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 was published in August 2025, to be followed by annual updates.

Members

• Professor Linda Bauld, Chief Social Policy Adviser, Scottish Government (Chair)
• Gita Anand, Head of Education Analytical Services (Vice Chair)

Scottish Government officials

• Anita Morrison, Head of Health and Social Care Analysis, Scottish Government 
• Donna Easterlow, Analytical Unit Head, Children and Families Analysis
• Huw Landrock, Statistician, Children and Families Analysis
• Cait Rhodes, Senior Assistant Statistician, Children and Families Analysis
• Gordon Paterson, Head of the Promise Unit
• Graeme Wilson, Principal Researcher, Office of the Chief Social Policy Advisor
• Fran Warren, Office of the Chief Social Policy Advisor
• Rachel Thwaites, Principal Social Researcher, Health and Social Care Analysis Strategic Insights
• Kirstie Corbett, Analytical Unit Head, Education and Higher Education
• Richard Morrison, Analytical Unit Head, Learning Analysis
• Catherine Bisset, Senior Social Researcher, Justice Analytical Services

Member organisations

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

Publications