Our voice at Scotland Policy Conference

On Monday 18^th May, Sara Murphy, Managing Director at Community Integrated Care, joined panellists on Scotland Policy Conferences latest seminar, ‘Next steps for the health and social care system in Scotland.’

The online event brought together policymakers, stakeholders and sector leaders to explore the future direction of health and social care, following recent policy developments and the findings of the NHS in Scotland 2025 report.

With discussions focusing on key considerations for implementation of the Health and Social Care Service Renewal Framework, the Population Health Framework, and the Care Reform (Scotland) Act, the session explored how these programmes can best support system sustainability.

Sara contributed to the seminar by sharing frontline insights from a provider perspective, highlighting the importance of ensuring that reform is grounded in the lived experiences of the people who draw on care and support, as well as the colleagues who deliver it every day.

The event also explored priorities for Scotland’s Health and Social Care budget 2026-2027, including how to maximise the impact of investment, improve productivity and deliver better outcomes.

Further discussions covered the establishment of the National Social Work Agency and the continued rollout of measures under the Care Reform (Scotland) Act, including enhanced rights and support for unpaid carers and the workforce.

Reflecting on the event Sara said, “I was proud to represent Community Integrated Care and contribute to such an important discussion at the Scotland Policy Conference. Every day we see the real difference that high quality, person-centred care makes in people’s lives, and how vital it is that social care is recognised as a central part of the solution. Events like this are an important opportunity to bring policy and practice together, ensuring the voices and experiences of the people we support, and those delivering care, remain at the heart of decision-making. I look forward to continuing to work with colleagues across the sector to drive meaningful change that enables people to live their best lives possible.”