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Scotland’s housing emergency and child poverty are “inextricably linked”, new report warns

29 Oct 2024

Scotland’s housing emergency and child poverty are inextricably linked according to a new briefing (click here for more) by two leading charities.

Produced jointly by Shelter Scotland (click here for more) and Aberlour Children's Charity (click here for more), the report examines the evidence linking child poverty and the housing emergency, and highlights delivering social homes as a key intervention.

First Minister John Swinney has said eradicating child poverty is at the heart of his governments mission, however this report warns that it cannot be achieved without adequately addressing the housing emergency.

High housing costs are driving 50,000 children in Scotland into poverty, while the latest homelessness figures show that more than 10,000 children are currently trapped in temporary accommodation.

Alison Watson, Shelter Scotland Director, said: “There’s an undeniable link between child poverty and Scotland’s housing emergency; this briefing sets that out in clear terms.

“It should be a source of great national shame that tens of thousands of children are being driven into poverty by soaring housing costs, and that more than 10,000 children in Scotland are living in temporary accommodation, trapped in the homelessness system.

“The Scottish Child Payment is a positive and welcome intervention, but the evidence shows it’s just not enough; the First Minister simply can’t achieve his aim of eradicating child poverty if he doesn’t first end the housing emergency.”

SallyAnn Kelly OBE, Chief Executive of Aberlour said: “Children have a right to grow up free from poverty. Government has a duty to realise that right and this includes providing safe and secure housing for children and their families.

“Unsafe, cramped and temporary housing undermines the lives and life chances of far too many of our children.

“Poverty damages the lives of children today and sabotages their futures tomorrow. The First Minister has said ending child poverty is his number one priority.

“But that commitment must be matched by clear actions and investment, ensuring the best interests of all our children drive policy not financial imperatives.

“It is clear that ending child poverty can only happen by tackling the housing emergency.”

Click here to read the report 'Child Poverty and the Housing Emergency.'

Child Poverty and the Housing Emergency

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Fife Gingerbread launches annual Heat and Eat Appeal

25 Oct 2024

Fife Gingerbread has launched its annual Heat and Eat Appeal, which helps support vulnerable families to build safe, warm and healthy homes.

Running since 2018, every penny raised through the Appeal goes directly to families in crisis, providing critical support for everything from the cost of energy bills to ingredients for healthy meals – and due to the cost of living crisis, the voluntary sector organisation says donations have never been more vital.

However, the Appeal doesn’t just provide temporary relief. As well as giving families special ‘festive packages’ at this time of year – including toys, food, vouchers and fuel – the charity also offers year-round support, helping to create lasting change, and giving children and young people the opportunity to flourish and feel connected to their local community.

Thanks to generous donations, last year’s Appeal provided a festive package to more than 165 families, ensuring 313 children and young people had a safe and warm Christmas, while an additional 142 households received crisis support throughout the year.

Ffe Gingerbread Heat and Heat Appeal 2024

In Fife, research shows 23% of children and young people grow up facing poverty, while a recent survey of Fife Gingerbread’s supported families found that 74% of respondents are surviving below low-income thresholds, with the statistic rising for lone-parent households.

The charity says donations to the Heat and Eat Appeal could mean the difference between a child going to bed cold or feeling the warmth of a heated home, and all contributions, whether big or small, help support their work.

To make a donation to the Heat and Eat Appeal 2024, visit justgiving.com/campaign/heatandeat2024 

To find out more about the charity's work, visit fifegingerbread.org.uk

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First Minister backs Alcohol-Free Childhood campaign

18 Oct 2024

First Minister John Swinney has pledged his support for a joint campaign aimed at ensuring children and young people in Scotland grow up free from the harmful effects of alcohol marketing.

Launched in collaboration between Alcohol Focus Scotland, BMA Scotland, Children in Scotland, Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs, and Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP), the Alcohol-Free Childhood campaign is backed by around 50 organisations and 80 MSPs across all parties.

In a new video released in support of the campaign, the First Minister acknowledged that children in Scotland are exposed to alcohol so often that they have high levels of alcohol brand awareness, while international evidence has shown that alcohol marketing increases the likelihood that children and young people will start to drink alcohol or, if they already drink alcohol, drink more and at problematic levels.

John Swinney MSP said: “The Scottish Government remains committed to improving population health. By taking steps to improving the health of children, we support their wellbeing into adulthood, contributing to a healthier future for all of Scotland. That is why I fully support the campaign to reduce children and young people’s exposure to alcohol marketing.”

Campaigners have welcomed the statement following disappointment at the Scottish Government’s recent decision to delay a promised second consultation on alcohol marketing, pending an evidence review by Public Health Scotland (click here for more).

In the Scottish Government’s initial consultation on this issue, public health and third sector organisations were consistently in favour of restrictions on alcohol advertising and promotion, while those with a commercial interest in promoting and advertising alcohol were mostly against such changes.

Additionally, from January to April 2023, Children in Scotland supported 113 children and young people aged eight to 17 to engage in the consultation, and found that many wanted to see tighter restrictions for alcohol advertising and promotion, including a reduction in alcohol sponsorship and advertising linked to sports teams and events, reduced visibility of alcohol in local shops and supermarkets, and a reduction in alcohol advertising on television and online.

Welcoming the First Minister’s support of the campaign, Alison Douglas, CEO of Alcohol Focus Scotland said: “It is encouraging to see that the First Minister recognises the evidence that exposure to alcohol marketing causes harm to children and young people and is personally committed to action to protect them.

“With alcohol deaths having reached a 15-year high, Scotland needs to be doing all it can to prevent future health problems. The Scottish Government’s support for a childhood free from alcohol marketing must be turned into concrete action. Children and young people themselves are calling for change.

“Scotland is behind the curve. Many other countries already have a range of restrictions on alcohol marketing, including how alcohol is displayed in shops, advertising at public transport stops and stations and sponsorship of sporting events.

“We urge the Scottish Government to put people’s health over industry profits and deliver their promised second consultation as soon as possible.”

Dr Peter Rice, Chair of SHAAP, commented: “We are pleased that the First Minister is committed to protecting children and young people from alcohol marketing, which we know influences consumption and harms.

"SHAAP encourages the Scottish Government to act on the wide body of international evidence and introduce a comprehensive set of marketing restrictions around alcohol promotion in sports, in public spaces, and in the retail environment.

“Far too much of our daily lives is shaped by the alcohol industry and it is time for the Scottish Government to take decisive action to create a Scotland that puts the wellbeing of its people, especially our younger generations, first. We should build on our reputation as a world leading country in alcohol policy."

Justina Murray, CEO of Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs, said: “We welcome all measures to tackle Scotland’s Alcohol Everywhere culture, including restrictions on alcohol marketing. The families we support describe alcohol as being ‘in your face, no matter where you look’. This harms whole families – children, young people and adults.

“Being exposed to alcohol marketing is traumatic for our families, whether their loved ones are actively drinking, in recovery (where they constantly fear relapse), or where their loved ones have died through alcohol. Families want to live in a Scotland where Alcohol Free Spaces are the norm for our families and communities, and this would be a step in the right direction.”

Judith Turbyne, CEO of Children in Scotland, said: “As outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), all children have a right to the best possible health. With the incorporation of the UNCRC into Scots law, the Scottish Government must do everything it can to protect children’s health and wellbeing.

“For years, children and young people have raised concerns about the amount of alcohol marketing they see in their daily lives. We welcome this personal commitment from the First Minister. Now we need to see concrete action on this issue.”

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Scotland’s growing number of kinship families need more support, according to new research

10 Oct 2024

New research has highlighted the need for children living in kinship care to receive more support, as the number of young people being cared for by family or friends continues to rise.

Published earlier this week by CELCIS (click here for more), the Centre for Excellence for Children’s Care and Protection, for SCADR, the Scottish Centre for Administrative Data Research, Growing Up in Kinship Care looked at the data of more than 19,000 children and young people who lived in kinship care over a 10-year period.

According to the findings, being cared for by family or friends is the most common arrangement for children in care in Scotland, with almost one in three (29%) looked after through kinship care in 2019 – up from around 1 in 6 (16%) in 2008. What’s more, the research found that 40% of children who have been cared for by kinship carers did not experience any other form of alternative care, such as foster or residential care.

The research team brought together anonymised records for care experienced children, and linked these to records for the same children across education, Children’s Hearings, child protection, and health visiting datasets. Combining and analysing the data, CELCIS says, has given a much clearer picture and a greater understanding of the experiences and needs of these children and young people.

Highlights from the research included the finding that, while many children and young people living in kinship families thrive, kinship carers are often supporting children with complex needs, and therefore tailored support has become more important. Additionally, it found there is substantial regional variation in terms of how likely children are to live with kinship families, with higher numbers seen in areas of high deprivation, and many children and families would benefit from additional educational support.

Dr Robert Porter, Principal Investigator for this study at CELCIS explained: “More children being able to live with family and friends in kinship care is in line with both The Promise of the Independent Care Review and current Scottish Government policy and guidance, which sets out the commitment to children and young people being cared for within their own families and communities wherever this is possible.

“This is the first time data from different sources has been linked together to give a clearer picture of kinship care in Scotland. While data alone does not give a full understanding of the experiences and details of the lives and circumstances of children, young people and their carers, it can help us to understand what support might be needed and where investment in this should be provided.”

Morag Treanor, Children's Lives and Outcomes research programme lead, SCADR said: “Scotland made a promise to care experienced children and young people: that they will grow up loved, safe and respected. To know whether that promise is being kept, we need to know and understand as much as we can about the care journeys children make. Much of what we know so far comes from looking at information on an annual basis.

“This is the first research project to use the journeys of kinship care, over time, to provide a vital insight into growing up in kinship care. This report provides an excellent summary of essential information to build on, with a need for further work in this area, to help us understand more on how to support and benefit children and young people living in kinship care.”

For more information and to read the full report, click here to visit the CELCIS website

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Campaigners call on First Minister to fulfil commitment to protect Scotland’s children & young people from alcohol marketing

20 Aug 2024

Alcohol Focus Scotland, BMA Scotland, Children in Scotland, Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs (SFAD), and Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP) are calling on the First Minister to reaffirm his government’s commitment to consult on alcohol marketing restrictions in the upcoming Programme for Government.

The group wrote to the First Minister (click here for more), John Swinney MSP, this week as part of their Alcohol-Free Childhood Campaign, a joint initiative to protect children from exposure to, and the impacts of, alcohol marketing. The First Minister has himself pledged his support for the Alcohol-Free Childhood campaign, along with over 80 MSPs from all parties and more than 40 organisations across Scotland.

The campaigners believe that a commitment in the upcoming Programme for Government to a second consultation on alcohol marketing would ensure that legislation to protect children and young people can be delivered during this Parliament. This would be in line with the Scottish Government’s previous commitments.

The 2022-23 Programme for Government committed to introducing restrictions on alcohol marketing within the current term of Parliament. Following an initial consultation on alcohol advertising and promotion in 2023, the Scottish Government then committed to further engagement and public consultation on a narrower range of proposals in 2024.

This approach would also be in keeping with the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) on the most effective ways to prevent and reduce the significant impact of alcohol on health and wellbeing. The WHO states that marketing restrictions not only protect vulnerable groups such as children and young people, and people with or at risk of an alcohol problem, they also help to address the normalisation of alcohol consumption across the general population.

Alison Douglas, Chief Executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland said:

“The evidence is now clear that exposure to alcohol marketing causes youth drinking. It leads children and young people to start drinking earlier, to drink more, and increases the likelihood of them developing a long-term alcohol problem.

“Children and young people in Scotland are exposed to alcohol advertising on a daily basis, and even primary aged children recognise alcohol brands. They tell us alcohol is all around them, all the time and they want this to change. The Scottish Government has the power to deliver that change by restricting advertising in outdoor and public spaces, alcohol sponsorship of sports and events, and the visibility of alcohol in shops.

“Whilst we warmly welcome the First Minister’s support for our Alcohol-Free Childhood campaign, it is time to turn this aspiration into reality for our children. That’s why, ahead of this year’s Programme for Government, we’re calling on the First Minister to re-affirm the commitment to consult on specific proposals before the end of this year.

“By acting now, we can take a significant step towards ensuring Scotland’s children and young people have a childhood free from alcohol harm. We would follow countries like Ireland and France who have already implemented alcohol marketing restrictions, choosing to place their children’s right to health above industry profits.”

Justina Murray, CEO of Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs, said:

“We welcome all measures to tackle Scotland’s Alcohol Everywhere culture, including restrictions on alcohol marketing. The families we support describe alcohol as being ‘in your face, no matter where you look’. This harms whole families – children, young people and adults.

“Being exposed to alcohol marketing is traumatic for our families, whether their loved ones are actively drinking, in recovery (where they constantly fear relapse), or where their loved ones have died through alcohol. Families want to live in a Scotland where Alcohol Free Spaces are the norm for our families and communities, and restricting how alcohol is marketed would be a step in the right direction.”

Ewan Carmichael, youth advocate and AFS Board member said:

“Many young people feel manipulated by the tactics used by the alcohol industry including the use of bright colours or ‘fun’ flavours, and linking alcohol products to energy drinks, which primarily appeal to those under-18-year-olds.

“The Scottish Government needs to listen to young people, and work with them collaboratively to not only legislate to restrict alcohol marketing, but to support those experiencing harm. I am hopeful that if the Scottish government delivers on its promise to consult widely on specific proposals this year, real progress can be made in this Parliament.”

Click here to find out more about the Alcohol-Free Childhood campaign

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Caledonia Play designs play solutions for children with additional support needs

2 Aug 2024

For children with additional support needs, adventurous outdoor play can be a therapeutic experience that provides a moment of serenity outside of everyday life.

And for those who design and build play equipment, appreciating the elongated and repetitive nature of many beneficial play activities also means understanding the demands placed on the kit.

According to Jamie Bruce Jones, who heads up the team at Caledonia Play, an independent manufacturer of quality wooden outdoor play equipment, creating unique and robust swings and slides that allow children to explore and challenge themselves is a detailed process.

“It is incumbent upon us to recognise the relentless rough and tumble to which our equipment will be subjected,” he explained. “Working with Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools over the years means I know our equipment will be tested to the limit, so we design our kit using bigger diameters to ensure they can withstand the forces going through them.”

Adapting play equipment designs for SEN environments can involve everything from using wider swing seats to raising sandpits to accommodate wheelchairs, but Jamie says there’s lots to consider during the process.

A man wearing a brown hat and green fleece jumper sits in a large outdoor wooden chair
Jamie Bruce Jones

He continued: “Working with parents of children with additional support needs, we’ve learnt that some kids don’t like things passing their peripheral vision. For example, if they’re on a swing, the legs of the equipment will pass them repeatedly, which could cause anxiety. To minimise this, we widen the frame and position the swings more in the middle to ensure the users are further away from the legs of the swing, giving them more space and clearance.”

A new piece of kit recently launched by Caledonia Play emphasises the importance of this adaptation and refinement process. The Super Swing is a new domestic-use timber swing that has been specifically designed for children and adults with additional support needs, and can accommodate extended and repetitive use, which is known to promote calmness.

Jamie says the new kit was inspired by the company’s commercial solutions that deliver meditative benefits to SEN users, but this time in a domestic setting. The Super Swing has subsequently become the company’s first domestic product specifically created with additional support needs and disabilities in mind.

“The inspiration came from conversations we’d had with so many parents of children and young adults with additional needs,” he explained. “Many were neurodiverse and relied heavily on a swing because the vestibular activity is calming and therapeutic. It had become a mainstay of their daily lives.”

A large timber frame swing set sits in a leafy green garden bathed in sunshine. In the foreground, there are purple flowers.
The Super Swing has been designed with additional support needs in mind

Unfortunately, conventional swing solutions will only last the pace for a while before showing signs of instability. By contrast, The Super Swing is constructed using slow-grown round timbers and heavy-duty galvanised swing points with washer plates and nyloc nuts.

“A larger swing seat was also required,” Jamie noted. “We used a special commercial grade seat that was specifically designed for adults and disabled users. It was also important to eliminate movement either at the top of the frame or at ground level, so we added two extra diagonal braces and extended the legs for digging into the ground without losing the frame height.”

When it comes to SEN play equipment, Jamie says the details matter: “First and foremost, we build play equipment that can accommodate repetitive and continual use, but we also ensure the user feels safe and can enjoy the experience. Play is about exploration and activity and that is as equally valid for the SEN communities as it is for everyone.”

For more information about The Super Swing, visit caledoniaplay.com

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Young people call on the new government to put youth voices at heart of policy-making, as The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award shares new research

25 Jul 2024

Young people from The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) are calling on the new government to back a Youth Pledge, committing to give young people a meaningful say on policies that affect them, as new research from the charity shows young people feel politicians don’t listen to their views or share their priorities.

Published on Tuesday, 23 July, the DofE Youth Voices 2024 study sought views on the political and personal issues that matter most to young people aged 14 to 24, and found that housing, the NHS, cost of living and mental health ranked highest among respondents.

However, young people also felt these areas are considered least important by political leaders, and 66% said they believe politicians in the UK are most likely to listen to those aged over 35.

And with just 22% of respondents agreeing with the phrase “politicians in the UK listen to people of my age”, DofE Award holders personally delivered a letter to 10 Downing Street to call on the new government and parliamentarians to respond to the disconnect and disillusion felt by many young people.

The letter called for MPs to back a Youth Pledge, which outlines a commitment to introduce a clear process to ensure that youth voices are factored into all levels of policy and decision-making over the coming years.

A diverse group of young people stand outside in a group, laughing and smiling together
L-R: Young people Yahya, Connor, Fiza, Jess, who are doing their DofE Award

Poppy, 19, a Bronze, Silver, and Gold DofE Award holder, who was among the group of young people delivering the letter to Number 10, said: “For too long, young people like me have been shut out of the conversation and having our views overlooked by adults who are making decisions that will affect the rest of our lives. Our views and experiences matter too, and politicians can learn from what we have to say.

“As a new government takes office, they have a fresh opportunity to reassure young people that they are listening to our hopes, concerns and priorities. Policy makers must consult us on decisions that affect us. We are the future of this country and we deserve a seat at the table.”

Ruth Marvel OBE, CEO of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, said: “Our findings clearly show that young people are ambitious for their own futures, but they continue to feel unheard and unsupported on the issues that will define their lives and careers.

“The new government must use this moment to acknowledge that disconnect and prove they’re listening by giving young people meaningful opportunities to be consulted on policy decisions that affect them, including through youth networks, youth-led organisations, the UK Youth Parliament and local youth partnerships and policy networks.

"Young people are this country’s future and should have a say on decisions that will fundamentally impact the rest of their lives.”

To read the Youth Voices 2024 report in full, click here to visit dofe.org/YouthVoices2024

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One Parent Families Scotland invites supporters to “share your voice” ahead of milestone anniversary

17 Jul 2024

One Parent Families Scotland (OPFS) has invited supporters to help mark the charity’s 80th anniversary by sharing how its vital support services have made an impact.

Celebrating the incredible work that OPFS has accomplished over the past eight decades, single parents, staff members, volunteers and all other supporters who have worked with the charity are encouraged to share personal anecdotes, milestone moments, heartfelt messages, photographs and poems.

The charity, which has been changing lives and challenging poverty since 1944, said: “We warmly invite you to help us celebrate our legacy by sharing the stories that have shaped OPFS into the organisation it is today. We’d also love to hear stories from single parents of all ages, spanning as many decades as possible!

“By celebrating the incredible work that OPFS has accomplished over the years, your story can inspire others to join our mission for a Scotland where single parents and their children are valued and treated equally and fairly.”

Open for submissions until 31 July 2024, shared photos and stories will be used to build a brand-new page on the charity’s website, which will highlight the vast and varied work OPFS has done to empower single-parent families to reach their full potential.

To take part and share your story, click here to visit One Parent Families Scotland’s website

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Children in Scotland launches two new eLearning modules to support practitioners and young people through trauma

17 Jul 2024

Children in Scotland has today added two new courses to its dynamic eLearning Hub, providing innovative opportunities for both practitioners and children and young people to better understand trauma and its impacts.

Available for free as part of the charity’s commitment to supporting the children’s sector, the new programmes build upon the “More Than My Trauma” partnership and international conference, which was first delivered in 2021, and provide accessible information and guidance crafted by leading experts in the field.

Designed to support practitioners who work with children and young people experiencing trauma, the Recognising and supporting vicarious trauma course explores how working in the children's sector can impact mental health, and provides pratical advice and strategies to support workers with their own wellbeing while fulfilling their role.

From burnout to compassion fatigue, the course touches on a range of topics, and will be beneficial to professionals from a range of backgrounds.

Psychotherapist, consultant and coach Jan Montgomery, who helped to design the course, explained: “I was happy to provide the content for this eLearning module because it is important for everyone who provides support to understand how that work may be impacting them.

“If we understand this at a personal, professional and organisation level, we are less likely to be negatively impacted and more likely to be able to bring our best, most authentic self to work and thrive in our lives.”

An image of a pinboard with different pieces of paper and photographs pinned to it.
Let's talk trauma: preview of the module's learning pathway

Created specifically with children and young people in mind, Let's talk trauma: a guide for young people and professionals, is a vital resource for professionals and young people to work through together. The psychoeducation content for this module was developed by trauma experts from Kibble (click here for more), in collaboration with Children in Scotland, and explores how trauma can affect everyone's brains and bodies differently.

Dan Johnson, Clinical Director at Kibble, said: "We were really keen to develop this module as we knew there was a surprising lack of free and quality resources like it. Having something that can help explain what trauma is – and in a way that young people can respond to – can be invaluable. Hopefully it will increase understanding and be a small yet important part of young people recovering. It has been a pleasure to work alongside Children in Scotland and shows what can be achieved through collaboration".

Marie Harrison, Senior Policy Officer (Children’s Rights) for My Rights, My Say, said: “It has been a pleasure to be involved in the development of this eLearning course. Our Service teams work alongside children and young people who have experienced trauma, and we know how important it is for them to have relatable, clear, meaningful information and support available.

“With this module, we hope that children and young people who have experienced trauma will gain a sense that they are not alone, and that their feelings and emotions are valid. Trauma can be a difficult thing to talk about and many children tell us that ‘it isn’t a big deal’ or ‘I’ll get over it somehow’ or ‘it’s only what I deserve’, so we hope this amazing resource will allow children and young people to open up conversations and discuss their worries, fears and hopes for the future, supported by people close to them.”

Encouraging young people and practitioners to identify ways to cope with and recover from trauma, as part of the course, Children in Scotland’s Services team created “characters” from a composite of children and young people’s experiences, which were then voiced by actors from the Theatre School of Scotland (click here for more).

Marie added: “It was important for us to work on the character development for this module – we wanted the characters to be relatable and, as far as possible, representative of some of the different types of trauma children and young people can experience. We wanted to make sure that the characters amplify and highlight the truth about trauma – that all children and young people will react differently and there is no one right or wrong way to deal with it. What is important is to ensure that young people get the support they feel they need, not what others dictate should happen.”

Speaking about the development of the new training modules, Simon Massey, Children in Scotland’s Head of Engagement and Learning, said: “Our two new courses provide excellent learning opportunities, which fill gaps around supporting practitioners while providing clear information to young people. I’ve been impressed by the knowledge and enthusiasm demonstrated by those developing them and would encourage anyone who is working in their field to access the modules for free on the Children in Scotland eLearning Hub.”

Launched in December 2020, Children in Scotland’s eLearning Hub provides a range of online programmes in collaboration with organisations and services across Scotland’s children’s sector, and the two new trauma courses will join a new module on Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC) launched last month and a course on understanding visual impairment in preschool children which will launch later in 2024.

For more information on the new More Than My Trauma courses, click here to visit our eLearning Hub

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Scottish Government seeks views on charity regulation review

19 Jun 2024

Scottish Government has launched a 12-week consultation to gather views on whether current charity regulation needs to be reviewed.

As 2025 marks 20 years since the first Scottish charities Act was passed by Parliament, Scottish Government is considering whether regulation is still working for everyone by asking the charity sector if change is needed.

Looking to hear from the organisations, networks and people that make up the 25,000 charities currently registered in Scotland, the consultation is comprised of 10 short questions which explore the need for a review, as well as what the purpose and parameters of a future review should be.

Those interested in learning more about the consultation, will have the opportunity to attend a webinar hosted by the Scottish Government on Wednesday 26 June (3-4pm) which will provide further information on the questions and allow space for a discussion on the issue. To sign up for the webinar, please email charityreview@gov.scot

Scottish Government’s Charity Law Team Leader, Caroline Monk says:

“Next year will be 20 years since the Scottish Parliament passed the first Scottish charities Act, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005. That year saw the then Prince Charles’ marriage to Camila Parker-Bowles, Angela Merkel becoming the first female Chancellor of Germany and Pope John-Paul II’s death. A lot has changed since then. So, we’re asking you if charity regulation in Scotland needs to change as well.

“We know that finding the time and the energy to respond to consultations can be challenging but we hope that by including some quick questions, more people will be able to respond.”

Children in Scotland’s Chief Executive, Dr Judith Turbyne says:

“A lot of our members, and many other organisations working with and for children and young people across Scotland are charities. Even if your organisation is not a charity, you may well work closely with one. Although the regulation of charities might not seem like the most exciting topic, it is fundamental to the way charities operate so should be of interest to us all.”

The consultation is open until midnight on 22 July 2024 and responses will help the Scottish Government to decide the next steps in its commitment to strengthening charity law.

Click here to find out more and read a short consultation paper.

Click here to share your views and complete the consultation. 

Review of charity regulation

Find out more about the consultation on the charity regulation review.

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Participation and engagement work

Find out more about how we embed the inclusion and participation of children and young people in our work

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Our services

We offer we offer a range of services that provide support, advice and representation for children and families

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