Storm ID develops public beta of Scotland’s Census website for National Records of Scotland

Storm ID, working with National Records of Scotland, has developed a public beta version of the Scotland’s Census results website ahead of the census, which will take place in 2022.

The launch of the website means the public can search, filter and view the outputs of historic census data in new and dynamic ways.

The website has been developed in preparation for new data from the 2022 census when, for the first time, it is anticipated that most responses will be made online.

The new website is seamlessly split in two primary sections. The first section allows users to easily search and filter data from 2001 and 2011 census datasets. This feature lets users search by year, location or topic, and includes functionality to compare data samples for similar topics from different years or different locations. The second section provides key information to users about the census itself. These include topics such as what it is, why it started and how it is conducted. It also contains important privacy information regarding the data of census subjects.

The Beta version of the website will co-exist with the existing website until the end of February 2021.  We would be delighted if you could:

• take a look at the new website
• test the new functionality – such as Search, interactive maps, and visualisation tools;
• review the content, and the new style of layout; and,
• share any thoughts or feedback on the experience with the project team

The census takes place every 10 years and the information gathered from it helps to build a picture of the country. This information is then used to help inform important decisions made by the government and other service providers. The next census was due to take place in 2021 but was moved  to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2022 census will ask new questions about trans status, sexual orientation, British Sign Language, passports held and previous armed forces service.

Storm ID’s involvement follows its appointment as digital delivery partner to National Records of Scotland. The delivery of the service has passed several stages of an ongoing Digital First Service Standard assessment – a rigorous appraisal undertaken by Scottish Government to ensure the service meets the standards required of a digital public service.

Linsey Lydon, Client Services Director at Storm ID said:
The Scotland’s Census Website is a key tool to inform and assist decision makers. The entire project team at Storm ID has enjoyed collaborating with National Records of Scotland in developing new features and functionality to support users. We’re looking forward to deepening our partnership with NRS through other digital first projects.

Pete Whitehouse, Director of Statistical Services, at National Records of Scotland said:
Scotland’s Census provides a snapshot of the nation. The data collected is a hugely valuable resource for people and organisations across Scotland, and beyond. The Scotland’s Census outputs website is our main tool for making high quality data available, so it’s vital that the site is modern, accessible and user-friendly. We’re delighted with the progress so far. The beta version of the new site showcases intuitive new tools which allow users to search for census data on a wide range of topics and perform comparisons between different areas of Scotland. We look forward to continuing our work with users and adding even more functionality to the site ahead of Scotland’s Census in 2022.

About Storm ID

Storm ID is an award-winning digital consultancy that partners with ambitious, forward thinking clients, helping them transform processes and experiences as well as re-imagine legacy business models. The team at Storm ID are passionate about rethinking the future, combining their expertise in transformation consultancy with fast, agile delivery to create great customer experiences that make a difference.

About National Records of Scotland

National Records of Scotland (NRS) is a Non-Ministerial Department of the Scottish Government. Its purpose is to collect, preserve and produce information about Scotland’s people and history and make it available to inform current and future generations.