Plan 24-30– Scotland’s route-map to keeping the promise

On Thursday 20th June, the Plan 24-30 website goes live. It marks an important milestone in Scotland’s commitment to keep the promise by 2030. It is an exciting moment.

I know from talking to folk the length and breadth of the country that the launch of Plan 24-30 is highly anticipated. This is a good thing. It is a sign that people want to get on with delivering the promise.

At the same time, there shouldn’t be any great surprises in it. It is faithful to the conclusions of the Independent Care Review; is structured around the five foundations of the promise; and builds on the progress made so far in delivering Plan 21-24. The development of Plan 24-30 itself over the last six months has been a process of understanding, checking and creating content with a wide range of civic society in Scotland, and with the voices of the care experienced community at its heart.

And many of the challenges that existed before the Independent Care Review and when it concluded in 2020 are still writ large in 2024; indeed, some have become even more pressing.

The wider context for delivery is even more demanding than it was four years ago. All of that means it is more important than ever that Scotland delivers on its ambition to ensure that every child grows up loved, safe and respected.

Plan 24-30 is Scotland’s Plan

Plan 24-30 is Scotland’s Plan.

While Fiona Duncan, as Independent Strategic Adviser for the promise, has led its development it is not– nor should be – her plan. Nor does it ‘belong’ to The Promise Scotland. This is partly why Plan 24-30 is launching as a website, with a new ‘brand’. Everyone with a stake in the future of Scotland’s children, young people and families should engage with the plan and think hard about how we can all make it happen. And the searingly honest conversations about what is getting in the way and what needs to change need to stop happening behind closed doors, instead take place out in the open.

Not everyone will agree with all of Plan 24-30. There will be lots of questions. There will be gaps and there will be some things that people think should have been given more – or less - priority.

And that’s OK.

The complexity and scale of the work ahead means that the launch of the Plan 24-30 website is very much the continuation of the collaborative process, rather than an end in itself.

With that in mind, we need to all take some time to explore the content; to reflect on what it demands of us and our organisation; to engage with those we work with and those we serve; and to think hard about changes we need to make next, and who we need to collaborate with to make them.

Plan 24-30 will be clear at a strategic level about the WHAT, by WHO, and by WHEN – the next phase of work in the coming months needs to be more genuine collaboration to figure out in detail some of the HOWs.

The Promise Scotland is committed to supporting this – we can make connections, convene conversations, build bridges and help remove some of the barriers to change.

Gathering feedback and refocusing on the future

Between now and the end of September, The Promise Scotland team will gather your feedback about Plan 24-30 and what else you need it to do to make it work for you.

In doing so, we will be reflecting on our own role, and refocusing The Promise Scotland to ensure we are playing our part in taking forward the change that needs to happen by 2030. We remain committed to not existing as an organisation beyond 2030, and it would be good to hear from you about where we can be most valuable.

The plan2430@thepromise.scot e-mail will remain open so please do send your comments, questions, and concerns. And use it to share how you are and can take change forward. We are always happy to talk.

So, Thursday’s launch is an important milestone as it will give Scotland fresh impetus to deliver the changes required.

Working together, by the end of 2024, Scotland will be crystal clear about exactly how the work will be taken forward over the coming six years, and who is accountable for what.

The vision is clear.

The commitment is real.

Change is urgent.

Scotland must focus on delivering the promise by 2030.