This report assesses Scotland’s efforts to fulfil The Promise—a national commitment made in 2020 to overhaul the country’s care system so children and young people “grow up loved, safe and respected.” It identifies significant persistent challenges in three key areas: governance and accountability, data and measurement, and resources and investment.
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Governance & accountability: The report finds that while structures have been set up (including The Promise Scotland, its Oversight Board, and an Independent Strategic Advisor), the roles and responsibilities remain unclear, complex and overlapping.
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Data, measurement & reporting: A national progress‑framework has only recently been finalised, and available data are insufficient to determine whether care‑experienced people are actually feeling the intended change.
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Resources & spending: Spending on care‑experience work has increased (e.g., local authorities spent £1.2 billion in 2023/24) but planning lacked an evidence‑based assessment of what resources and workforce would be needed to deliver The Promise by 2030.
