A Scotland that Cares

The Scottish Government has proposed a new, dedicated National Outcome on care. Once finalised it will make Scotland one of the first countries in the world to make such an explicit and comprehensive commitment to driving and transparently measuring progress on how care and, crucially, those who look after someone, are valued.

The proposed National Outcome on Care states ‘We are cared for as we need throughout our lives and value all those providing care’.

The campaign, backed by Carers across Scotland, was launched at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic when people and many politicians took to their doorsteps to ‘clap for carers’ and other key workers. Since then, the campaign has shown how the undervaluation of all forms of care is leaving too many people who look after someone, particularly women, to pay a deep financial and personal price, including poverty and burn-out.

As well as covering care at all stages of a person’s life, the new National Outcome will cover everyone with caring responsibilities in Scotland; from Unpaid Carers looking after friends and family, including Young Carers, to parents looking after children and paid social care and childcare workers.

The creation of a new National Outcome on care comes as public support for Carers remains high, with polling showing nearly two-thirds (64%) of adults in Scotland back a new National Outcome on care. It has already attracted support from multiple political parties.

'A Scotland That Cares' says the new Outcome must be underpinned by robust practical, measurable policies; adequate funding; and meaningful support systems that make a tangible difference to the daily lives of Carers.

Campaigners are urging MSPs from across the political spectrum to back the new National Outcome while ensuring that Scotland’s 13 proposed National Outcomes have more weight in driving policy and spending decisions across all levels of government.

Carers, whether paid or unpaid, are the backbone of our society, providing essential support and compassion to those in need. For too long, their tireless efforts have gone unseen and unappreciated, resulting in carers often facing burn out and poverty. The Scottish Government’s landmark new commitment to carers is a positive step towards ensuring that carers of all kinds receive the recognition and resources they urgently need and deserve.

- Becky Duff, Director of Carers Trust Scotland

The First Minister must ensure the proposed National Outcome on Care is worth the paper it’s written on by delivering rapid and transformative changes that boost investment in care and give carers the support they need.

- Jamie Livingstone, Head of Oxfam Scotland

Find out more about the A Scotland that Cares campaign at www.ascotlandthatcares.org