Publication - Strategy/plan
Serving Scotland: our five-year plan
This is the civil service of the Scottish Government's five-year change plan, setting out how it will evolve and improve from 2026 to 2031, to support ministers serve the people of Scotland.
Our timeline
These milestones mark our major commitments to 2031. Beyond this, we will continue to work to find everyday improvements and efficiencies.
2026: Setting our ambition
- hybrid working supported by a desk and facilities booking system
- more efficient ways of working with ministers
- five-year Programme for Government published
- shared leadership statement developed with the Scottish Leaders Forum
- Copilot Premium available to staff
2027: Strengthening our foundations
- People Plan, Diversity and Inclusion Plan, and future workforce plans published
- Corporate Digital Plan published
- performance management framework and location policy reviewed
2028: Growing our capability
- investment in leadership and management development increased, with core skills standards set
- strengthened finance profession established
2029-30: Embedding the change
- AI and automation reduces administrative burden
- performance culture strengthens feedback and coaching
- Climate Action Plan reduces estate emissions
2031: Our next chapter
Progress towards a trusted and high-performing civil service assessed, lessons learned, and next plan shaped
Contact
Email: PermanentSecretary@gov.scot