Cens-able

About Cens-able

This project, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, aims to increase researcher awareness and maximise researcher knowledge on best practice in linking, accessing, and analysing census-linked data products in Scotland.

Starting from January 2025, RDS are working with the Scottish Centre for Administrative Data Research (SCADR), EPCC, National Records Scotland, and Public Health Scotland’s electronic Data Research and Innovation Service (eDRIS) to create a new census-linked data product. This will be among the first census products to be made available within Scotland’s National Safe Haven.

The research will explore questions about people in Scotland by linking the 2022 Scottish Census with the Equalities Protected Characteristics Dataset* and, separately, linking the Census with an Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

A synthetic version of Scotland’s ASHE-Census linked dataset will also be created and made available for training and for helping to prepare research project applications.

The Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) will be linked to Census 2022 returns for Scotland. ASHE provides unique data on the structure and distribution of employment in all industries and occupations across the UK. The survey is facilitated by ONS in April each year. A sample of employers are asked to return information on a selection of employees' earnings, paid hours and pension arrangements, job title, employment start date and annual leave entitlement. Cens-able will link this powerful data with individual census returns which include data on employment. When we link these two data sources together, we can explore rich research questions about employment in Scotland.

In addition to the technical work of preparing and curating the linked datasets, interactive training events will be held to introduce the census-linked products and share knowledge to researchers on the system transformation in research access to administrative data happening in Scotland. There is also a public engagement element to the work, which will connect with relevant communities about appropriate safeguards for protected characteristics data and potential research use.

Our work and impact

RDS has a key role in delivering the ASHE-Census linked data product, supporting the creation of the synthetic dataset and in facilitating the public engagement included in this project. More information will be available on our work and impact as this project matures.

*Please note that at present, the Equalities and Protected Characteristics Dataset is only available for access requests to deliver a proof of concept of the utility of the dataset.