Job Description

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Policy Manager to support the development and implementation of key census policies and associated legislation.

In this role, you will work closely with senior stakeholders, including Ministers, to provide high‑quality policy advice and manage critical elements of the census legislation process, such as impact assessments. You will lead engagement and work closely with counterparts in census offices in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

This position offers significant exposure to senior leaders and a unique opportunity to influence a vital public service that will have long‑lasting impact across Scotland.

You should note that Scotland’s Census is a time limited project which will run until 2032 depending on the roleStaff who are on permanent contracts will remain with NRS after this time whilst a new, suitable role is foundPlease contact the line manager named in this advert if you have any further questions

Responsibilities

• Assist colleagues across NRS and Scottish Government in the preparation and drafting of materials related to census legislation, including Impact Assessments.
• Support the parliamentary process and contribute to activities that ensure successful implementation of associated census legislation.
• Prepare briefings, reports, and correspondence for Ministers and senior colleagues, ensuring clear and accurate policy advice.
• Work collaboratively with teams across the census programme, SGLD, and Scottish Government to ensure products and strategies comply with census legislation.
• Build and maintain productive working relationships with colleagues in the Office for National Statistics and the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency, helping to share learning and best practice across the programme.
• Assist with parliamentary queries and respond to ad hoc stakeholder and public enquiries, ensuring accurate and timely information.
• Contribute to the development and support of the team, assisting with guidance and coordination where required.

NRS are the trusted producer of Scotland’s population statistics, including taking the Census of Scotland’s population every 10 years. The next Census is in 2031 and will be delivered in partnership with the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency (NISRA). This is one of the largest digital programmes delivered in Scotland, gathering data from every household across a population of c.5.7m. Census data is used by government, local authorities, health boards, the third and private sectors to plan national and local services and informs the allocation of billions of pounds of UK and Scottish Government public funds each year.

NRS is a Non-Ministerial Department of the Scottish Government & and our staff are part UK Civil Service, working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland.

We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer

As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules

Working pattern

Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role.

Candidates should note that office attendance will be needed at points in particular for collaboration sessions but there is currently no fixed set days in addition there will be occasional travel to other UK agencies. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.

Security checks

Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions).

You can find out more about BPSS on the UK Government website, or read about the different levels of security checks in our Candidate Guide

Equality statement

We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation. Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.

Further information

Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website

Read our Candidate Guidefor further information on our recruitment and application processes.

Scotland’s Census is a time limited project which will run until 2032 depending on the role. Please contact the hiring manager if you have any further questions.