A new report from Solace Scotland and the Improvement Service, developed through the Transformation Programme, makes a compelling, evidence-based case for accelerating public service reform in Scotland, starting with children and families.
The report recognises that local government is operating in an increasingly complex and challenging environment, and that incremental change will no longer be enough. To maintain effective and sustainable public services, reform must happen faster and at greater scale.
Focusing on children and families, through a child poverty and prevention lens, the report identifies opportunities to shift public services away from crisis response and towards earlier intervention, whole-family support and stronger community partnerships. It draws on growing evidence from across Scotland that better outcomes can be achieved when leadership, collaboration and learning are aligned.
Informed by national research, sector intelligence, engagement with local government leaders and practical learning from initiatives such as Fairer Futures Partnerships, the report outlines the conditions needed to sustain reform. These include more flexible and stable funding, reduced policy fragmentation, removal of barriers to collaboration and data sharing, and a stronger national commitment to prevention.
The report also sets out commitments from Solace Scotland, alongside clear asks of Scottish Government and public service partners to help create the conditions for long-term change. Its central message is that meaningful reform cannot be delivered by councils alone. It requires shared leadership, aligned priorities and stronger partnership working across the public sector.
Greg Colgan, Chief Executive of Dundee Council, Solace Scotland Vice Chair and the Solace Scotland sponsor for this work said:
‘”The greatest opportunities for prevention and long-term improvement lie within children and families services. We now have a strong evidence base, practical learning and a clear appetite across the sector to move reform forward. The message of this report is simple: the need for change is clear, examples of success already exist, and the time to act is now.’
Ken Gourlay, Chief Executive of Fife Council and Solace Representative on the working group said added:
“The evidence is clear that many of the challenges facing public services are shared across organisational boundaries. Lasting reform will require stronger collaboration, shared leadership and a collective commitment to prevention if we are to achieve sustainable change at scale.”
Paul Lawrence, Chief Executive of Edinburgh City Council and Solace Representative on the working group said:
“There is already significant learning from across Scotland that shows reform is possible when partners align around common outcomes. This report provides a practical call to action, highlighting both the opportunities and the system changes needed to accelerate progress.”
Susanne Millar, Chief Executive of Glasgow Council and Solace Representative on the working group said:
“This report reinforces the need to move beyond short-term responses and create the conditions for long-term, preventative change. By focusing on children and families, we have an opportunity to improve outcomes, reduce inequalities and build stronger communities for the future.”