National Islands Plan: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment

Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment Draft

1. Brief Summary

Type of proposal

• Decision of a strategic nature relating to the rights and wellbeing of children

Name the proposal and describe its overall aims and intended purpose.

Introduction

This Child’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA) considers the renewed National Islands Plan (the Plan) and assesses how its strategic objectives, actions and investments have the potential to impact on the rights and wellbeing of children and young people living in Scotland’s island communities. It recognises that differences in geography, population size and local context can result in varied experiences and outcomes for children and young people across islands.

The CRWIA is informed by engagement with island communities, local authorities and delivery partners, alongside evidence and data presented in the Plan. It acknowledges ongoing challenges faced by many island communities such as depopulation, limited housing, connectivity constraints and higher living costs, and the potential implications these may have for children’s rights, access to services and life chances, while also recognising the strengths and resilience of island communities.

As a strategic framework, the Plan relies on individual policy areas to deliver specific actions, which will be subject to their own CRWIAs. Accordingly, this assessment will remain a living process, reviewed alongside the Plan’s ongoing delivery and annual reporting cycle.

Aims and Objectives

The first National Islands Plan, published in December 2019 under the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018, established a UK-leading framework to recognise the distinct circumstances of island areas and place island communities at the centre of national policy-making. Shaped by extensive engagement with islanders and local authorities, the Plan set out thirteen Strategic Objectives and over 130 commitments, with annual reporting providing transparency and accountability.

A full statutory review was undertaken in 2023, informed by a wide-ranging public consultation and published independently in April 2024. While the review confirmed progress, it also highlighted continuing challenges and the need for greater focus and clarity. The renewed National Islands Plan responds directly to this evidence and feedback, strengthening engagement with island communities and partners, aligning with the Scottish Government’s four overarching priorities, and adopting a leaner framework with seven Strategic Objectives and clearer, deliverable commitments.

The new National Islands Plan sets out the Scottish Government’s long-term vision to ensure that Scotland’s islands are thriving, sustainable and resilient places where people can live, work, study and prosper. It recognises the distinct opportunities and challenges faced by island communities and provides a strategic framework to address them through coordinated national and local action.

At its core, the Plan establishes population retention and attraction as the overarching objective, reflecting widespread support from island communities, local authorities and public agencies. It acknowledges that sustaining vibrant island communities depends on ensuring that people of all ages, particularly young people and those of working age, can access affordable housing, reliable transport, good jobs, education and quality public services.

The Plan is structured around seven Strategic Objectives, each supported by targeted commitments designed to improve outcomes for islanders. These objectives represent a streamlined framework for action, focusing effort where it can have the greatest impact. This represents a more targeted approach than the thirteen set out in the previous plan:

Connectivity: To provide reliable, affordable and joined-up transport and digital services, so islanders can access services, jobs and wider social and economic opportunities on equal terms.

Housing: To increase the availability of affordable, suitable homes on islands, supporting economic growth, year-round communities, essential services and long-term population sustainability.

Health and Social Care: To improve access to tailored health and care on islands by strengthening local services, embedding digital care where appropriate, and giving island communities more influence over decisions. Economy, Education and Skills: To grow sustainable island economies through targeted investment, support for local businesses, and education and training opportunities that enable islanders to learn and work locally.

Climate, Nature and Energy: To accelerate the transition to net zero on islands by supporting renewable and nature-based solutions, ensuring local ownership, and securing fair returns for island communities. Poverty and Social Justice: To reduce poverty and inequality on islands by addressing higher living costs, tackling fuel and transport challenges, and improving access to services and opportunities. Empowered Communities and Culture: To strengthen island communities by investing in local leadership, building community capacity, and supporting island cultures, languages and heritage.

The National Islands Plan is likely to affect all children and young people living in Scotland’s island communities, from early years through to young adulthood. Children from low-income households, those experiencing poverty, children with additional support needs or disabilities, and care experienced children may be particularly affected by changes to service provision, transport, housing availability and access to support. Children living on smaller or more outlying islands may experience impacts more acutely due to reduced service availability and greater reliance on transport and digital connectivity. While the Plan applies to all island residents, children and young people may be more acutely impacted by decisions relating to service design and delivery.

Start date of proposal’s development:

As required by the Islands Act, the Plan underwent a full review in 2023. A public consultation comprising in-person events, virtual workshops, and a dedicated online portal gave everyone with an interest in the Plan the opportunity to comment on its impact and effectiveness. An independent report summarising the main findings was published in April 2024.

Start date of CRWIA process:

The CRWIA on the new National Islands Plan was first considered during the review in 2023.

2. With reference given to the requirements of the UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024, which aspects of the proposal are relevant to/impact upon children’s rights?

A number of UNCRC requirements are engaged by the National Islands Plan. The Plan engages children’s rights to be heard and taken seriously in matters affecting them, as well as rights relating to health, education, an adequate standard of living, inclusion of children with disabilities, and access to play, leisure and cultural life. The extent to which these rights are realised will depend on how the Plan is implemented and whether children’s needs are explicitly considered in delivery. As mentioned above, full impacts associated with the delivery of specific elements of the plan will be outlined in CRWIAs as policy changes being developed.

The National Islands Plan supports Article 2 (non-discrimination) by seeking to address structural inequalities faced by island communities, including children and young people who may otherwise experience disadvantage due to geography, poverty or limited access to services. By focusing on improving access to housing, transport, digital connectivity and essential services, the Plan aims to reduce disparities between island and mainland children and promote more equitable outcomes.

In line with Article 3 (best interests of the child), the Plan’s emphasis on sustainable communities, service resilience and long-term population wellbeing creates conditions that support children’s development and quality of life. Actions designed to strengthen local economies, improve service accessibility and support families help ensure that decisions taken under the Plan consider the broader interests of children living in island communities.

The Plan contributes to Article 6 (right to life, survival and development) by addressing key social and economic factors that underpin children’s ability to thrive. Improvements in housing quality, healthcare access, education, employment opportunities for families and community infrastructure support children’s physical, emotional and social development, both in the short and long term.

The National Islands Plan supports Article 12 (right to be heard) through its focus on community empowerment and engagement. By encouraging inclusive participation in local decision-making, the Plan creates opportunities for children and young people to express their views on issues affecting their communities, provided that engagement mechanisms explicitly include and are accessible to younger voices.

The National Islands Plan outlines a programme of actions that can positively contribute to Article 18 (Parental Responsibilities and State Support). The Plans commitments to improve the provision of childcare and education on islands contribute to government efforts to meet its duty of assisting parents to fulfil their responsibility toward their children, supporting family wellbeing and family capacity to provide safe and nurturing spaces for development. Additionally, further commitments such as integration of services (including health and social care), improving place-based community planning, and engagement with young islanders can all positively impact the realisation of Article 18 on Scottish islands, ensuring that parents are better assisted in raising their children in environments that support development, wellbeing and inclusion.

In relation to Article 23 (children with disabilities), the Plan’s commitment to inclusive service design, improved connectivity and accessible infrastructure has the potential to reduce barriers faced by children with disabilities living in island communities. Improved transport, digital services and local provision can enhance access to education, healthcare and social participation for disabled children.

The Plan positively supports Article 24 (right to health) by seeking to improve access to healthcare services, including through workforce sustainability, digital health solutions and improved transport connectivity. Reduced isolation, better access to community services and improved living conditions may also contribute to better mental health and wellbeing for children and young people.

In support of Article 27 (adequate standard of living), the National Islands Plan includes actions aimed at improving housing availability and affordability, supporting fair work and strengthening local economies. These measures can help reduce financial stress on families, contributing to more stable and supportive home environments for children.

The Plan advances Article 28 (right to education) by addressing barriers to learning in island communities, including digital connectivity, transport and access to skills and training opportunities. Improved infrastructure and service sustainability can help children and young people access education more consistently and equitably, supporting attainment and lifelong learning.

In advancing Article 29 (Aims of Education) the Plan sets out a wide-ranging programme of actions that are designed to strengthen and enrich educational opportunities for children across islands. This includes the strengthening of education provision across island areas, supporting Gaelic and local languages, and bolstering community-based learning opportunities. These actions align with the aims by making education more accessible, culturally relevant and rooted in local identity. Further, by promoting lifelong learning pathways and community engagement, the Plan can help island children build confidence, broaden aspirations and participate meaningfully in civic life, embodying the holistic educational vision at the heart of Article 29.

The Plan proposes a list of actions that can positively impact Article 30 (Rights of Minority Cultures). It recognises the distinct cultural heritage of island communities and includes commitments to support island languages (notably Gaelic) arts, heritage and cultural activities. By investing in initiatives that celebrate and sustain local traditions, events, creative expression and language skills, the Plan helps safeguard these cultural resources for young islanders. This empowers children to maintain and develop their cultural identities within their communities and beyond, directly advancing the rights articulated in Article 30.

The National Islands Plan supports Article 31 (right to play, leisure and culture) by investing in community infrastructure, cultural activity and access to the natural environment. Island settings offer unique opportunities for outdoor play, cultural participation and connection to place, and the Plan seeks to protect and enhance these opportunities for children and young people. The Plan also makes commitments regarding Gaelic which will positively impact Gaelic speakers of all ages, reaffirming the standing of Gaelic within island communities

3. Please provide a summary of the evidence gathered which will be used to inform your decision-making and the content of the proposal

Evidence from:

• existing research/reports/policy expertise:

Scottish Islands Data Dashboard by RESAS - Infogram

Supporting documents - Scottish Islands Data Overview (2025) - gov.scot

National Islands Plan review: consultation analysis - gov.scot

National Islands Plan - Draft - gov.scot

Supporting documents - Scottish Islands Survey 2023: main findings report - gov.scot

Census 2022 - Island Groups - data.gov.uk

Child poverty analysis - gov.scot

• consultation/feedback from stakeholders

A public consultation comprising in-person events, virtual workshops, and a dedicated online portal gave everyone with an interest in the Plan the opportunity to comment on its impact and effectiveness. An independent report summarising the main findings was published in April 2024.

• consultation/feedback directly from children and young people

Children’s participation and lived experience

There has been no specific consultation for children and young people however there has been engagement through schools. There is also a need to involve children in the delivery of the National Islands Plan. Meaningful engagement with children and young people is essential to understanding how island policies affect their daily lives, including access to education, healthcare, social activities and support networks. Children and young people living in island communities can provide valuable insight into the impact of isolation, transport limitations and service availability, as well as what helps them feel safe, included and able to thrive. Continued engagement through schools, youth organisations and local participation structures will help ensure that implementation of the Plan reflects children’s lived experience and supports their rights to be heard.

Young Islanders Network

The Young Islanders Network provides an important mechanism for engaging children and young people living on Scotland’s islands in the development and delivery of island policy, including the National Islands Plan. The Network supports participation by creating opportunities for young islanders to share their lived experiences, priorities and views on issues that directly affect their rights and wellbeing, such as access to education, housing, transport, digital connectivity and employment. Through this engagement, the Network helps ensure that the voices of children and young people are meaningfully considered in decision-making, supporting progression of Article 12 of the UNCRC requirements in this area, and contributing to policies that better reflect the distinct circumstances of island childhoods. Continued engagement with the Young Islanders Network will help to identify potential positive and negative impacts of the refreshed National Islands Plan on children and young people as it is implemented, and inform mitigation and improvement actions where required.

4. Further to the evidence described at ‘3’ have you identified any 'gaps' in evidence which may prevent determination of impact? If yes, please provide an explanation of how they will be addressed

At this stage, no gaps in the evidence base have been identified that would limit the ability to assess the likely impacts of the National Islands Plan on children’s rights and wellbeing. The CRWIA has been informed by a broad range of qualitative and quantitative evidence, including consultation with island communities and stakeholders, and existing demographic, socio-economic and island-specific data. As the Plan is strategic in nature and provides an overarching framework rather than setting out detailed policy interventions, it is not possible to determine all future impacts at this stage. Any evidence gaps that may arise will be considered as individual policies, programmes and actions are developed and delivered, at which point further, more targeted CRWIAs will be undertaken as appropriate.

5. Analysis of Evidence

Positive impacts

The National Islands Plan may deliver positive impacts for children and young people by improving access to essential services, including education and healthcare, and by reducing isolation through improved transport and digital connectivity. Measures that support affordable housing, fair work and local economic development may help improve family stability and reduce stress associated with financial insecurity. Investment in community infrastructure, culture, sport and the natural environment may enhance opportunities for play, leisure and social connection, contributing to improved wellbeing and resilience among children and young people growing up in island communities.

Limitations and dependencies

While the National Islands Plan has strong potential to support children’s rights under the UNCRC, the extent of its positive impact will depend on how actions are implemented at national and local levels. As a strategic framework, the Plan does not in itself deliver services, and outcomes for children and young people will rely on effective delivery across government, availability of resources, and alignment with other policies and programmes.

There is a risk that benefits may not be experienced proportionately across all island communities or by all children, particularly those living in poverty, with additional support needs, or in more outlying islands. Actions that rely heavily on digital solutions, transport improvements or community capacity may inadvertently exclude some children if affordability, accessibility and local variation are not fully addressed. Meaningful inclusion of children’s voices is also dependent on engagement approaches that are explicitly designed to reach and support children and young people.

Ongoing monitoring, targeted support and continued engagement with children, young people and families will therefore be essential to ensure that implementation of the Plan consistently promotes children’s rights and wellbeing and avoids unintended negative impacts.

6. What changes (if any) have been made to the proposal as a result of this assessment?

This CRWIA has informed that no changes to the National Islands Plan are required as a result of the potential impacts identified from this assessment. The Plan is strategic in nature and has been developed in alignment with the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), with a strong focus on improving outcomes, reducing inequalities and supporting wellbeing in island communities, including for children and young people. The assessment has not identified any negative or disproportionate impacts on children’s rights and wellbeing, and the Plan’s place-based, inclusive approach is expected to support positive outcomes for children and young people across Scotland’s islands. Any specific impacts on children’s rights will be further considered as individual policies and actions are developed and implemented, at which point further assessments will be undertaken where required.