FOCUS ON

Future third sector leaders- how are we building that pipeline? 
A strong flow of young talent helps organisations stay resilient, innovative, and reflective of the communities they serve. However, little is known about how well the Scottish third sector is building a pipeline of future leaders. FreshSight, a student-led social enterprise, wants to understand the youth opportunities place and how we can help future-proof the sector.  The survey will take around five minutes to complete. Find the survey link here  Please complete the survey by 30^th April 2026. If you have questions you can email them at insights@freshsight.com or contact Rocket Science, their research partner who is conducting the survey at  Zubiya.Moin@rocketsciencelab.co.uk

New pocket guide showcases creative ways to challenge stigma
The Health and Social Care Academy has launched a new pocket guide highlighting how creative approaches can help tackle stigma and promote more inclusive, rights-based practice. Designed to be practical and accessible, the “Pocket guide to creative methods in tackling stigma” explores how creative methods – including photography, zinemaking, theatre and games – can support people to share their lived experiences in ways that are empowering and meaningful. These approaches can help reach people who are often excluded, rebalance power relations between professionals and communities, and open up new ways of communicating beyond words.

Bill to keep ‘the Promise’ passed
A lifelong entitlement to advocacy services for all care experienced people will ensure their voices are better heard after MSPs backed landmark legislation to accelerate delivery of ‘the Promise’. The Children (Care, Care Experience, and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill underpins delivery of the Scottish Government’s response to the independent care review, and commitment to keep the Promise. The Bill was passed in a final Stage 3 vote in the Scottish Parliament. The Bill will extend aftercare support currently available for 16-to-26 year olds who were in care on their 16^th birthday to those who had left care before that point – including help with accommodation, education, employment and wellbeing. Read more here

Young People & Social media Consultation
The UK Government is currently consulting on how children and young people engage with social media and mobile phones, including a potential social media ban for those under-16. The NHSGGC Mental Health Improvement Team are coordinating an official response and is seeking your input. You can provide input in the following ways: 
·       Online input form (deadline Friday 17^th April)
·      Attend the Aye Mind Digital Collaborative discussion session: 14th April, 10.00 – 11.30 am, MS Teams.
 ·     Email ggc.mhead@nhs.scot for joining details. 
Please read the attached consultation briefing note prior to contributing your views. 

Rights to Breaks Consultation
The Scottish Government consultation on the right to breaks for unpaid carers is open. An Easy Read version of the consultation paper is available. The right to breaks provisions in the Care Reform (Scotland) Act 2025 will make changes to the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 to deliver a right to personalised short breaks support for carers who can’t currently access “sufficient breaks” from caring. This consultation seeks views from unpaid carers, people receiving care, carer support organisations, and others. They are looking for views on implementation proposals for four key elements that will be set out in regulations and guidance to support effective delivery of these new rights. The consultation will close on Friday 22 May. Your feedback will play an important role in shaping how the right to breaks is delivered consistently and effectively across Scotland. You can take part by following the hyperlinks above and sharing your views.  

Publication Of The Charter Of Rights
The National Care Service (NCS) Charter of Rights was published on 25 March 2026. The launch of the Charter marks a significant step toward improving care services across Scotland. It will help people understand their existing rights within social care, social work, and community health settings. The Charter also sets out what people should expect from their care and what people can do if their rights or expectations are not met. The Charter has been developed through several phases of co-design and engagement with over 700 people including people with experience of accessing care and support, unpaid carers, people who work in health and social care, and stakeholder organisations. We would like to express our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to the Charter to help us reach this important milestone. You can access the Charter by going to www.mygov.scot/ncs-charter.