FOCUS ON West Dunbartonshire

Social Care staff survey
Work in social care? Living Wage Scotland, funded by the Robertson Trust, is looking to hear from people working in social care in Scotland. This is part of a project looking at improving job quality and promoting fair work in the sector. Please fill in the 10 minute anonymous survey to strengthen a call for change: Fair Work in Social Care: Workers Survey – Fill in form

Scottish Men’s Sheds Association Manifesto
The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) has launched a powerful manifesto urging politicians, funders and communities to recognise the vital role they play. These sheds offer more than just a place to gather – they foster friendships, reduce isolation and promote mental and physical health through shared activities and community engagement. Read the manifesto here.

Social Care in Scotland
A recent Audit Scotland report has identified mounting financial pressures affecting Health and Social Care Integrated Joint Boards (IJBs), affecting service provision including by third sector organisations. Increasing demand, rising costs and a growth in people living with long-term complex needs places mounting financial pressures on IJBs, which Audit Scotland warns is potentially unsustainable. The Audit Scotland report is available here

Extension of Freedom of Information (Scotland) Acts 2002 (FOISA)
The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) gives people important rights to ask for and receive information from government and public services in Scotland. In doing so it places clear obligations on Scottish public authorities to provide people with information about their work. Through this consultation, the Scottish Government is seeking views on whether these rights and obligations should, where possible, be extended to private and third sector (i.e. voluntary and not-for-profit) providers of care home and ‘care at home’ services. These services play a vital role in supporting some of Scotland’s most vulnerable citizens. Read the consultation paper here

Public Inquiry into group-based child sexual abuse
In a statement to Parliament, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth confirmed the Scottish Government’s intention to establish a targeted independent Inquiry, chaired by Professor Alexis Jay, and establish a Scottish Truth Project. The Inquiry will focus on the prevalence of group-based CSAE now and in the recent past, whether brought forward by survivors or relating to findings from the independent National Review being led by four Inspectorates. The new Inquiry will be distinct from the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI), chaired by Lady Smith. The Scottish Government will ensure the new Inquiry does not duplicate the valuable work of the SCAI. The scope of the Inquiry and its detailed terms of reference will be finalised and confirmed in due course, following input from Prof Jay. Read more here

The Scottish Women’s Budget Group 2026 Survey is now live!
The SWBG’s survey researches women’s finances and caring responsibilities across Scotland and with the Scottish Election approaching, this is a crucial moment to ensure women’s voices shape economic policy and budget decisions. Last year, findings and recommendations from the SWBG’s survey were shared with MSPs and elected members across Scotland – strengthening evidence on women’s finances and caring responsibilities.
Take the SWBG Survey 2026