Psychology Matters: BPS launches manifesto for Scottish Parliament election 2026
Ahead of the election to the Scottish Parliament next year, the British Psychological Society’s manifesto calls for psychology to be at the heart of policy making, with an approach that places people first.
16 June 2025
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Psychology provides the insight needed to develop policies and design public services that are 'genuinely inclusive, effective and person-centred', it says.
Priority calls to action
The manifesto outlines three priority areas, alongside evidence-based recommendations, that should form part of the new Scottish government's agenda across education, health and justice:
1. Focusing on prevention and early intervention, including meeting the needs of children and young people
2. Achieving genuine parity of esteem for mental and physical health
3. Supporting and expanding the psychology workforce to meet demand
Yana Yaneva, chair of BPS Scottish Branch, said:
"With ever-increasing demand for already stretched services, it's essential we have a workforce fit for the future to enable better, and more equal, access to services for all.
"Whether we are responding to crises, helping to prevent people from reaching that point, or working in rehabilitation or managing long-term conditions, psychologists have the skills needed to help individuals and the wider population to improve their health and wellbeing.
Whole person, whole system focus
"However, people's health and wellbeing are not solely defined by their medical conditions or health needs. Psychologists consider the whole of the person and their lived experience.
"So, giving the public greater access to evidence-based psychology services at the right time, in the right place, with the right person is critical and supports the Scottish government's ambitions for a healthier, more equitable Scotland.
"We're keen to work with political and policy decisionmakers to share insight from the psychology profession and help tackle some of the biggest issues facing society."
Read our recommendations in full
You can read our manifesto, calls to action for the next Scottish government, now and more about Psychology Matters on the BPS website.