National Care Service Charter of Rights: Island Communities impact assessment

Step Two – Data gathering and identifying stakeholders

There are a few data sources which provide evidence about population demographics which are likely to impact on social care and health outcomes, and evidence relating to use of social care support by island communities. Most data is available at local authority level, however the Scottish Islands Survey allows data to be broken down by island chains, providing more in-depth insights into island communities and differentiating between larger and smaller island communities.

The Inhabited Islands Analytical Report from Scotland’s Census 2021 provides population data relevant to health and social care outcomes, including:

• age profile of island populations
• self-reported assessment of health
• proportion of population providing unpaid care
• SIMD ratings

Public Health Scotland publish data about the number of people who access different types of support. For some indicators the most recent data is from 2018/19. This includes:

• number of people supported by social care overall
• number of people using home care services
• number of long term care home residents

Scottish Government national statistics publishes data that indicates the number of people receiving direct payments for social care support. SDS Scotland published qualitative research that provides evidence about issues faced by island communities relating to accessing social care support.

The Health and Care Experience Survey asked respondents a number of questions about their experience of social care and caring.

The Scottish Islands Survey was undertaken as part of the Scottish Government’s National Islands Plan. The survey was undertaken in 2020 and repeated in 2023. The survey provides data about digital and physical connectivity. Connectivity is relevant to the Charter because it influences the means by which people access information and support.

Key stakeholders include local authorities and health boards, as well as independent and third sector organisations that provide health and social care services.