Oversight Board calls on corporate parents to recommit to keeping the promise

Today – February 5 2026 – is the sixth anniversary of the promise being made in the Scottish Parliament. When it was, the commitment to implement the conclusions of the Independent Care Review in full received cross-party support and widespread institutional agreement.

Now, The Oversight Board is calling on Scotland's corporate parents to publicly recommit to making sure the promise is kept.

They said:

The Oversight Board asks that on this day, the anniversary of the promise being made, that all corporate parents recommit publicly to ensuring the promise is kept. The Oversight Board will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to identify where progress is being made and who is responsible for any lack of action.

A promise made is not something that can be forgotten. The community of people who are or have experienced care deserves maximum effort from those responsible for making the necessary changes to ensure they face no unnecessary barriers in their lives. The promise must be kept.

The call comes on the first anniversary of publication for The Oversight Board's third report, which found that unexpected events and systematic barriers had delayed implementation of the promise.

Read Report THREE.

About the author

David Anderson

As chair, David focuses on evidence, accountability and progress. He supports efforts to ensure that the voices and experiences of children, young people and families remain central to how Scotland delievers its commitment to keep the promise.

He brings  experience in children's services, social policy and community development and, with his wife Anne-Sophie, runs a seven hectare theraputic farm providing animal assisted education and care for children and young people.