Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

National Centre for Social Research @natcen.bsky.social · 1d

The Scottish Social Attitudes (SSA) survey marks 25 years tracking Scotland’s changing views.

This year’s findings show falling trust in government, record-low satisfaction with the NHS, and shifting views on national identity and independence.

Read more: natcen.ac.uk/publications...

Scottish Social Attitudes | 25 years of devolution in Scotland | National Centre for Social Research

This briefing charts some of the key developments in Scottish public opinion since the advent of devolution.

natcen.ac.uk

National Centre for Social Research @natcen.bsky.social · 7d

Event: 25 Years of the Scottish Social Attitudes Survey

Prof. Sir John Curtice presents findings from 25 years of ScotCen’s Scottish Social Attitudes Survey - exploring how Scotland’s values, identities and politics have evolved since 1999.

natcen.ac.uk/events/25-ye...

3

National Centre for Social Research @natcen.bsky.social · 8d

One week to go!

We’re marking 25 years of the Scottish Social Attitudes survey - 25 years of insights into how Scotland thinks, feels and changes.

🎤 Speakers: Sir John Curtice, @ailsahenderson.bsky.social, Lucy Dean and Paul Bradshaw

natcen.ac.uk/events/25-ye...

#ScottishSocialAttitudes #ScotCen

1

National Centre for Social Research @natcen.bsky.social · 9d

NatCen's Public Affairs Manager, Natasha Fox, attended Labour Party Conference this year, sharing insights from the British Social Attitudes survey covering the NHS, devolution, Al, tax and spend and the impact of social media.

2

National Centre for Social Research @natcen.bsky.social · 22d

“For 25 years, the Scottish Social Attitudes (SSA) survey has shown how Scotland thinks about politics, society and identity.” – Sir John Curtice

Join us on 9 October 2025 for the launch of the latest SSA findings.

🏛 Held in Edinburgh and Online

natcen.ac.uk/events/25-ye...

1

National Centre for Social Research @natcen.bsky.social · 22d

What makes a great research questionnaire? Find out by attending our one-day training course on 30 September on 'Questionnaire Design'. Our expert colleagues provide an excellent grounding in this topic, with hands-on experience of designing your own survey questions.

▶️ natcen.ac.uk/events/quest...

1

National Centre for Social Research @natcen.bsky.social · 23d

Already today at 3pm: A Better Start – National Evaluation Annual Report Webinar. Hear what’s been learned from 10 years of work with families in Blackpool, Bradford, Lambeth, Nottingham and Southend-on-Sea. Free to join online 👉

natcen.ac.uk/events/bette...

1

National Centre for Social Research @natcen.bsky.social · 24d

Tomorrow we’re hosting the 3rd Annual A Better Start national evaluation webinar. This is a unique opportunity to hear how a £215m investment is supporting families and young children across the UK, with insights for practitioners, policymakers, and parents alike.

natcen.ac.uk/events/bette...

National Centre for Social Research @natcen.bsky.social · 24d

New British Social Attitudes findings show traditional gender norms remain deeply rooted in Britain, but there are signs of change.

Find out more in the latest British Social Attitudes report 👉 natcen.ac.uk/publications...

#GenderIdentity

2

National Centre for Social Research @natcen.bsky.social · 25d

Just over one week to go until our popular training course on Depth Interviewing Skills. Held online on 24-25 September, participants receive a comprehensive understanding of conducting qualitative interviews natcen.ac.uk/events/depth...

Read what previous attendees have to say...

1

National Centre for Social Research @natcen.bsky.social · 29d

📉 Support for the monarchy has fallen to its lowest level since the British Social Attitudes survey began in 1983. Back then, 86% of people thought it was important for Britain to have a monarchy. In 2024, just over half (51%) agree.

✍️ Find out more in our blog: natcen.ac.uk/article/roya...

1 3

National Centre for Social Research @natcen.bsky.social · Sep 10

TRIGGER WARNING: THIS POST DISCUSSES SUICIDE

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. The Department for Transport asked us to research the causes, prevention, and impacts of rail suicides.

🔗 Read our blog: natcen.ac.uk/blog/underst...
🔗 Explore the full research: natcen.ac.uk/publications...

1 2

National Centre for Social Research @natcen.bsky.social · Sep 9

“𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘤𝘰𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘚𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘈𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘴 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘷𝘦𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘦 – 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘤 𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘧𝘢𝘳𝘦, 𝘫𝘰𝘣𝘴, 𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘴, 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴.”

- Lucy Dean, Senior Researcher, Scottish Centre for Social Research (ScotCen)

Join us as ScotCen unveils 25 years of the Scottish Social Attitudes

1

National Centre for Social Research @natcen.bsky.social · Sep 9

📢 Don’t miss NatCen’s Better Start Annual Report Webinar!

Hear from leading researchers incl. Mary McKaskill, Thea Schei, Natasha Phillips, Janet Boddy, Beth Young & Makenzie Uglow on what works to improve outcomes for children + families.

🔗 natcen.ac.uk/events/bette...

1 1

National Centre for Social Research @natcen.bsky.social · Sep 5

EVENT | 25 Years of Scottish Social Attitudes
Since 1999, ScotCen’s survey has tracked how Scotland’s views have evolved. Sir John Curtice will present key findings & expert analysis from 25 years of data.
👉 Join us: natcen.ac.uk/events/25-ye...

25 years of Scottish Social Attitudes | National Centre for Social Research

This year, the Scottish Centre for Social Research (ScotCen) will publish the findings from 25 years of the Scottish Social Attitudes survey.

natcen.ac.uk

1 2

National Centre for Social Research @natcen.bsky.social · Sep 4

Through NatCen Learning, we deliver a regular programme of social research training courses. These sessions combine theory and practice, covering a variety of topics and skills. Email [email protected] to book your place and for any questions.

natcen.ac.uk/training-cou...

1

National Centre for Social Research @natcen.bsky.social · Sep 1

Less than four weeks until our Depth Interviewing Skills training course. This course provides an understanding of the skills involved in conducting qualitative interviews. Book your place to learn from our experts.

🗓️ 24-25 September, online
▶️ natcen.ac.uk/events/depth...

experiences.by

2

National Centre for Social Research @natcen.bsky.social · Aug 28

🚉 Today marks 60 years of the National Travel Survey

In this video, Research Assistant Gabriel Fung explains how the survey has evolved over time.

📝 Read our blog: natcen.ac.uk/journey-thro...

#transport #travel #nationaltravelsurvey

1 3

National Centre for Social Research @natcen.bsky.social · Aug 28

What works in giving children the best possible start in life?

Join the A Better Start Annual Report Webinar on 17 September to explore evidence-based approaches from five UK partnerships.

natcen.ac.uk/events/bette...

1 1

National Centre for Social Research @natcen.bsky.social · Aug 25

Transforming early childhood support isn’t easy.

Join our 17 Sept webinar to learn how we’re helping families & shaping services across the UK.

Register here: natcen.ac.uk/events/bette...

#EarlyIntervention #ChildDevelopment #ABetterStart

National Centre for Social Research @natcen.bsky.social · Aug 21

Read the full report: natcen.ac.uk/publications...

#LocalGov #Essex #PublicServices #PublicEngagement #Deliberation #CivicParticipation #PublicAttitudes #EssexLGR

National Centre for Social Research @natcen.bsky.social · Aug 21

➡️ Methodology:

1️⃣ A representative survey of 1,477 Essex residents.
2️⃣ A deliberative workshop with 30 residents across Essex + three focus groups with underrepresented groups: young people, disabled people/those with long term health conditions, and people from minority ethnic backgrounds.

1 1

National Centre for Social Research @natcen.bsky.social · Aug 21

➡️ The research also highlighted that:

⚖️ there is a preference for gradual transition over rapid change.
🔎 Residents value transparency and regular engagement within their communities.

1

National Centre for Social Research @natcen.bsky.social · Aug 21

➡️ Residents’ top priority was improved public services.

👉 85% support LGR if it leads to better services.
👉 Less than half (44%) were willing to pay more for improved services, valuing efficiency over higher taxes.

1

National Centre for Social Research @natcen.bsky.social · Aug 21

➡️ Awareness of LGR is mixed – 51% were ‘not very’ or ‘not at all’ aware of the upcoming changes, 49% know ‘a fair amount’ or more.

1