How we work

Research and Analysis Strategy

This strategy sets out how Qualifications Scotland will carry out research and analysis, and how we will use evidence to improve the qualifications system available to learners in Scotland and beyond. The document explains how we will continue to build our research and data analysis capabilities as Qualifications Scotland over our first three years, and leverage the work produced to make more informed and better decisions for learners. The strategy should act as a guide for all of Qualifications Scotland’s research and analysis activities, no matter where in the organisation these are carried out.

Strategy for Research and Analysis for Qualifications Scotland 2026–28 (320 KB)

Code of Research Practice

As part of our commitment to place research and evidence at the heart of our decision and policy making, our Code of Research Practice sets out the core principles for our research, ensuring it is useful, reliable, ethical, equitable and sustainable.

These principles apply to all aspects of the research process, from design, through data collection, analysis and dissemination. By working with these principles in mind, we can ensure our research is accessible, authoritative, robust and relevant to as wide a range of people as possible, while also ensuring that researchers themselves are working in an environment where they feel safe, supported, and free from discrimination.

By working to these principles when conducting research, we will ensure that we are meeting our legislative obligations as a public body, while reflecting organisational commitments to wider society.

Code of Research Practice (1.14 MB)