Strategic Plans
Self-directed support: improvement plan 2023 to 2027
In June 2023, Scottish Government and COSLA published the 'SDS Improvement Plan 2023 - 2027'. The plan sets priorities for work that will improve the delivery of Self-directed Support in line with the principles and values of the Self Directed Support (SDS) Act 2013 over the next few years across the entire sector: from Government and local councils to third sector organisations, independent support organisations and others.
Core Mental Health Standards, 2023
These core standards - Access; Assessment, Care Planning, Treatment and Support; Moving between and out of services; Workforce; Governance and accountability - published by the Scottish Government support adult secondary services with the aim of improving quality and safety of mental health services for people in Scotland.
Evaluation of the Scottish Strategy for Autism, 2021
An independent evaluation of the Scottish Strategy for Autism (2011–2021), published in September 2021. The evaluation, conducted by Blake Stevenson Ltd, was commissioned by the Scottish Government to assess the strategy's delivery and impact. The report concluded that while the strategy supported numerous activities and developments, funded resources, and raised autism's profile, it had a limited impact on achieving consistent, systemic change for autistic people and their families across Scotland. This was attributed to factors including the strategy's broad focus, a lack of clear accountability for local authorities, challenges in partnership working, short-term investment for many projects, and persistent shortcomings in areas like diagnosis, post-diagnostic support, transitions, and employment. The evaluation proposed that future policy should narrow its focus, ensure clarity and accountability in implementation, improve data collection, focus on key areas requiring the greatest change, and strengthen local authority requirements.
Towards Transformation Plan, 2021
The Scottish Government and COSLA's 'Towards Transformation' plan, published in March 2021, outlines a new, human rights-based approach to supporting autistic people and those with learning disabilities, building on previous strategies and informed by the experiences in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Scottish Strategy for Autism: outcomes and priorities 2018-2021
The 2018–2021 document was the final phase of the original 'Scottish Strategy for Autism', which concluded its decade-long run in 2021. The conclusion of the strategy was followed by an independent evaluation to inform future policy. Following the evaluation, the Scottish Government shifted its approach with the publication of the 'Towards Transformation' plan in March 2021. This new plan brought the autism strategy under a broader, human rights-based framework that includes people with learning/intellectual disabilities and neurodiversity.
Scottish Strategy for Autism, 2011
In November 2011, the Scottish Government published Scottish Strategy for Autism to ensure that progress is made across Scotland in delivering quality services for people with autism and their families.