Most crucial year so far for the promise as it marks its sixth anniversary

The promise “that all Scotland’s children and young people will grow up loved, safe and respected so they can realise their full potential” was made on February 5th, 2020, following a review into Scotland’s care system.

Six years on we want to see Scotland continue building momentum, while also increasing the pace. 2026 could be the most important year so far in ensuring the promise can be kept by its 2030 deadline, with:

• developments to plans to keep the promise creating the “clearest route yet”
• a bill going through parliament which could make the most significant legal changes around the promise to date
• an election which has seen over 50 organisations call on political parties to keep commitment to the promise.

Significant updates to Scotland’s route towards keeping the promise

The work to update Plan 24-30 has identified new insights into what else is still required and what is currently holding change back. Workforce pressures remain a significant barrier. Funding needs to better match the scale and complexity of need, so services can sustainably deliver joined-up, preventative and community-based support. And legislation, policy and delivery frameworks must be properly resourced for them to be effective.

The route to 2030 has been mapped with as much detail as possible, following significant updates made to Plan 24-30, Scotland’s national plan to keep the promise.

At The Promise Scotland, we worked with hundreds of organisations to update the 25 route maps which make up the plan. This means that Plan 24-30 provides a comprehensive picture of:

• what must be delivered,
• who is responsible
• when the work must be done

The work to update Plan 24-30 has identified new insights into what else is still required and what is currently holding change back.

Workforce pressures remain a significant barrier.

Funding needs to better match the scale and complexity of need, so services can sustainably deliver joined-up, preventative and community-based support.

And legislation, policy and delivery frameworks must be properly resourced for them to be effective.

Updates to the Promise Story of Progress

Alongside the route maps, The Promise Scotland – together with the Scottish Government, COSLA, and other stakeholders – have updated the Promise Story of Progress, to show:

• the current national data related to the promise
• what organisations are learning about how to create change
• most importantly, what impact those with care experience are feeling.

The Promise Story of Progress has a variety of data and learning with a clear message from those with care experience that consistency, clarity and good communication can make positive differences.

“A vital year for Scotland's commitment to keep the promise”

Fraser McKinlay, chief executive of The Promise Scotland, said:

This year is a vital year for Scotland’s commitment to keep the promise. There is a lot of work still to do, and those with care experience must feel the impact of changes being made.

I am delighted that we have been able to work in collaboration with lots of people and organisations to develop the clearest route yet to keeping the promise.

Every update to Plan 24-30 will make it clearer still. This includes commitments towards outcomes across 25 different areas, so progress can be tracked and measured. In parallel, developments to the Promise Story of Progress means Scotland has far more clarity around how these changes are being felt, key learning and data shifts.

Momentum must continue; with those responsible for change making best use of Plan 24-30 to guide them, with the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill passing, and cross-party support remaining strong following the Scottish Elections in May.

Joint letter calls for political parties to commit to keeping the promise

When the promise was made in 2020, it received the support and commitment of all parties in Holyrood. This was reaffirmed in late 2024.

Ahead of this election, 51 organisations – many working directly with children and families – have joined The Promise Scotland in signing a joint letter calling on all parties running in the election to commit to keeping the promise.

Fraser McKinlay said:

The joint letter shows how much support there is for delivering the promise, and this support must be met with action, so children, families and care experienced adults feel the difference in their lives.