policy formulation

Review of section 5 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001

The Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 extended the duties of local authorities toward homeless people in Scotland, while also recognising that Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) had an increasing role to play in providing housing for statutorily homeless households. A growing body of evidence suggests the use of Section 5 differs across Scotland and that its use may be less than had originally been anticipated. There also seems to be confusion regarding the purpose and scope of the requirements.

Scottish Executive response to recommendations made in the report 'Moving forward: review of NHS wheelchair and seating services in Scotland'

The Scottish Executive welcomes the independent Review of the NHS Wheelchair and Seating Service, 'Moving Forward – Review of NHS Wheelchair and Seating Services in Scotland: March 2006', as a comprehensive critique of existing services from the viewpoint of users and carers.

The Executive’s response addresses the 40 recommendations. A number of linked/parallel policy initiatives which support the implementation of recommendations have also been identified.

Improving the lives of children in Scotland - are we there yet? Findings from national seminars: January-February 2009

The Scottish Alliance for Children’s Rights (SACR) was asked by the government to organise four seminars designed to allow professional and interested parties in Scotland to gather together to discuss the United Nations Committee for the Rights of the Child recommendations.

Scotland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People and the Children’s Rights Officers’ Network worked with SACR in organising the events.

Review of section 5 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001

The research examined the use of Section 5 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 and other routes through which local authorities assist statutorily homeless households in securing permanent accommodation from a Registered Social landlord (RSL).

Section 5 gives local authorities the power to require RSLs operating in their area to provide accommodation for homeless households.

The research has been undertaken by Craigforth for the Scottish Government and is to be used by the Government to inform their review of policy and guidance in this area.

Aiming for excellence: a White Paper - modernising social work services in Scotland

This paper sets out the government's proposals for improving the quality of social work services provided, offering better safeguards for those being cared for and strengthening professional standards. Two key proposals of this document: Creation of a new body - the Scottish Social Services Council - which will register the workforce, put in place a code of conduct and standards to support them, raise professional and training standards, and so raise service standards.

Towards agile government

Report setting out what the concept of agility in government means and why it is potentially useful for public sector managers. It examines the changing context in which governments are operating and explains the reasons why developing greater agility can help public services respond to new challenges.