Single Scottish Estate (SSE) Programme: reflections and progress report
This reflections report showcases what the Single Scottish Estate has achieved in its first two years of delivery, highlighting successes of the programme.
1. SRO Statement - Morag Angus, Chief Surveyor
As we pass the two-year point of the SSE Programme, I wanted to take the opportunity to reflect on our collective progress, achievements and outline some of our plans for going forward.
I am pleased to be reporting on our collective behalf having reached over half of our initial financial targets already. I am even more pleased by the collaboration and partnership working established which is central to that and which characterised all the achievements and I trust will continue as our keystone.
The SSE Programme continues to make significant strides towards transforming and optimising Scotland’s public sector property estate. The aim is clear, to ensure that our public sector estate which supports delivery of excellent services to the people of Scotland is financially and environmentally sustainable. The Programme supports this aim by enhancing operational efficiency, generating savings and avoiding excess future spend, and contributes to Scotland’s journey towards achieving net-zero emissions.
A key focus of the Programme is ensuring alignment with Public Service Reform (PSR). It provides enabling levers and opportunities for public bodies through co-location and strategic estates strategy to support the transformation of public services for what is required now and in the future. The SSE Programme is supporting the 2025/26 Programme for Government (PfG) commitment related to reforming services, which builds on a previous PfG commitment for a more efficient approach to public sector property management.
It also supports the Scottish Government commitment in the Resource Spending Review (RSR) to minimise cost and maximise best value in relation to the public sector estate and is a lever available to help public bodies meet financial challenges and ensure fiscal sustainability going forward. Scottish Ministers see SSE as a key enabler helping us work collectively to make the best overall use of public finances.