Scotland Policy Conferences

This conference focused on next steps for school inspections in Scotland.

It was a timely opportunity for stakeholders and policymakers to discuss priorities following the publication of the Education (Scotland) Bill in June 2024, including plans to establish a new independent school inspectorate body, the office of His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education in Scotland, which is expected to start operating in autumn 2025.

We are pleased to have been able to include a keynote session with Professor Ken Muir, Independent Advisor to The Scottish Government, whose 2022 report Putting Learners at the Centre: Towards a Future Vision for Scottish Education informed the Education (Scotland) Bill.

Areas for discussion included the role and remit of the new inspectorate body, ensuring accountability and adequate oversight, governance structures, the separation of assessment and inspection powers, feedback mechanisms, and enhancing parental engagement in inspections.

Sessions also considered how to drive improvement and capacity building in the education sector, including the role of an additional £3.4bn for public services in Scotland announced in the Budget, and what could be learned from inspection reform in other jurisdictions.

Delegates assessed what a new inspection model could look like and how it could be implemented in practice. We expect discussion on guidelines to allow for adequate school preparation, understanding and addressing workforce concerns regarding delivery and workloads, and providing support for school staff to build on inspection reports and drive improvement across the education landscape.

The conference also looked at raising standards by building on best practice within Scotland’s schools, with discussion on student progression, data gathering and analysis in inspection and assessment, and priorities for updating digital records. Delegates discussed developing digital skills within the teaching workforce, streamlining inspection processes, training and support for inspectors to apply the new criteria, and tools for building both public and sectoral engagement and trust in the new inspection processes.

We are pleased to have been able to include further keynote sessions with: Sir Michael Wilshaw, former HM Chief Inspector of Schools in England; Greg Dempster, General Secretary, Association of Heads and Deputes Scotland; Susan Quinn, Education Convenor, Educational Institute of Scotland; Carole Ford, Member, Commission on School Reform, Reform Scotland; and Henry Hepburn, Scotland Editor, Tes. 

Overall, areas for discussion included:

• strengthening school inspection:
  
  • assessing proposals outlined in the Education (Scotland) Bill - transitioning to a new inspection body and timeline for implementation
  • potential role, remit and governance structures - ensuring adequate accountability and oversight
  • feedback mechanisms for schools undergoing inspection - enhancing parental and learner engagement in inspection processes 
• implementation:
  
  • assessing the separation of assessment and curriculum functions - opportunities for streamlining inspection processes
  • incorporating adequate training for inspectors to ensure fair application of new inspection processes - quality assurance and accountability
• educational standards:
  
  • learning from best practice - strategies for improving student progression and achievement - taking forward feedback from inspection reports and incorporating into daily practice
  • supporting effective implementation of overall findings across schools - professional development and resources to build capacity within the workforce
• data use in inspection and assessment:
  
  • updating and streamlining digital records and inspection tools - best practice for data management and interpretation - utilisation of up-to-date data to inform inspection and assessment
  • ensuring an emphasis on co-production with teachers, learners and local authorities - considering tools for fostering collaboration and transparency
• the teaching workforce:
  
  • preparing for a new inspection framework and independent inspectorate - training provision - support for practitioners in improving education practice and building on inspection reports
  • understanding and addressing concerns and challenges for delivery - tackling workload concerns for teachers following changes to the inspections process

All delegates were able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices, and more widely. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. As well as key stakeholders, those that attended include officials from The Scottish Government; Education Scotland; DfE; DfE, NI; and the Welsh Government.

This conference discussed next steps for tackling NHS waiting times in Scotland.

With the Health Secretary indicating that he is willing to consider fresh ideas for reform, it was a timely opportunity for stakeholders and policymakers to discuss priorities for Scotland’s £3.4bn of funding in the Budget, which will include investment in health and social care, and assess the implementation of The Scottish Government’s post-Covid NHS Recovery Plan 2021-2026, looking at key objectives and options for accelerating capacity expansion and reducing waiting times.

Discussion also considered next steps for a public health approach and options for preventative methods of tackling health challenges, looking at improving diagnostics and the use of digital, challenges within the social care sector, and calls for a Scotland-wide review of emergency treatment provision.

Delegates examined latest thinking on addressing ongoing delays in meeting waiting time targets, alongside options for policy and practice moving forward, including what can be learned from the recent Audit Scotland report, which highlighted that only three out of eight key waiting time targets have been met at a national level in the last five years. Discussion was also expected on plans for managing planned care outlined in The Scottish Government’s Health and Social Care: Winter Preparedness Plan 2024/25, including maximising theatre capacity with evening and weekend sessions, reducing unnecessary face to face visits, and protecting planned care through the use of day surgery units.

Sessions included discussion on challenges facing the healthcare workforce, such as staffing shortages and difficulties recruiting consultants meaning workforce growth is struggling to meet patient demand, and implications for staff of scheduling surgeries over evenings and weekends, as well as the implementation of the recent 5.5% NHS pay deal.

With the ongoing development of national standards by Healthcare Improvement Scotland, the agenda looked at next steps for improving outpatient and inpatient care timelines, and tackling delays in cancer and emergency treatments. Areas for discussion included priorities for achieving a sustainable balance between increased capacity and quality of care, as well as the potential for innovative solutions such as the proposed theatre scheduling software and the ongoing implementation of National Treatment Centres.

Further sessions assessed practical steps to advance healthcare delivery, including strategies for workforce retention and development, the expansion of community-based care, reducing healthcare inequalities, and opportunities arising from the use of AI and other new technologies.

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Caroline Lamb, CEO, NHS Scotland; and Director General, Health and Social Care, The Scottish Government; and Donna Smith, Director of Strategic Solutions Scotland, Insource.

Overall, areas for discussion included:

• NHS Recovery Plan 2021-2026: assessing its ambitions and implementation, including the 2023 progress report - identifying effective measures to meet waiting time targets - options for improving outpatient and inpatient care timelines
• National Treatment Centres (NTCs): addressing delays in rollout - strategies for expediting completion - options for returning hospital productivity to pre-pandemic levels - considering the work of NHS Scotland’s Centre for Sustainable Delivery Annual Report 2023-2024 and its strategic priorities 
• tackling inequalities: priorities for reducing barriers to healthcare access - addressing waiting times for people with protected characteristics and from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds - taking forward The Health Foundation’s Leave No One Behind 2023 report - potential for early intervention and prevention strategies to shift care closer to home 
• staff retention and training: assessing initiatives for improvement - addressing workforce shortages and improving morale - assessing contract and pay reforms, including for junior doctors, and implementation of Agenda for Change - addressing the outcomes of recruiting from overseas - the impact of Brexit on recruitment processes
• collaboration: considering the effectiveness of current NHS governance structures - priorities for partnership between stakeholders in maximising efficiency and service quality
• innovation: examining the impact of new technologies, such as theatre scheduling software - best practice for data management to ensure efficiency and collaboration - fostering collaboration to reduce delayed discharges
• best practice: considering and embracing international expertise to encourage best practice in healthcare delivery

All delegates were able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices, and more widely. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates.

This conference focused on the way forward for digital innovation and the use of data to improve health care in Scotland.

It was an opportunity for stakeholders and policymakers to examine The Scottish Government’s strategies for technology, infrastructure and innovation set out in:

• Greater access, better insight, improved outcomes: a strategy for data-driven care in the digital age - originally published in February 2023, with priorities for 2024/25 outlined in April 2024
• Care in the Digital Age - Scotland’s national digital health and care strategy, with a delivery plan for 2024-25 published in May 2024

The agenda brought out latest thinking on what will be needed if the national data strategy is to be delivered, following delays in delivery of The Scottish Government’s Cloud First strategy.

Delegates examined key issues, priorities and implications for those working in and using health services, and ensuring ethical data use.

Looking at implementation, those attending discussed proposals for developing and putting in place digital infrastructure to enable growth at scale, and providing NHS staff with enhanced data analysis tools.

Delegates considered how Scotland invests in health innovation, priorities for benchmarking value, engaging SMEs and businesses, and what an increased focus on healthcare innovation could mean for economic productivity.

Targeting innovation in digital health and data use to address current challenges within health and care was also discussed. Delegates considered approaches to maximising access to health innovation for all, as well as the way forward for fostering collaboration and engaging citizens and health and social care professionals in the development and integration of digital health and data innovation.

Further sessions discussed priorities for integrating innovation within the National Health Service and the care sector, looking at regulation and the support innovators will need in bringing products to market, and fostering more integrated working between health boards and care and support providers.

All delegates were able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. Those that attended include officials from The Scottish Government; DHSC; DBT; MHRA; OLS; FSS; and DoH, NI.

This conference focused on next steps for biodiversity and nature protection in Scotland.

It was an opportunity for stakeholders and policymakers to examine implementation of key measures in the draft Strategic Framework for Biodiversity, including:

• the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy - with the target for Scotland to become nature positive by 2030, with restored and regenerated biodiversity by 2045
• options for a proposed Natural Environment Bill - which would introduce statutory and legally binding nature recovery targets

Delegates examined the current state of biodiversity in Scotland and plans to deliver change outlined in the policy framework, including how to address the practicalities of biodiversity loss in the short-term, and longer-term actions, looking at issues and potential pathways towards The Scottish Government’s target.

The agenda focused on key issues emerging from The Scottish Government’s consultation on the Framework, including calls for specific, measurable and achievable statutory targets, and a detailed baseline for biodiversity. We also expected discussion on strategic options for a potential national programme for species recovery, in the context of the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Act 2024, which aims to provide a support framework to aid nature restoration.

Delegates assessed strategies for developing an effective monitoring and evaluation framework, and what will be needed to support key sectors to meet new proposed statutory targets, as well as priorities for supporting resilience in Scotland’s natural environment, and boosting the role of nature-based solutions in meeting wider climate and net zero targets.

Further sessions looked at key considerations for balancing nature protection with productive agricultural output, and approaches to biodiversity conservation in the context of wider economic and industry growth. We expected discussion on reforms and proposals outlined in the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill, as well as the place of biodiversity and natural capital within Scotland’s economy.

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Dr Dave Signorini, Director, Environment and Forestry, The Scottish Government; Grant Moir, CEO, Cairngorms National Park Authority; Francesca Osowska, Chief Executive, NatureScot; and Ben Reynolds, Executive Director, Institute for European Environmental Policy UK.

Sessions in the agenda included:

• policy context: assessing the current state of biodiversity and nature protection - key priorities going forward
• Scotland’s biodiversity strategy: immediate priorities - addressing drivers of biodiversity loss - focusing on key species and ecosystem outcomes - promoting nature-based solutions
• stakeholder roles and support: enhancing collaborative structures - addressing harmful practices - agricultural sector transition to enhanced biodiversity and nature protection
• implementation: effective monitoring and evaluation - developing a coordinated approach - options for alignment with relevant EU and international policy
• Natural Environment Bill:
  
  • priorities for effective development and implementation - options for measurable and achievable statutory targets - protecting coastal and marine ecosystems
  • introducing a programme of ecosystem restoration - partnership projects for restoration areas - improving resilience and moving towards
  • Biodiversity Net Gain
• policy for the future: next steps and long-term priorities for nature protection - implementing Scotland’s biodiversity strategy

All delegates were able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. Those that attended include officials from The Scottish Government; ESS; FLS; Defra; DAERA, NI; DfT; ONS; and the Welsh Government.

This conference discussed priorities for mental health provision in Scotland.

It was an opportunity to discuss next steps for service provision, looking at ambitions outlined in The Scottish Government’s Mental health and wellbeing strategy published in June 2023, and what is needed to enable progress following the subsequent Delivery Plan 2023-2025.

Delegates examined priorities for service recovery, with a focus on transparency of funding, and the way forward for financing and resourcing challenges in light of The Scottish Government’s target to spend 10% of the total NHS budget on mental health services.

Taking place following Audit Scotland’s Adult mental health report published in September 2023, discussion considered the concerns raised, including the need for higher quality financial, operational and workforce data, a lack of government oversight on most adult mental health centres, and next steps for developing ease of access and timeliness of services.

Delegates explored options for embedding human rights into service provision, with discussion on fostering trauma-informed and person-centred practices in the workplace, including priorities for workforce upskilling, recruitment and retention. There was also a focus on investment and service development for those in crisis, looking at building on progress made in inpatient care.

Further sessions discussed the role the third sector and local authorities can play in providing easier and more equitable access to services, as well as priorities for addressing alcohol and substance misuse, reducing mental health stigma, and developing models for prevention and early intervention.

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Mark MacPherson, Audit Director, Audit Scotland; Louise Christie, Director, Scottish Recovery Network; Rachel King, Portfolio Lead for Mental Health, Healthcare Improvement Scotland; and Wendy Halliday, Director, See Me.

Overall, areas for discussion included:

• policy priorities: delivering on the strategy’s aims - priorities for short-term ambitions within the delivery plan - Audit Scotland’s report on Adult mental health - improving access to services - tackling backlogs
• financing: next steps in implementing the new funding model - assessing where funding could be best utilised - the role of health boards and local partners - investment priorities for mental health treatments
• stigma: priorities for an anti-stigma collective - learning from previously successful programmes - raising awareness of available resources through education and advocacy 
• workforce development:
  
  • increasing recruitment of trained clinicians - supporting insufficiently-resourced teams within specialist PMH services - working with UK partners to support skills training
  • improving training for enhanced psychological wellbeing practitioners - engaging with DBI staff from the third sector - the role of community link workers
• early intervention: assessing the landscape of preventative provision - public health priorities for improving mental health - reducing the incidence of symptom presentation in emergency departments
• inpatient care: assessing the current state of acute care and recommendations for improvement - addressing bed shortages on psychiatric wards - focusing on the work of community mental health teams
• crisis services: exploring the resourcing of local crisis specialists - expanding the strategy beyond the health response - enabling the inclusion of Health and Social Care Partnerships 
• substance misuse: examining the strategy’s recommendations for alcohol and drug abuse cases - comorbidity and the relationship between alcohol and self-harm
• equalities and human rights: embedding anti-discriminatory culture within information services, care and treatment - engaging with third sector and local partners to maintain a person-centred approach 
• neurodivergence: priorities for engaging with historical waiting lists - tackling gaps in service provision

This conference focused on the future for climate change policy in Scotland and immediate challenges for adaptation going forward.

It was an opportunity to discuss key issues at a time of heightened focus on this area of policy in the run up to the General Election.

It brought together stakeholders and policymakers to discuss priorities for Scotland’s third National Adaptation Plan (SNAP3), as well as implications from the Scottish Government dropping its target of a 75% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

The conference discussed key themes from the ongoing SNAP3 consultation, including the way forward for collaboration with local communities and public service bodies. Delegates will also assessed regulatory approaches and incentives for engaging business and the private sector to contribute to climate resilience, and to factor best practice in this area into organisational strategy.

Delegates also assessed priorities following the Climate Change Committee’s recent reports - Adapting to climate change: Progress in Scotland and Progress in reducing emissions in Scotland - looking at next steps for addressing challenges that have contributed to Scotland repeatedly missing its annual emissions targets. Areas for discussion included accelerating implementation of climate change adaptation strategies, improving data collection and monitoring, and securing public and private investment in adaptation.

Following the publication of the Scottish Water Climate Change Adaptation Plan 2024, delegates discussed the role of adaptation in key services and utilities, looking at mitigating the adverse impact of climate change on drought, deteriorating water quality, flooding, pollution, and waste water and environmental quality.

The conference was an opportunity to examine the implementation and role in improving Scotland’s resilience of the proposed nature networks, agricultural reform and severe weather defence.

Further sessions focused on opportunities for maximising benefits of climate adaptation, as well as what support local authorities will need to implement adaptation strategies and Local Development Plans. Delegates assessed next steps for improving public health and wellbeing by utilising more cost-effective, nature-based solutions, and what is needed to enable a just transition.

Keynote speakers who have agree to take part include: Catriona Laing, Deputy Director of Energy and Climate Change, The Scottish Government; Dr Deborah Long, Just Transition Commissioner; and Chief Officer, Scottish Environment LINK; and Dr Roddy Yarr, Convener, Climate Ready Clyde; and Director of Sustainability, University of Glasgow. We are re-confirming the availability of speakers in the pre-election period.

Overall, areas for discussion included:

• assessing progress: key issues identified by the Climate Change Committee - implications for policy and stakeholders - accelerating implementation - monitoring - best practice - investment
• SNAP3: key themes in consultation responses - public health - National Flood Resilience Strategy
• coordination: creating a joined-up approach - place-based initiatives - engaging the private sector - regenerative agriculture - connecting nature networks
• strategic priorities:
  
  • investment in long-term adaptation strategies - flood and heat resilience - adapting Scotland’s water supply and system - bolstering Scotland’s energy infrastructure - environmental protection
  • incentivising agricultural resilience and sustainable practice - reducing variation and protecting island communities - improving monitoring and evaluation
• innovation: priorities for research - support for rollout of new technology and processes - evaluation and monitoring of impact to ensure safe adoption - options for adopting AI
• just transition: achieving an effective approach to climate resilience and adaptation that optimises fairness to all - addressing inequalities - accounting for stakeholder views in decision-making

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues in the presence of key policy officials who attended from The Scottish Government; Scottish Procurement and Property Directorate; Transport Scotland; Defra; DESNZ; DLUHC; DfC, NI; DfE, NI; DfT; CMA; DAERA, NI; DBT; DoF, NI; ORR; Ofwat; POST; and the Welsh Government - as well as parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Commons.

This conference discussed priorities moving forward for the planning system in Scotland, and ongoing implementation of the fourth National Planning Framework (NPF4).

Stakeholders and policymakers discussed progress of reform so far and further areas for development, including the potential introduction of masterplan consent areas (MCAs) from autumn 2024, which The Scottish Government will be consulting on. Delegates assessed priorities for the development of MCAs and how these can be used to effectively and fairly streamline the system.

It was also an opportunity to consider newly agreed local development plans (LDPs), how these new strategies will sit alongside the wider NPF4 programme and whether they will succeed in bringing more flexibility to the planning system.

Looking at key challenges within the planning system, the agenda brought out stakeholders’ views on development and implementation of the new LDPs and how these can be made to achieve the aim of improved local living and 20-minute neighbourhoods.

With discussion on further steps to streamlining, those attending also considered key issues around resourcing and the growing cost of building materials, including what support is needed to improve the quality of planning applications.

The conference was also an opportunity to assess priorities for Scotland’s housing sector, what support is needed for developers to meet housing and regulatory targets, and next steps for implementing expected guidance on housing audits.

Sessions also explored where NPF4 implementation sits alongside Scotland’s wider environmental legislation, such as the development of a Strategic Framework for Biodiversity, expected this year, and what support stakeholders within Scotland’s renewable energy sector will need in order to develop the necessary infrastructure for Scotland to meet its renewable energy targets.

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Craig McLaren, National Planning Improvement Champion, Improvement Service; and Fraser Carlin, Chair of the Committee on Performance and Practice, Heads of Planning Scotland.

Overall, the agenda included discussion on:

• policy: implementing NPF4 - progress so far - priorities for future masterplan consent areas - considering the positioning of planning legislation alongside wider legislative programmes
• streamlining the system: ensuring regulation is agile and workable - enabling renewable energy infrastructure development - support in ensuring high quality planning applications
• housing provision: assessing resourcing challenges - furthering progress on Scotland’s housing targets - support needed for developers - lessons from previous developments within the NPF4
• skills development: priorities for a potential workforce plan - identifying resourcing needs - analysing strategies for meeting need
• innovation: encouraging innovation adoption - exploring ongoing digital transition - utilising innovative work practices to streamline consenting
• building sustainable places: assessing the Government’s green targets - balancing infrastructure and house-building with biodiversity protection - national developments
• 20-minute neighbourhoods and local living: enhancing quality of life and the local economy through key infrastructure located within a 20-minute radius - engaging business and the planning system - priorities for LDPs

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from CMA; The Scottish Government; Forestry and Land Scotland; Transport Scotland; Defra; DfI, NI; and DLUHC.

This conference discussed priorities for cancer services in Scotland, assessing government policy and what will be needed to achieve aims for improved prevention and early diagnosis.

It brought together stakeholders and policymakers to examine implementation and next steps for the National Cancer Strategy 2023 to 2033, and its focus on holistic and person-centred care, raising early diagnosis rates, reducing rates of lung cancer, expanding the network of Urology Diagnostic Hubs, and tackling recruitment issues and improving workforce wellbeing.

Delegates assessed priorities for improving workforce retention and recruitment of specialist staff such as oncologists and radiologists, with the aim to reduce the cancer treatment backlog, as well as tackling regional variation, with a focus on tackling longstanding challenges around delivering equitable access to care in Scotland.

Discussion also explored priorities moving forward for the Cancer action plan 2023 to 2026 and progress so far, including providing clarity on financing and resourcing.

Further sessions assessed options for improving screening and the role of innovation, new technologies, and the potential application of AI.

The conference included a focus on targets for lung cancer detection and survivorship, including the role of anti-smoking campaigns, as well as wider use of Detect Cancer Earlier (DCE) campaigns.

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Professor David Cameron, Professor of Oncology and Director of Cancer Services, NHS Lothian at University of Edinburgh; Professor David Morrison, Director, Scottish Cancer Registry, Public Health Scotland; and Ioanna Nixon, Cancer Innovation Lead, West of Scotland Innovation Hub; and Clinical Director Oncology, The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

Overall, sessions in the agenda included:

• cancer care in Scotland today: assessing the current landscape - priorities for delivery of quality care across Scotland
• service recovery priorities: high quality palliative care - addressing key workforce challenges - reducing service variation and standardising care - use of new technology - enhancing collaboration
• clinical priorities: innovation in treatment and screening - access to clinical trials - the way forward for improved cancer monitoring and diagnosis rates
• achieving strategic aims: models of prevention and early intervention - progress on lung cancer targets - holistic and personalised care provision - improving prehabilitation and patient outcomes
• policy priorities: next steps for delivering the vision for cancer care in Scotland

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from The Scottish Government; the Welsh Government; and DoH, NI.

This conference focused on priorities and next steps for social care in Scotland.

It brought stakeholders together with policymakers to discuss the way forward for plans to develop a National Care Service (NCS), as stage one scrutiny of the NCS Bill is extended to January 2024.

Sessions assessed issues being raised relating to the NCS Bill, including concern over financial viability and design of the Bill itself, and calls for scrutiny and transparency within any future centralised service.

Areas for discussion included value for money and costs, minimising disruption to current service provision, key workforce issues, including around recruitment and retention, and the role of local authorities in any future NCS.

The conference was also an opportunity to examine the Independent Review of Inspection, Scrutiny and Regulation (IRISR) commissioned by The Scottish Government following its report, as well as the Verity House Agreement for shared legal responsibility between government, the future NCS and local councils.

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Rachel Cackett, Chief Executive Officer, Coalition of Care and Support Providers in Scotland; Robert Kilgour, Executive Chairman, Renaissance; and Dr Iain Atherton, Co-Director, Scottish Centre for Administrative Data Research.

Sessions in the agenda included:

• the current landscape: assessing social care in Scotland and the outlook for a National Care Service
• NCS issues: costs and funding - collaborative frameworks - minimising disruption to service provision - listening to the voices of lived experience - standardising care between rural and urban areas
• quality: delivery - person-centred care - improving user experience - workforce recruitment and development - role of the voluntary and independent sectors
• costs: achieving value for money in a new social care service - evaluating costs and further funding options, including the role of the third sector
• inspection: priorities for transparency and fairness in social care
• policy: the way forward for social care strategy in Scotland

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from Department of Health, ROI; DHSC; Education Scotland; HSE; UKSA; and The Scottish Government.

This conference examined the future of the qualifications and assessment system in Scotland.

It took place as The Scottish Government considers its response to the Independent Review of Qualifications and Assessment, led by Professor Louise Hayward, who is a keynote speaker at this conference, which recommended:

• that students should not sit exams before fifth year
• the introduction of a Scottish Diploma of Achievement (SDA) as a Senior Phase graduation certificate
• a digital profile for all learners to record personal achievements and plan for future education

Speakers also discussed proposals to replace the SQA and approaches for inspection in education going forward, with a consultation launched by The Scottish Government in November which will inform forthcoming legislation.

It was an opportunity to discuss the Review’s implications, as well as priorities for building qualifications fit for the future; exploring technical routes, and pathways into higher education and employment.

Delegates looked at the proposed introduction, and likely impact on teachers and learners, of the SDA and its possible three major sections, alongside the drive towards digital skills, with proposed reforms aiming to equip learners with the qualifications needed to thrive in a future digital environment.

Further sessions looked at reforming and broadening assessment methods, including the utilisation of technology and the future role of AI and digital assessment.

Overall, areas for discussion included:

• system reform: priorities moving forward for developing an effective qualification system - key findings from the Independent Review - challenges and opportunities around a proposed SDA
• responding to proposals: supporting learners and teachers - meeting the needs of colleges, universities and employers - exploring development of personal pathways and programmes of learning 
• best practice:
  
  • lessons from the 2023 exam season - moving forward from the impact of COVID-19 on student attainment and assessment reliability
  • next steps for improving and futureproofing the qualifications system 
• methodology: assessing the future of formative, summative and high-stake assessment - potential responsibilities of teachers
• utilising technology: reforming and broadening assessment methods - remote and digital assessment and invigilation - increasing the use of assistive technology to improve accessibility
• AI: responding to the rise of artificial intelligence - assessing opportunities and risks of increased use of AI within assessment - preventing malpractice - potential to ease teacher workloads 
• quality assurance: utilising data to improve school accountability - examining the future of assessment regulation
• skills and the economy: ensuring qualifications are flexible and able to respond to changes - the role of skills and qualifications in boosting the economy
• student progression: assessing pathways into higher education and employment - building partnerships with employers to aid progression - transforming careers guidance for learners

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who  attended from the DBT; Department for the Economy, NI; Department of Education, NI; Department of Education, ROI; DfE; Education Scotland; Ofqual; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government.

This conference examined next steps for decarbonising the Scottish energy system, and what is needed to realise 2045 net zero ambitions.

It was an opportunity for stakeholders and policymakers to discuss the Draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan and consultation published in January 2023, including progress and priorities in delivering a Just Transition, and the roles of the Just Transition Commission and Just Transition Fund.

It also followed the announcement from the Prime Minister that hundreds of new oil and gas licenses will be granted in the North Sea and that North East Scotland has been chosen as one of two locations for a new carbon capture usage and storage clusters.

Speakers assessed opportunities and barriers around scaling up renewable energy for domestic industry, transport and heat, with discussion on securing investment, meeting infrastructure needs, and commercialising new technologies.

Further sessions examined key priorities for preparing for a Just Transition to achieve a net zero energy system and resilient economy, while supporting communities and tackling inequality alongside energy system decarbonisation.

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with Melanie Macrae, Head of Energy Strategy and Markets, Scottish Government; Tessa Hall, Head of Policy Scoping and Stakeholder Engagement, Ofgem; Richard Hardy, National Secretary for Scotland and Ireland, Prospect; and Graham Stein, Offshore Network Design Senior Manager, National Grid ESO.

Overall, areas for discussion included:

• the current outlook for Scottish energy markets, and wider energy sector challenges
• assessing the current marine planning system and infrastructure capacity to scale up renewable energy in Scotland
• considering challenges around offshore spatial planning in the North Sea, securing grid capacity, and what is needed to overcome network issues
• latest thinking on building up supply chains to prepare for plans to accelerate decarbonisation of domestic industry, transport and heat
• next steps for innovation across onshore and offshore energy generators, attracting investment, the role of hydrogen, and collaboration between sectors
• priorities for securing the workforce and green skills needed to realise a Just Transition
• delivering affordable energy across Scotland, plans to maximise community and locally-led energy projects, and transitioning away from fossil fuel-related economic activities

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from the CCC; CMA; DAERA, NI; Defra; DBT; DESNZ; Department for the Economy, NI; DECC, ROI; DfT; DLUHC; DHSC; DSIT; ONS; Transport Scotland; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government.