Scotland is at a critical juncture in facing up to the challenges posed by climate change. Already we are more frequently experiencing the kind of extreme weather events which used to be considered exceptional. The effects are tangible and real; severe storms, flooding, power losses, transport disruption, rising insurance costs, disrupted services and even fatalities. What does Scotland need to do now to mitigate the damage that future climate-driven weather extremes will otherwise bring to people, communities, homes and businesses?

This conference will take place online. 

Antisocial behaviour in Scotland features regularly in news reporting in a variety of different contexts. That it is taking place and is causing significant damage to the quality of life for both individuals and communities is not in dispute. The question is, who has the responsibility to tackle it, when should they be addressing it and how can this be given priority for both cure and prevention?

This conference takes place online.

The Freedom of Information (FOI) landscape in Scotland is at a crossroads. The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 enacted twenty years ago put in place a commitment to transparency and accountability as a cornerstone of Scottish governance. However, the rise of the digital age and the evolution in public services delivery has led to calls for FOI legislation to be extended. What needs to be changed in FOI law and in best practices to ensure they remain robust and effective?

This conference takes place online.

Scotland’s communities are the cornerstone of national wellbeing – places where people live, work, connect and contribute. However, communities and places that function well and that people want to live in depend upon having core building blocks in place. What are these and how do we ensure every community has them? The introduction of the Scottish Government’s new Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill, means that answering that question is critical to its success and to the viability of our communities. This conference explores the relationship between the aspirations of the new legislation and the practical, everyday realities and needs of Scottish communities.

This conference takes place online.