Our Priorities

My commitment and duties to work towards a country that provides everything all children are entitled to and to hold to account those responsible for delivering that.

Our Priorities

Table of contents

When I became Commissioner in August 2023 my immediate priority, and my duty as Commissioner, was to listen to children and young people to inform my approach.  ‘Our Plan’ 2024-28 is based on children and young people’s experiences, insights, and opinions. Our research and review of evidence showed that poverty, education, mental health, are the top issues and climate change was still a priority for children and young people. They recognised that we must prioritise but challenged us to continue to keep their concerns about climate change visible in our work and to consider issues of discrimination throughout our work too.

And the golden thread through these issues is the call from children and young people to be more involved in decision-making. We asked children and young people what is most important to them now, and what will matter in the future. Their priorities are our priorities. Explore the links above to learn more.

Watch how our plan was made

How our priorities were shaped

“Mum and Dad
are struggling
to pay bills.
Everything is so
expensive.”

“It’s hard to access mental health support.”

“Everyone learns
differently and classes
need to change to
support that.”

You told us loud and clear that you wanted us to focus on the following issues – 65% (nearly 2 in 3) agreeing that Poverty, Education and Mental Health are the top issues for children and young people right now.

Reviewed over 130 pieces of evidence and research on children and young people’s views.

Analysed responses from over 5000 children and young people to our survey.

Involved 375 children and young people in our direct engagement sessions.

Engaged with around 7000 children in our online assemblies.

 Our Young Advisors helped us from the very beginning, from creating resources to helping us with workshop sessions and roundtables.

“This is a time for us to be ambitious and
demanding for a Scotland where every child
can enjoy their rights.”

Nicola Killean

Thanks to all the children and young people who helped shape our priorities

Learn more…

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