Public Service Leadership Statement

Public Service Leadership Framework

Accountable to the public, our partners, our workforce and our governance arrangements, we shape and deliver trusted, effective and stronger public services that improve outcomes for Scotland’s diverse people and places, now and for future generations.

A whole place / whole system mindset

• We work across organisational and professional boundaries to deliver joined-up support and services.
• We align strategy, resources and decisions to improve outcomes, reduce inequality and advance fairness.
• We focus on prevention and long-term wellbeing through collective action.
• We work across differences to secure better outcomes with people and places.

Building trust and enabling candour

• We build trust through openness, honesty and constructive challenge.
• We create psychological safety so people know their voice will be heard - effective voice is a critical element of fair work.
• We give and receive feedback respectfully and candidly.
• We invest in leadership at all levels, in relationships and in shared approaches to problem-solving.

Valuing learning, expertise, foresight and innovation

• We value lived experience and expertise alongside evidence, data and digital capability to improve services.
• We test, learn and adapt.
• We take proportionate risks in pursuit of better outcomes.
• We support continuous learning and leadership development.

Modelling shared values and accountability

• We demonstrate integrity, kindness, stewardship and ethical judgement.
• We use public resources ethically and effectively.
• We balance innovation with stewardship, collaboration with accountability, and empowerment with good governance.
• We ensure effective governance and take responsibility for our decisions.

We actively champion equality, inclusion and human rights in how we make decisions, allocate resources and deliver services, particularly for people and communities facing the greatest barriers and inequalities.

We do things ‘once and well’ wherever possible.