
This opportunity is only open to applicants who are currently 'Priority Movers'. Applications from individuals not currently on the Priority Mover list will be rejected and not considered.
Do you want to shape the delivery of Scotland’s Census, enabling governments and other public bodies to plan the services we all rely on, and telling the story of Scotland's people for generations to come? If so, this post could be for you.
We 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.
As part of a large and complex programme of work, you will lead the operational readiness, workforce capability and delivery planning required to support Scotland's Census 2031.
This post will report into the C2 Head of Census Operational Design. The exact make up of your team is to be determined and will likely consist of a mix of B3 and B2 team members. You will also work alongside statistical design colleagues to develop the census statistical design and ultimate aim of producing high quality statistics that meet data user needs. In addition you will work with IT and Programme colleagues and a range of stakeholders in ONS and NISRA during the design, build, test, delivery and live operation. The operation includes a large field force of enumerators who follow up non responding houses.
You should note that Scotland’s Census is a time limited project which will run until 2032 depending on the role. Staff who are on permanent contracts will remain with NRS after this time whilst a new, suitable role is found. Please contact the line manager named in this advert if you have any further questions
How to Apply
Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive C1 grade employees.
Please submit a statement outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team (maximum 500 words).
Vacancy closes at 23:59 on Thursday 30 July.
If you have questions about your application please contact Steven.Gilliland@nrscotland.gov.uk
Selection Process
All applicants will be invited to an informal discussion with the hiring manager. There will be no formal testing or assessment.
Discussions are expected to be scheduled for w/c TBC
Recruitment Principles
As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.
The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have National Records of Scotland (NRS) is Scotland’s record keeper. Our purpose is to collect, preserve and produce information about Scotland's people and history and make it available to inform current and future generations. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles.NRS is a Non-Ministerial Department of the Scottish Government & and our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland.
Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service observing the Civil Service Code and 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
Candidates should note that Scotland’s Census is a time limited project which will run until 2032 depending on the role. Staff who are on permanent contracts will remain with NRS after this time whilst a new, suitable role is found.
Our standard hours are 35 hours per week, and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role, including Flexi-leave. 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 may be occasional travel to other UK agencies. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us. .
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

The devolved government for Scotland is responsible for matters that are devolved from Westminster. Areas of responsibility include the economy, health, education, justice, rural affairs, environment, and transport.