September 2026

VHS Policy News

VHS Response: Programme for Government
On September 1st, the Scottish Government published its Programme for Government covering the next 5 years until 2031. There is a lot to celebrate, including a stronger focus on prevention, community-based care, and tackling poverty. However, we believe it could have gone further in recognising the role of the third sector and Community Link Workers as essential partners in creating health. 

Read the full VHS Response to the Programme for Government. 

Update: Joint Statement on Prevention
In a published update to our 2025 Joint Statement on Prevention, we reflect on developments over the past year, including the launch of the Scottish Government’s Prevention Unit, the pilot of preventative budget tagging, and the publication of a shared definition of prevention. We also reinforce the continued importance of the actions detailed in our original joint statement.

Read the Joint Statement on Prevention Update. 

Get Involved! Consultation Event: Third Sector Parity
We invite our members and stakeholders to join us on 13th October as we explore parity and partnership between the third sector and the public sector. This is the second in a series of events to explore the four asks in our Manifesto for Health Creation. We’ll provide information about some of the latest policy developments before inviting attendees to share their own insights and experiences. Find out more and register here. 

VHS Conference: Tickets available now!
On 2nd November, we'll be holding our Annual Conference at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh. This year's theme is Power, Partnership, Perseverance and we'll be celebrating our collective power, strong partnerships, and how our perseverance leads to real, measurable change. Secure your place today!

Wider Policy Developments and Publications

The following is a summary of relevant policy developments, but it is not an exhaustive list. Please contact me if you want to speak about something not listed here. 

Programme for Government 2026-2031
Key wider health updates: 

• Simplifying NHS governance by reducing territorial health boards in NHS Scotland from 14 to 2, with no compulsory redundancies. 
• Social care governance is to be reformed, with a suggestion that the NHS could play a stronger role. 
• A 'Community First' approach to health services, with a shift from hospitals into communities.
• Drug and alcohol misuse addressed as a public health emergency, with a focus on preventative and rapid response interventions. 

Scottish Government launches heart and lung ‘MOT’ health checks
The Scottish Government has announced heart and lung MOT-style checks to prevent illness and support earlier intervention. The programme will be delivered through a new five-year partnership with Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS) and will be supported by local NHS services. 

Health and Social Care investment in first 100 days of Government
The First Minister said £90 million had been invested so far to reduce NHS outpatient waiting lists, alongside measures to increase the social care workforce and expand GP walk-in services.

Expansion of GP Walk-In services
The Government has announced plans to open more than 30 GP-led walk-in services in 24 additional areas, bringing the total number of planned or operational clinics to 40. The Scottish Government said that work was underway to establish new services within a year, in areas including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Falkirk, East Kilbride and West Lothian. 

Health, Care and Sport Committee hears calls for greater investment
The Health, Care and Sport Committee heard evidence on Wednesday 2 September from a range of witnesses, including several from the third sector, with many warning that structural change alone will not resolve pressures. They argued that greater investment and clearer governance is required. 

FM quizzed about proposals related to social care governance
At Backbencher FMQs on the 8th September, Joe Fagan MSP asked which integrated joint board (IJB) powers the First Minister believed should fall within the remit of the NHS. John Swinney said he believed that the current system of shared accountability was not working “as effectively as it should.”

Call for standalone men's health strategy dismissed by Scottish Government
Movember has called on the Scottish Government to deliver an action plan for men’s health after its new report found the five leading causes of premature mortality for men in Scotland cost the economy £1.73 billion each year. Public Health Minister Maree Todd welcomed the report but declined calls for men's health action plan, arguing that the Government would focus across all health policies to address inequalities.

Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance warn about impact of industry influence on health policy
A coalition of health charities, including British Heart Foundation, has published a new report warning that Scotland’s public health policies are being undermined and influenced by industries linked to tobacco, alcohol, and processed food.

MSP Written Question confirms Government are developing National Indicators in-house
In a response to a written question by Paul McLennan MSP, the government have confirmed that they do not plan to consult externally on the development of the National Indicators. They also confirmed in a response to a separate question that the revised National Performance Framework will be published later in 2026. 

Relevant Consultations

Proposed changes to SSSC registration requirements - Scottish Government - closes on 24th September

Tobacco and vapes: packaging, appearance and display - UK Government - closes on 2nd October

Legal Aid Reform - Scottish Government - closes on 13th October

Updates to the Code of Practice for the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 - Scottish Government -closes on 29th October

Domestic homicide and suicide review standards - Healthcare Improvement Scotland - closes on 5th November

Restricting mobile phones in Scotland's schools - Scottish Government - closes on 17th November

Price controls on essential food items: draft legislative provisions - Scottish Government - closes on 24th November