On 27th June 2025, we responded to the second stage of the Scottish Labour Party’s Policy Forum. This will inform their manifesto for next year’s Scottish Parliament election. The consultation is framed around seven thematic documents, including two on Mental Health and Preventative Health Care … [Read more...] about VHS Response: Scottish Labour Policy Forum Stage 2 Consultation
Response: Medium Term Financial Strategy
The Scottish Government’s Medium Term Financial Strategy, published on the 25th June, does not provide the concrete commitment required regarding health spending on prevention. The Population Health Framework, the Health & Social Care Service Renewal Framework and the Public Service Reform … [Read more...] about Response: Medium Term Financial Strategy
Policy Workshops: 2026 VHS Manifesto
In preparation for next year’s Scottish parliament election, VHS is planning to publish a policy manifesto later this year. We’ve already hosted a meeting with a group of key stakeholders to help us identify the key issues and opportunities and some of the policy solutions to address these. Now we … [Read more...] about Policy Workshops: 2026 VHS Manifesto
A momentous three weeks for health creation in Scotland
Sarah Latto, VHS Policy and Public Affairs Lead, reflects on her first three weeks in post including the publication of the Population Health Framework and the Service Renewal Framework this week. Today marks exactly three weeks since I joined Voluntary Health Scotland as the Policy and Public … [Read more...] about A momentous three weeks for health creation in Scotland
VHS is recruiting – Policy and Public Affairs Lead!
Could you be our new Policy and Public Affairs Lead? This is an exciting role working to drive our dynamic policy programme. The deadline for applications is 9.00 a.m. on Monday 10th March 2025, so if you think this is the job for you, read on. Job title: Policy and Public Affairs … [Read more...] about VHS is recruiting – Policy and Public Affairs Lead!
Health Policy Matters – September 2024
Welcome to September’s edition of Health Policy Matters! This monthly blog features recent policy highlights, as well as upcoming influencing opportunities for VHS and our members. Following on from yesterday’s announcement of £500 million cuts by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local … [Read more...] about Health Policy Matters – September 2024
Health Policy Matters – August 2024
Welcome to August’s edition of Health Policy Matters! This monthly blog features recent policy highlights, as well as upcoming influencing opportunities for VHS and our members. It is no secret that the third sector is under incredible financial pressure at the moment. Over the last month, we … [Read more...] about Health Policy Matters – August 2024
Health Policy Matters – July 2024
Welcome to Voluntary Health Scotland’s new monthly policy blog! I’m Matthew James, the new Policy Engagement Lead at VHS. I’ve been at the organisation for just over three months now and have been made to feel so welcome by the team here, as well as by our members and partners. I have been amazed by … [Read more...] about Health Policy Matters – July 2024
VHS is recruiting a Policy Engagement Lead
Could you be our new Policy Engagement Lead? Kimberley Somerside has set a high bar as the current post-holder for the past two years but now she is moving on, so we are on the hunt for a worthy successor. The deadline for applications is 9.00 a.m. on Monday 13th November 2023, so if you think this … [Read more...] about VHS is recruiting a Policy Engagement Lead
Health Policy Officers Network Knowledge Exchange
June 2023 The Health Policy Officers Network collaborated with the Scottish Parliament's Participation and Communities Team to hold a knowledge exchange event in the parliament. We heard from Ewan about the Participation and Communities Team's (PACT) role in bringing communities to parliament … [Read more...] about Health Policy Officers Network Knowledge Exchange
