Scottish Surveys Core Questions (SSCQ): Code of Practice compliance

4. Public involvement and engagement strategy

4.1 Approach

Our engagement strategy aims to: 

• Support users and improve understanding of SSCQ statistics 
• Increase awareness and accessibility of the SSCQ 
• Inform policy and decision-making where appropriate 

Evidence suggests that awareness and use of SSCQ is currently limited, and that its purpose is not always clearly understood. Our engagement approach is designed to address this by improving our understanding of current and potential users, and by reaching a wider range of users and potential users. 

We engage with a wide range of users, including: 

• SG policy teams 
• SG analysts and researchers  
• Local authorities 
• Public bodies 
• Academia 
• Third sector organisations 

4.2 User engagement activity

Engagement is being strengthened and expanded through a combination of established channels and targeted activity, including: 

• ScotStat Register to share publications, consultations and gather feedback
• Direct stakeholder engagement 
• Professional and analytical networks 
• Feedback from ad hoc requests 

4.3 SSCQ review engagement

As part of the SSCQ review, engagement has been significantly expanded to reach both existing users and previously unknown or underrepresented audiences. User analytics data were obtained from platforms where SSCQ data are published (statistics.gov.scot and the UK ata Archive), providing additional insight into how SSCQ data are accessed and used. 

A dedicated user survey was undertaken to: 

• Capture feedback from both users and non-users 
• Understand barriers to engagement 
• Identify opportunities for improvement 

This was supported by a broad communications campaign, targeting: 

• Internal government users 
• External stakeholders 
• Previously unknown or underrepresented audiences 

4.4 Using user feedback

User feedback is used to: 

• Inform the SSCQ review 
• Shape future priorities and developments 
• Improve accessibility and usability of outputs 

Findings from the user survey will directly inform: 

• Next stages of the SSCQ review 
• Future decisions on content, format and dissemination 

Insights from user engagement also inform improvements to SSCQ methodology, as well as accessibility and communication, supporting ongoing quality improvement.