Eurochild Annual Conference

Iain GillonSCLD Publication

SCLD Chief Executive Bruce Adamson recently took part in Eurochild’s annual conference which brought together children and young people, civil society organisations, public authorities, academics and child rights advocates from across Europe. The conference focused on many of the issues that sit at the heart of rights-based systems: participation, inclusion, disability, mental health, deinstitutionalisation, digital safety, poverty, protection and the need for stronger public services.   The programme was co-moderated by …

The UK Right to Food Commission 12/6/26

Iain GillonSCLD Publication

Last week Bruce Adamson, Chief Executive of the Scottish Commission for People with Learning Disabilities, gave evidence to the UK Commission on the Right to Food as part of a panel on legislation and the roadmap towards a right to food in Scotland.  The discussion explored how Scotland could move from warm words and policy commitments to enforceable rights, practical …

Cheshire West Statement

Iain GillonSCLD Publication

The UK Supreme Court has overturned the Cheshire West approach to deprivation of liberty for people deemed to lack the capacity to consent to their care and living arrangements. In 2014, the P v Cheshire West and Chester Council & Anor [2014] UKSC 19 (‘Cheshire West’) ruling established that if a person is subject to ‘continuous supervision and control’ and …

Scotland’s Next Step: Turning Rights into Reality

Iain GillonSCLD Publication

Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for Scotland. A new Parliament has the opportunity, and responsibility, to work with and for people with learning disabilities to deliver change that has been long promised, but not yet realised.   As I take up my role as Chief Executive of The Scottish Commission for People with Learning Disabilities (SCLD), I do so at a moment of genuine …

Trustee Recruitment

Iain GillonSCLD Publication

The Scottish Commission for People with Learning Disabilities (SCLD) Board of Trustees is looking for new trustees who can help make Scotland a fairer place where people with learning disabilities live full, safe, loving and equal lives. This is a pivotal and exciting moment for our organisation.  As we approach our 25th anniversary, SCLD is proud of its history, its values and its contribution to improving …

SCLD announces Bruce Adamson as new CEO

Web AdminNews item

The Scottish Commission for People with Learning Disabilities (SCLD) has today announced that the former Children and Young People’s Commissioner of Scotland, Bruce Adamson, has been appointed as its new Chief Executive. Bruce Adamson is an internationally recognised human rights lawyer with 30 years’ experience working with communities in over 20 countries to advance legal and policy reform. He brings …

Women’s History Month 2026 – Leading The Change

Web AdminBlog

Leading The Change: How women with learning disabilities are shaping systems in gender-based violence Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate progress, honour resilience, and confront the injustices that continue to shape women’s lives. One of the most overlooked of these injustices sits at the intersection of gender‑based violence and learning disabilities. When we talk about violence against women, …

SCLD’s 12 Point Plan for Change

Web AdminNews item, SCLD Publication

SCLD has launched a new 12 Point Plan for Change setting out key priorities for the next Scottish Government.  The plan has been shaped by the voices and experiences of people with learning disabilities and has support from 18 of our partner organisations across the third sector.    As a central priority, the plan asks the next Scottish Government to bring forward an LDAN Bill. The LDAN Bill represents a critical opportunity to address the systemic inequalities and barriers that …

Publication of the Scottish Government’s new Coming Home Action Plan

Web AdminNews item

SCLD welcomes the publication of the Scottish Government’s new Coming Home Action Plan and the announcement of a £20 million funding commitment to support implementation.  The new plan seeks to address the outstanding recommendations from the Coming Home Implementation Report, and identifies further actions to greatly reduce inappropriate out-of-area placements and delayed discharges for people with learning disabilities and complex needs.  The plan recognises that despite significant effort and commitment, at all levels, the number of people in inappropriate settings has not been reduced in line …

SCLD Welcomes Draft Provisions for Proposed LDAN Bill

Web AdminNews item, SCLD Publication

The Scottish Commission for People with Learning Disabilities (SCLD) has welcomed the Scottish Government’s publication of the draft policy provisions for the proposed Learning Disability, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill (the LDAN Bill). Lorne Berkley, SCLD’s Strategic Lead: Policy and Rights, said: “We are pleased the Government has published the draft provisions ahead of the Parliamentary Elections in May.  This is …