Background
Scotland’s Census 2022 built on lessons learned from previous censuses.
Following the 2011 census we consulted with our data users and also carried out extensive work to research and explore how we can improve for 2022.
We also looked to England and Wales and Northern Ireland, which also ran censuses in 2011 and at censuses run in other parts of the world.
In September 2018 we published Plans for Scotland's Census 2021. Since we published the document, the census was moved to 2022 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Beyond 2011
The Beyond 2011 programme explored how we might provide statistics about Scotland’s population in the future.
It aimed to look at a range of options for designing and running the census more efficiently, including the possibility of using administrative data.
The Beyond 2011 programme closed in March 2014, with a recommendation to run a census in 2021, which was later moved to 2022.
Beyond 2011 involved a consultation which ran from March to June 2013. It asked data users what they needed from future data.
We also ran a series of events with stakeholders across Scotland between November 2012 and March 2013.
After these activities we published two reports:
Census General Report
The Scotland’s Census 2011 General Report reviews the process of the 2011 census, from planning through to publication of census results. It contains detail of how we carried out the 2011 census and what we learned from it.
The Scotland’s Census 2011 General Report was laid before Scottish Parliament in October 2015.
Read the Scotland’s Census 2011 General Report.
User satisfaction survey
The Scotland’s Census 2011 User Satisfaction Survey ran between June and July 2015. It asked census data users about:
- how they use census outputs and products
- how well they felt outputs were publicised
- accessibility of census outputs and other information on the Scotland’s Census website
- overall satisfaction with census outputs
- their suggestions for the future
Find out more in the Scotland’s Census 2011 - user satisfaction survey summary report.
UK Statistics Authority assessment
The UK Statistics Authority assessed the official statistics from the UK’s three 2011 censuses.
The authority’s report was prepared by its assessment team, and approved by the Regulation Committee on behalf of the board of the Statistics Authority.
Read the special assessment of the 2011 censuses on the UK Statistics Authority’s website.
Harmonisation agreement
You can read the agreement between the National Statistician and the Registrars General for Scotland and Northern Ireland covering:
- the conduct of Scotland's Census 2022
- the 2021 Censuses in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Read the agreement on the Office for National Statistics website.