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Free, accessible online safety webinars for CyberScotland Week 2026
Lead Scotland is hosting five free, accessible online webinars as part of CyberScotland Week, running from 23–27 February 2026. Join them every day at 11am for simple, practical steps you can take to stay safe online, whether you’re looking for a refresher or learning the basics for the first time. Register to secure your free place and let them know about any accessibility requirements.

Water services: investing in and paying from 2027 – Scottish Government Consultation
Scottish Water supplies clean water to 97% of households and businesses in Scotland and provides wastewater services to 93%. This consultation focuses on planning for the next cycle (2027–2033). If your organisation owns a building, please take some time to respond to this consultation. Access the consultation here

National review of group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation 
The Care Inspectorate (CI) and His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) have been asked by Scottish Government Ministers to lead a joint inspection working with Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) and His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education in Scotland (HMIE) into group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation. The review will establish whether instances of group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation are being identified and acted on appropriately by those services responsible for public protection in Scotland. Click here for more information

Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisations – dissolution regulations amendments: consultation
This report presents an analysis of the responses to a public consultation on proposals to amend the dissolution regulations for Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisations (SCIOs). The consultation asked 29 questions, 15 closed and 14 open, about a range of proposed amendments, it was open for 12 weeks between 20 June and 11 September 2025 and received a total of 22 responses. Read more about the consultation here 

Joseph Rowntree Foundation – Poverty Report
The UK Poverty 2026 report from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) has found lower poverty rates in Scotland due to relatively low housing costs and higher rates of social renting. However, Scotland also has one of the highest proportions of workless households, with people who are working tending to earn less. Chris Birt, Joseph Rowntree Foundation associate director for Scotland, said: “Scotland’s child poverty rate continues to be below the levels seen in England and Wales, but with nearly one in four children still experiencing such hardship, there is so much more to do. People across the country are facing real hardship, struggling to put food on the table and keep the heating on, and this insecurity is driving political disaffection”. The average person in poverty now lives 29% below the poverty line, compared to 23% in the mid-1990s. You can access the full report here

Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 update – Five-Year PVG Membership
From 1 April 2026, new PVG scheme memberships will last five years from the date of joining. Existing members who submit a PVG application after this date will automatically move to a five-year membership, replacing lifetime membership. In this update , Disclosure Scotland shares detailed information on the new five-year PVG scheme, including example scenarios to help you understand and prepare for these changes. Disclosure Scotland will move current PVG members from lifetime to five-year membership in phases. No action is required from applicants or organisations, as Disclosure Scotland will contact individuals directly. There is no change to the current PVG scheme application process. The 1 April 2026 update does not affect how you submit applications. Continue to follow the guidance on Disclosure Scotland’s website.