National Care Service: Governance and representation – seldom heard voices co-design work

What’s next

What’s next for Governance and representation

We will use the findings and suggestions from the seldom heard groups in upcoming co-design group sessions. We want to make sure that people who have lived experience continue to inform and co-design the NCS Board. We want to do this so that the NCS Board works in a way where all members can take part fully and meaningfully.

What’s next for the National Care Service

The Scottish Government remains committed to delivering a National Care Service to improve quality, fairness and consistency of provision that meets individuals' needs. We are also working to make improvements to the social care system now.

The National Care Service Bill passed Stage 1 in the Scottish Parliament in February 2024. This stage is where MSPs decide whether they agree with the general principles of the Bill by:

• hearing views,
• writing reports of what they have heard,
• voting on whether the Bill should go on to the next stage.

The Bill is now at Stage 2. This is where MSPs can make changes (called amendments in Parliament) to the Bill.

We will continue with engagement and co-design as the Bill progresses through Parliament. This commitment will continue throughout the establishment of the National Care Service.

We will be doing additional work with people from groups we know are currently underrepresented in our work so far.

In the meantime, we will continue to drive forward improvements across the social care sector, including improving terms and conditions for our valued workforce - making it an attractive profession and bringing even more talent into the sector.