The contract award for seven new CalMac ferries to a Polish firm has highlighted the use of social value in Scottish procurement. In this briefing, we explain how social value should work and highlight other… Read More »Social Value and Procurement Reform
Sports and culture benefit individuals, communities, and the economy. These include physical and mental wellbeing, individual development, building stronger communities and contributing massively to the Scottish economy. This paper examines the state of sports and… Read More »Sports and Culture in Scotland
This year’s STUC Congress will likely pass several motions calling for improvements in public services that will impact public finances. Political conferences, campaign groups, and even think tanks are similar! Less consideration is given to… Read More »Tax Justice
Recent job losses in the North Sea and at the Grangemouth site have highlighted the inadequate measures companies and governments are taking to ensure a Just Transition from fossil fuel industries. In this briefing, we… Read More »A Just Transition?
The new UK Government has given the reform of the UK pension system a high priority. The immediate focus is on pension fund investment to ensure fewer, bigger, better-run pension schemes. While occupational pensions are… Read More »Pension Fund Investment and the Economy
Governments and opposition parties appear to have rediscovered public service reform. From policy speeches to legislation the subject is rarely out of the news. In this briefing, we outline the ideas and suggest that most… Read More »Public Service Reform
On 4 December 2024, the Scottish Government published its proposed spending and tax plans for the financial year 2025/26. This is the start of the budget process that aims to have the Budget Bill passed… Read More »Scottish Budget 2025/26
There has recently been a flurry of political interest in devolving immigration powers. In our latest briefing, we examine the case for devolving immigration powers to Scotland and how a devolved system might work. The… Read More »Devolving Immigration Powers
Mick Lynch, the RMT’s general secretary, will give the Jimmy Reid Memorial Lecture next month (24 October). He will do so during significant changes to the railway system across the UK. This briefing outlines the… Read More »All Change on the Railways?
The Foundation is delighted that its 2024 annual lecture will be given by Mick Lynch, the General Secretary of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) trade union, on Thursday, 24 October… Read More »Jimmy Reid Memorial Lecture 2024