The Public Service Leadership Statement creates a shared understanding of what effective leadership looks like across Scotland’s public services.
The First Minister announced the publication of the Public Service Leadership Statement as part of his keynote address at the Charity Leadership Scotland Conference on 23 September 2026 in Edinburgh.
It sets out a shared vision for leadership across Scotland’s public services and reinforces a collective commitment to improving outcomes. The Statement’s development has been informed by research, existing frameworks, and engagement with senior leaders across Scotland’s public, third and private sectors, academia, and government.
The Statement recognises that Scotland’s most complex and pressing challenges cannot be addressed by any single organisation acting alone. It establishes a common set of leadership expectations and behaviours designed to strengthen collaboration across organisational, professional and sectoral boundaries, while ensuring public services remain trusted, responsive and focused on delivering public value.
At its heart is a shared commitment to leadership that responds to the needs, experiences and aspirations of Scotland’s people and communities. The Statement highlights the importance of leaders working with confidence, curiosity, kindness and integrity, while acting as stewards of public resources, public trust and long-term wellbeing.
The publication aligns with Scotland’s National Outcomes, the Public Service Reform Strategy and statutory Best Value duties, providing a shared foundation for how leadership is demonstrated across the public sector.
By setting out a shared approach to leadership across Scotland’s public services, the Statement aims to help create the conditions for stronger collaboration, system-wide learning and continuous improvement.
Please see below a link to the Gaelic Version of this Public Service Leadership Statement;