briefing paper

Study that seeks to provide a more theoretically and empirically robust understanding of the dynamic relationship between joint commissioning, services and outcomes, thereby addressing three main questions:

The strategy describes how a collaboration between Scottish Government, the NHS Education for Scotland, the Institute for Research and Innovation in Social Services, the Imporovement Service for Local Government, the Scottish Social Services Council and the Association of Directors of Social Work will improve outcomes through putting new knowledge into practice.

Paper that is the first instalment of a three-part series on welfare.

It examines the impacts of the UK Government’s welfare cuts and reforms. Subsequent papers will look at how Scotland uses existing powers better to improve prospects for learning and work, as well as exploring the potential for additional powers and the principles which should underline a progressive approach to welfare.

Briefing that explores child poverty and its relationship to health and wellbeing. It aims to provide an overview of the following:

  • Why focus on children?
  • What is child poverty?
  • What are the levels of child poverty in Scotland? 
  • How does child poverty impact on health?
  • What impact does child poverty have on health?
  • What actions can be taken to protect children from the impact of poverty?

One of a series of papers prepared in the context of our second 'conversation' , funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), on issues related to possible constitutional change in Scotland.

Briefing which reflects on the experience of housing support providers delivering services through personalised funding arrangements and consider what has been working well, as well as highlighting some issues that have been more challenging. Particular attention is paid to support planning and to the financial arrangements associated with direct payments and individual service funding. 

One of a series of papers prepared in the context of our second 'conversation' , funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), on issues related to possible constitutional change in Scotland.

It summarises proposals for welfare devolution and how the provision of welfare can be simplified in order for users to better understand the source of the benefits they receive, and the constitutional rationale behind them.

Briefing that provides an overview of information on teenage pregnancy. It has been written to inform the Health and Sport Committee’s Inquiry on this theme. It offers data on national level trends in Scotland and reflects on research evidence about the problems associated with early pregnancy.

First in a series of Spotlight papers which build on the findings of the NSPCC report – All Babies Count: Prevention and protection for vulnerable babies -  which highlighted the pressing need for effective interventions for parents and their babies.

The papers focus on the specific developmental importance of pregnancy and babyhood, shining a light on a particular issue for families, policy and practice, in this case parental misuse of drugs and alcohol.

Document that explains exempt accommodation in respect of Universal Credit.