BPS cautions against losing momentum on crucial areas missing from Scotland’s policy priorities

The Society is pleased the PfG addresses issues including concerns about attendance and behaviour in classrooms; funding to support the recruitment, retention and training of the additional support needs (ASN) workforce; and the establishment of a Women's Health Research Fund to close gaps in women's health research.

But it is concerned that momentum could be lost on other key areas which failed to feature explicitly in the programme, including:

• Mental health law reform
• Meeting the needs of those with a learning disability, autism and neurodivergence
• Achieving genuine parity of esteem between physical and mental health 

Yana Yaneva, chair of BPS Scottish Branch, said: 

"We urge the Scottish government to ensure that momentum is not lost on delivering the much-needed improvements in key areas which did not feature in the Programme for Government. These crucial areas must be addressed as a matter of urgency.

"Research shows that people with a mental illness are 2-3 times more likely to die prematurely than the general population – much more needs to be done to address this inequity. 

"Giving the public greater access to evidence-based psychology services at the right time, in the right place, with the right person not only helps individuals, but supports the Scottish government's ambitions for a healthier, more equitable Scotland.

"BPS looks forward to continuing to share insight from the psychology profession to help tackle some of the biggest issues facing society."

Programme for Government 2025 - 2026