National Records of Scotland (NRS) has gathered and analysed over a billion statistics from the latest census, telling the story of modern day Scotland.
The statistics provide a valuable insight into how Scotland’s population identify themselves and how they live their lives. Topics include education, transport, religion, migration and national identity.
For the first time, census data in Scotland included information on UK Armed Forces veterans and trans status or history and sexual orientation.
To support the publication of the statistics, NRS has launched an interactive online mapping tool allowing users to access detailed census data and combine information from different topics like religion, health or education down to neighbourhood level.
Census data helps local authorities, businesses and governments to plan public services to improve the lives of people living and working in Scotland. The importance of the data is set out in the General Report of Scotland’s Census 2022, published by NRS.
The General Report details how the census met the overall objectives set at the outset of the programme, with statistical outputs being central.
It sets out adaptations the programme had to make due to the impact of Covid-19 and due to the lower than expected response rate of 89.8% to deliver the robust statistics.
This included using data already collected by the public sector, known as ‘administrative data’, with information from the census responses to produce statistics representing 100% of the population.
NRS worked with experts from across the world through the International Steering Group to develop innovative statistical methods.
The report also identifies a number of lessons for future programmes. This includes continuing use of administrative data, harnessing digital technology and working closely with local and community groups to maximise reach and engagement.
It highlights a general trend to lower response rates to social surveys, citing the significant fall in responses to the Labour Force Survey, the largest annual social survey in the UK, since 2011.
The response in Scotland followed this trend, despite a significant awareness campaign. This included extensive TV, radio, print and out of home advertising,
2.7 million initial contact letters and 2.7 million postcards issued to every household and 3 million reminder letters issued.
NRS Chief Executive Alison Byrne said:
“The huge range of unique data National Records of Scotland has produced will help government, businesses and charities to plan for services we all use in the years ahead.
“The report sets out how NRS delivered these statistics and adapted to challenges during the multi-year programme. It also provides key lessons for the future of population statistics, particularly in light of the wider trend of falling responses to surveys.”
NRS is building on its experience as part of plans for the future of population statistics. This includes close collaboration with other parts of the UK and how administrative data can be used as part of a future system to ensure the statistics continue to represent 100% of the population.
