Policy & Research

Policy and research sit at the heart of Scottish Care’s mission to influence, improve and reimagine social care in Scotland.

Through evidence‑driven insight, national advocacy, and meaningful engagement with those who deliver and receive care, we work to ensure that the independent sector’s voice shapes the policies, practices and decisions that affect it.

Our Policy & Research work brings together robust quantitative and qualitative research, strategic analysis, and lived‑experience insights to highlight the realities facing providers, the workforce, and the people they support. This work not only informs our national influencing but drives practical improvements across the sector—strengthening rights‑based, person‑led care.

In this section you will find:

Downloads & Publications

Scottish Care undertakes rigorous research and produces a wide range of reports, policy briefs, consultation responses and evidence papers. These publications shine a light on key issues across the independent sector and contribute to national debate and decision‑making.

Advocacy and Policy

Here you can explore our current policy priorities, upcoming consultations, opportunities to contribute to research questionnaires, and the wider initiatives shaping Scotland’s social care landscape.

Campaigns and Public Engagement

Discover how to get involved in our campaigns, events, petitions and collective action designed to make social care more visible, valued and understood across Scotland

Care Creates: Value – Investing in social care, in numbers

CAH 2026 Finalists Announced

Care at Home & Housing Support Awards 2026 – Finalists Announced

We’re thrilled to announce the finalists for this year’s Care at Home and Housing Support Awards! A big thank you

Care Creates Funding WS - Blogs

Care Creates: Funding – Investing Care Like It Matters

Social Care finance “Until now we have funded ‘failure demand’ with annually increasing budgets. That is no longer an option.