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.

The future of Scotland’s Census is part of the Statistical Services business area of National Records of Scotland (NRS). This post will report to the C1 Community Engagement Lead.

We are seeking a dedicated and proactive Senior Community Engagement Specialist for the future of Scotland’s Census. In this role, you will work closely with the rest of your team to encourage diverse community participation, particularly from hard-to-reach and underrepresented groups. You will assist in the design and delivery of targeted outreach activities, ensuring that all community segments are included. You will contribute to the planning and implementation of initiatives that incorporate behavioural science insights, working alongside local authorities, third-sector organisations, community groups, and other local leaders to enhance awareness and participation.

Responsibilities

Assist in the design and delivery of community and stakeholder engagement activities that encourage full participation in the census, with a focus on hard-to-reach groups.
Support outreach efforts by working closely with local authorities, local community groups, third-sector organisations, and religious institutions to raise awareness and motivate participation.
Help ensure that all engagement strategies are inclusive, addressing the needs of diverse communities and ensuring equality in outreach.
Collaborate with the team to apply behavioural science principles to enhance participation rates and overcome barriers to completing the census.
Working closely with the wider census delivery team, to contribute to partnership proposals (that are based on research and audience insight, include SMART objectives and evaluation plans to measure effectiveness) as well as managing the direction of the partnership approach and the key stakeholder and partner relationships. 
Ensure partnership activity is delivered inclusively, and communications are accessible.
Line management responsibilities for the B2 Community Engagement Specialist.

Success profileSuccess profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on. Technical / Professional Skills:

Participation and Engagement – Level 2: Practitioner
Multilevel Government – Level 1: Developing
Governance and Project Delivery – Level 1: Developing

You can find out more about the skills required here: Policy Profession Standards Annex Behaviours:

Communicating and influencing - Level 3
Working together - Level 3
Seeing the Big Picture - Level 3
Delivering at pace - Level 3

You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours, here: Success Profiles - Civil Service Behaviours (publishing.service.gov.uk)

Other Professional Information:

This link contains information on the Civil Service Policy Profession including the professional standards.

This link contains more information about the SG Policy Profession learning curriculum.

How to apply

Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 1000 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above.

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 and presentation.

Assessments are scheduled for w/c 15 September, however this may be subject to change.

This role is open to internal candidates and Common Citizenship organisations only.

About us

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 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. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us. 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.

Scotland’s Census is a time limited project which will run until 2031/32 depending on the role. Please contact the line manager named in this advert if you have any further questions.

For further information about the role, please contact Susan Joyce at susan.joyce@nrscotland.gov.uk

Apply before: 21 August 2025 (23:59)