The Promise Data and Evidence Group

Overview

The Promise Data and Evidence group, established in March 2025, brings together a network of analysts from across sectors and organisations to review the data and evidence landscape, identify activities to improve data infrastructure, and support research priorities that enhance understanding of progress. The work of the group will support the development of the Promise Story of Progress.

An initial workplan will be published in August 2025, followed by annual updates.

Members

• Professor Linda Bauld, Chief Social Policy Adviser, Scottish Government (Chair)
• Anita Morrison, Head of Health and Social Care Analysis, Scottish Government (Vice Chair)

Scottish Government Analytical Service Divisions (ASDs)

• Gordon Paterson, Head of the Promise Unit
• Mairi Longmuir, Economic Adviser, The Promise Unit
• Cait Rhodes, Senior Assistant Statistician, The Promise Unit
• Graeme Wilson, Principal Researcher, Office of the Chief Social Policy Advisor
• Katherine Myant, Analytical Unit Head, Population Health Analysis
• Rachel Thwaites, Principal Social Researcher, Health and Social Care Analysis Strategic Insights
• Donna Easterlow, Analytical Unit Head, Children and Families
• Kirstie Corbett, Analytical Unit Head, Education and Higher Education
• Elisabeth Boyling, Analytical Unit Head, Learning Analysis
• Catherine Bisset, Senior Social Researcher, Justice Analytical Unit

Member organisations

• Claire Burns, Head of Improvement, The Promise Scotland
• Fiona Whitelock,Policy Manager, The Promise, COSLA
• Lynda Fenton, Consultant in Public Health, Public Health Scotland
• David Barr, Programme Manager for Democratic Governance, Improvement Service (IS) (Promise Lead for the IS)

Publications