Exploring qualitative outcomes to support progress towards keeping the promise

3. Approach

Seven of the ten Vision Statements in the Promise Story of Progress are relevant to the DEG’s current focus (in year one of the DEG’s work) on ‘children and families currently experiencing care’. These are the Statements for:

• Carers and Stability
• Education
• Brothers and Sisters
• Physical Restraint
• Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Health
• Justice

To develop qualitative outcomes aligned to these Vision Statements, the sub-group engaged with relevant experts across Scottish Government analytical services divisions and partner organisations between August and November 2025. A template was developed which asked for proposals for qualitative outcomes, as well as any suggestions for where and how data might best be accessed to evidence those outcomes.

The approach was piloted with Justice Analytical Services in late summer 2025. Templates were then issued to analysts in Children and Families, Health and Social Care, and Education. Colleagues at the Care Inspectorate provided suggestions for the qualitative outcomes on physical restraint, as well as highlighting their self-evaluation tool which was co-developed with the sector. The sub-group assessed the pro forma returns, as well as relevant qualitative evidence from other sources that members were aware of, to refine the material and reduce some overlap in suggestions. The resulting qualitative outcomes are listed below under their relevant Vision Statements.