In 2020, Scotland made a promise that all children would grow up loved, safe, and respected - this is known as 'The Promise'.

The Promise Story of Progress, an agreed approach for understanding progress, has been published on 17th December 2025. This is a joint piece of work between The Promise Scotland, the Scottish Government and COSLA. All three partners will continue this work into 2026 and beyond, as we build on our understanding of change and progress.

COSLA's Resources Spokesperson, Councillor Tony Buchanan, commented:

"Following the publication of the Promise Progress Framework in December 2024, we are pleased to share the next stage of this work: the Promise Story of Progress. This now brings together national data, organisational learning, and lived experience, to support our understanding of progress to keep the promise by 2030.

"This is not a finished product. The Promise Story of Progress is an evolving approach to understanding change, rooted in real experience. It answers three key questions: how Scotland is doing, how organisations are doing, and whether the care community feels the impact. Bringing these perspectives together helps connect meaningful dialogue to practical action; deepening our understanding of what matters to our care experienced community and driving improvements that make a real difference.

"We will continue to develop this work in 2026 and beyond, building on what we have learned and strengthening how Scotland measures and understands progress. Our hope is that this tool will empower practitioners, leaders, and communities to reflect, learn, and act, keeping the focus on what matters most: ensuring every child grows up loved, safe, and respected."

Further information

Read 'The Promise Story of Progress' here.

17th December 2025