Scotland
We work across Scotland to support evidence-informed change in adult social care, focusing on five key themes. Through our projects (Demonstrators, Facilitators and Networks), we bring together research, lived experience and practice to improve lives. Learn more about our Scottish projects, recommendations and shared learnings.
2026 Scottish Election Briefing
Adult social care contributes an estimated £5 billion in value to Scotland’s economy. Social care is part of daily life for an estimated 1 in 23 people in Scotland. At IMPACT, we believe that ‘good support isn’t just about services – it’s about having a life.’ We know how we talk about social care matters. When social care is framed only as a financial pressure or a system in crisis, we limit what people imagine is possible. Presenting social care as achievable, desirable, and beneficial helps citizens see that better care strengthens society for everyone – not just for those who currently need support. However, providing a hopeful narrative doesn’t mean shying away from the challenges.
News from Social Care in Scotland
Projects in Scotland
Enhancing voice, choice and control
- Anti-racist practice and strengthening inclusion – Scottish Association Social Worker (SASW)
- Co-producing a quality service standards framework for people with dementia – Meeting Centres
- Enabling people at risk of or living with frailty to Age Well in the Western Isles – Western Isles Integrated Board, Scotland
- Enhancing choice and control – In Control Scotland, Radical Visions
- Family group decision making to support people with drug and alcohol issues – City of Edinburgh Council, Scotland
- Improving support for people with dementia and families – Carers of West Lothian
- Involving people in strategic decision-making – Thera
- Tackling loneliness in rural areas – Shared Lives Plus in Moray
- Technology for prevention and independence – Bute Consultancy (lead by Andy Wynd)
Ensuring people stay healthy, connected, and well at home
- Care homes, relationships and communities – Scottish Care
- Hospital discharge for older people – Y.O.U. (Your Options Understood) (this includes representatives from carers organisations, individuals with lived experience, a local authority representative, a support provider, and a government-funded organisation), Coordinated by Anuj Dawar in Grampian, involves a Strategic Lead responsible for Delayed Transfers of Care, a carer, service providers, leads from elderly and veteran charities, and an Occupational Therapy Lead from ARI Hospital.
- Improving support for people who hoard and self-neglect – Aberdeen Health and Social Care Partnership, Scotland
- People with learning disabilities/autistic people leaving long-stay hospitals – InControl Scotland
- Recovery-based approaches to mental health – Penumbra
- Use of technology in care homes – Baillieston Community Care in Glasgow