant milestone for OSR and the UK census offices delivering this work, with compliance, development and delivery supported by the Code of Practice for Statistics.”
Notes to Editors:
- The census is one of the most important sources of data and statistics, informing decisions across the UK and providing vital information on the populations of England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. The last censuses were delivered in 2021 and 2022, and census offices in the UK are now preparing for the next census, due to be held in 2031.
- Now that all of OSR’s regulatory activity regarding the 2021/22 censuses has been completed, we are planning our approach to regulating 2031 censuses.
- This preparation includes writing to each of the UK census offices and Welsh Government to set out the high-level principles that will shape its regulatory approach to the coming census.
- OSR looks forward to working with UK census teams over the coming years to ensure that the 2031 censuses are produced in adherence with the Code and for the public good.
- The Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR) provides independent regulation of all official statistics produced in the UK, and aims to enhance public confidence in the trustworthiness, quality and value of statistics produced by government. OSR regulates statistics by setting the standards official statistics must meet in the Code of Practice for Statistics.
For further information, please email regulation@statistics.gov.uk.