Do you have a strong attention to detail and the ability to work accurately with complex information? Join our team and help ensure high-quality coding and data accuracy.

The Medical Coder role sits within the Vital Events Branch, part of the Statistical Services Division of the National Records of Scotland (NRS). These posts are offered on a 15-month Fixed Term Appointment (fair and open).

The branch is responsible for the coding and analysis of data relating to all births, deaths, marriages, civil partnerships and stillbirths registered in Scotland. The Coding Team ensures that each event is accurately coded and classified in accordance with World Health Organisation (WHO) standards. Their work underpins the production of high-quality official statistics that inform policy development, academic research and public understanding of Scotland’s population and vital events.

You will be responsible for the accurate processing and coding of vital events in Scotland, including births, deaths, stillbirths, marriages, and civil partnerships. You will apply the World Health Organisation's International Classification of Diseases (ICD) to accurately code causes of death, ensuring high-quality data is available for the production of official statistics and to support public services across Scotland and the UK. You will also work closely with registration offices, the Crown Office, and members of the public to resolve queries, maintain data accuracy, and manage sensitive record amendments.

Responsibilities

Process and code registrations for births, deaths, stillbirths, marriages, and civil partnerships accurately and within required timescales.
Apply the World Health Organisation's International Classification of Diseases (ICD) coding framework to accurately classify causes of death.
Manage Register of Corrected Entries (RCEs), including updating public records following amendments and notifying next of kin where required.
Liaise with registration offices, the Crown Office, and other stakeholders to verify information, resolve discrepancies, and ensure records are accurate.
Carry out quality assurance checks on vital events data and manage incoming correspondence through the Vital Events mailbox, ensuring queries and documentation are dealt with efficiently.

About us

National Records of Scotland (NRS) is Scotland’s record keeper. Our purpose is to collect, preserve and produce information about Scotland's people and history and make it available to inform current and future generations. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles.

NRS is a Non-Ministerial Department of the Scottish Government & and our staff are part of the UK Civil Service , working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland.

We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer .

As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules .

Working pattern

Our standard hours are 35 hours per week, we offer a range of flexible and hybrid working options depending on the needs of the role. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.

Security checks

Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions).

You can find out more about BPSS on the UK Government website , or read about the different levels of security checks in our Candidate Guide .

Equality statement

We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.

Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.

Further information

Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website .

Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.

For more information about the role, please contact Jack Reid at Jack.Reid@nrscotland.gov.uk

Apply before: 06/11/2026 (23:59).

Success profile

Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of behaviours, experience and technical criteria (if applicable) that candidates will be assessed on.

Experience

Experience of analysing and interpreting complex information accurately.

Behaviours:

Making effective decisions – Level 1

Working together – Level 1

Developing self and others – Level 1

Managing a quality service – Level 1

You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours, here: Behaviour levels - Success profiles: candidate guide - gov.scot

How to apply

Apply online, providing a CV and supporting statement (of no more than 750 words) providing evidence of how you meet the behaviours, experience and technical skills listed in the Success Profile above. Both the CV and the supporting statement provided will be assessed against the criteria for the role.

Vacancies close at 23:59 on Friday 6 November.

If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and presentation.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.

Please see our candidate guidance for more information on acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in recruitment.

Assessment timeline to be confirmed.

Sponsorship

Skilled Worker sponsorship is not available for this role. As a result, we are unable to appoint candidates who require Skilled Worker sponsorship now or in the future. Applicants must have an existing and ongoing right to work in the UK.

Recruitment Principles
As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.