Team leaders
Derek Penman – Team Leader, west Edinburgh
Derek Penman was an enumerator in 1991 and again in 2001 so he was keen to contribute as a team leader to the 2009 Census Rehearsal. Mr Penman has used census records to trace his family roots around for 20 years.
Mr Penman said:
"I have always had an interest in the census and it is fascinating to see how this huge project is actually carried out. What attracted me to the job was actually being part of a process that has happened for over 100 years and knowing that you have played a part in work that will be studied and looked upon by people in the future."
"Having been an enumerator before I was aware of the basic procedures but this time I was surprised at the variety of people you meet and questions that they ask. Being a team leader requires a lot of commitment and holds a lot of responsibility so the job is not to be taken light but it is very enjoyable and varied. It is particularly satisfying as there is a long term purpose to the census."
Jock Anderson – Team Leader, west Edinburgh
A 2009 Census team leader, Jock Anderson reflects on the challenges he faced and how he overcame them.
Mr Anderson said:
"The job involved co-ordinating a team of 11 people to make sure that the questionnaires were delivered and collected properly and on time. I enjoyed getting to know the team. I realised quickly it was made up of different characters and that everyone had different skills and experience. It was down to me to make sure they all played to their strengths to get the job done."
Mr Anderson's advice for anyone interested in being a team leader in the 2011 Census is to go for it:
"It's enjoyable and you will probably learn something new about your local area. I was attracted
to the job because it was something different from my normal work and the flexible working hours meant I could do both. It was a learning experience and it was good fun.
Rita Matheson– Team Leader, Lewis & Harris
Rita Matheson, a Stornoway teacher, took part in the Census Rehearsal as a team leader.
Ms Matheson said:
"It was something I could do at the same time as my own job and which meant I could experience what it would be like to work in a different environment."
Ms Matheson was involved in training the census takers (enumerators) and working together with another team leader she managed the post out and door-to-door count of her area. This involved training staff and making sure they had the right equipment such as maps of the areas and log books.
Ms Matheson added:
"There was a really good team spirit and everyone worked really hard for each other. You do have to be very flexible but it is enjoyable and worthwhile and if you're working with a good team you can get a good sense of satisfaction. The work can go from being quiet to busy so you have to be organised to balance your working hours, but I was able to manage the two jobs and it worked well."
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