Job Description

Want to help shape Scotland’s Census, informing the decisions that improve public services and capture the story of Scotland for generations to come?

The Scottish Government aims to make Scotland a more successful country and a better place to live. High-quality research and effective communication are essential to achieving this, making these social research roles ideal for individuals who enjoy working strategically, collaboratively, and innovatively to improve outcomes for people across Scotland.

National Records of Scotland is recruiting for two four-year fixed-term Social Researcher roles within the Census 2031 Collection Instruments team. This team is responsible for developing the questions for Scotland’s next Census, including overseeing question testing, research, stakeholder engagement, and questionnaire design.

Each Social Researcher will lead on one or more topic areas, such as housing or language, coordinating expert input and quality-assuring question-testing outputs from external contractors. The team works closely with statisticians, user researchers, policy and communications specialists, colleagues across the Scottish Government, governance bodies, the Office for National Statistics, and the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency. With support from policy colleagues, you will also contribute to parliamentary committee approval processes for your topic areas.

Additional opportunities include supporting Census evaluation activities and gaining insight into the full data collection process through shadowing Field Force staff during Rehearsal 2029 or Contact Centre colleagues.

The role offers excellent opportunities to develop quantitative and qualitative research skills, strengthen communication and stakeholder management capabilities, and build confidence in responding to changing priorities. Successful applicants will join an experienced analytical team and become part of the first cohort of social researchers working on Scotland’s Census.

You will receive strong support throughout your career. The Scottish Government and social research profession offer opportunities to learn new skills and develop your strengths to help you fulfil your potential. In line with our current ways of working, we follow a hybrid working approach, where colleagues use a mix of office-based and home working.

Further information about the Social Research Profession can be found here

Responsibilities

Social Researchers provide high quality research-based evidence and advice for Ministers and officials to inform policy development, implementation and evaluation.

You will help generate new ideas and open up debate, challenge assumptions, beliefs and attitudes, test policy ideas and develop a deeper understanding of issues affecting Scotland.

Typical Duties Of The Social Researchers Are As Follows

Build relationships with external stakeholders, the policy community and external research community to bring expert knowledge into decision making.
Commission and manage external research projects.
Undertake internal research (primary and/or secondary) using a variety of methods such as literature reviews, interviews and focus groups. Advise non-research colleagues on social research methods and research ethics.
Contribute promptly and accurately to briefings.
Make a significant contribution to the aims and objectives of the Social Research Group and the corporate commitment to evidence-informed policy making and practice.

Qualifications

These positions are open to existing GSR (Government Social Research) members or candidates who can satisfy the GSR entry requirements detailed here: What qualifications do I need to be a government social researcher

Any candidates who are not current members of GSR will be required to sit an online knowledge test before proceeding to sift.

Success profile

Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of behaviours, experience and technical criteria (if applicable) that candidates will be assessed on.

Technical / Professional Skills

GSR Professional Research Skills at Research Officer (RO) level.

You can find out more about the skills required, here: The Government Social Research Technical Framework - GOV.UK

Experience

Experience using some Social Research techniques in both primary and secondary research and managing all other stages of a research project (design, delivery, write up and dissemination).
Experience critically evaluating data and other research evidence with high accuracy and perceptiveness.

Behaviours

Changing and Improving - Level 3
Making Effective Decisions - Level 3
Communicating and Influencing - Level 3

Find out more about Success Profiles.

How To Apply

Apply online, attaching a CV (please ensure you clearly state how you meet the qualification element (GSR member details or qualification info) and provide a supporting statement (of no more than 1000 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the above success profile.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.

Please see our candidate guidance for more information on acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in recruitment.

If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview, an oral briefing exercise and presentation.

Assessments are scheduled for early October 2026 however this may be subject to change.

Candidate Information Session

A candidate information session for the board will be held on Thursday 6th of August at 2:30 pm . This is a useful chance to hear more about the process and to ask any questions you may have.

The Session Will Cover

Background to the campaign and what we are looking for.
An explanation of the application and assessment centre process.
An opportunity to ask questions at the end.

You can attend the event via this link B2 Social Research Candidate Information Session. The session will be recorded, for anyone unable to attend a link to the recording will be added to this advert.

Skilled Worker Sponsorship not being offered

Skilled worker sponsorship is not available for this role. As a result, we are unable to appoint candidates who require skilled worker sponsorship now or in the future. Applicants must have an existing and ongoing right to work in the UK.

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.

About Us

The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles.

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.

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, including Flexi-leave. Scottish Government staff in hybrid-compatible roles should aim to work in-person 40% of the time, either in an office or other agreed work location. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.

Reserve List

We intend to use a reserve list from this campaign to fill additional fixed term B2 Social Research roles that arise over the next 12 months within Scottish Government core or other agencies/NMO (non-ministerial offices), within the SG main bargaining unit. These roles will be offered in order of merit.

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, and read about the Government Vetting Charter, or about all the different levels of security checks in our Candidate Guide.

In addition to the standard pre-employment checks, this vacancy will also require all candidates to obtain National Security Vetting (NSV) at Security Check (SC) clearance level. This type of check normally includes meeting a minimum UK residency period, which for SC level is 5 years.

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 Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.

The Scottish Government jobs

Social Researcher