Reflecting on SDS National Voice 2025

In March we were delighted to welcome more than 160 people to our annual conference, SDS National Voice.

Held in person at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, and online for those who couldn’t attend in person, the event brought together representatives from across the sector with a focus on improving the implementation of Self-directed Support and shaping the future of social care in Scotland.

In her opening keynote address, Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport, Maree Todd MSP, reflected on what had been learned throughout the codesign process for the National Care Service, and through the recent Post-Legislative Scrutiny of the Self-directed Support Act. She also shared an update on the plans for an interim advisory board to guide social care reform in Scotland under the forthcoming Care Reform (Scotland) Bill.

Delegates also heard from SDS Scotland CEO Donald Macleod, who reflected on the impact of work that has been undertaken as part of the national SDS Improvement Plan, and from Jane Kellock (Social Work Scotland) and Ian Thomson (NHS Highland), who shared their learning from piloting the SDS Learning and Improvement Framework. Glasgow Centre for Inclusive Living CEO, Pauline Boyce, looked ahead to the organisation’s upcoming 30th anniversary and reflected on the Independent Living Movement in Scotland and the importance of centring disabled people in social care reform.

Delegates both in person and online had the chance to take part in a number of interactive workshops, covering topics including pooling budgets, supported decision making, PA Employer and PA learning resources, the SDS Standards, and more.

The SDS National Voice conference will return in March 2026. Please sign up to our newsletter at the bottom of the website to hear first when tickets are released.