Scottish Futures Trust: Five Year Review 2019/20


Our five year Corporate Plan period began in April 2019 just as Scotland announced itself as one of the first nations to declare a global climate emergency which was followed by Scottish Government making a bold commitment to become net zero by 2045.


In early 2019, the Infrastructure Commission for Scotland (ICS) was established to provide Scottish Government with independent, informed advice on the vision, ambition and priorities for a 30-year infrastructure strategy.


We were asked to lead the ICS secretariat function and, in January 2020 the ICS published its Phase 1: Key Findings Report – A Blueprint for Scotland and six months later published its Phase 2: Delivery Findings Report. Many of the recommendations within the Reports have been used by Scottish Government to influence decision making that support an


inclusive, net zero carbon economy in Scotland.


In 2019, Scottish Government launched its £2bn Learning Estate Investment Programme aimed at further improving the condition of more schools. The Programme is underpinned by an innovative ‘outcomes-based’ funding approach we developed on behalf of Scottish Government and COSLA, whereby school buildings must achieve certain outcomes in relation to maintenance, energy efficiency, digital connectivity, economic growth and embodied carbon to secure all funding.


But our financial year, and that of all our partners ended very differently to how it began when on 16 March 2020 the ‘stay at home’ advice was given to protect everyone from COVID-19. Our strong Corporate Services backbone together with our cloud-based business systems and pre-existing flexible work culture allowed us to continue to work effectively across the business and with our stakeholders and partners.


Some other notable highlights include:


• Recognising the huge economic and social impact enhanced digital capabilities would have across Scotland, we helped establish the Scotland 5G Centre to provide early leadership in this transformative technology


• We supported City of Glasgow College and the Scottish Funding Council on the sale of the iconic Met Tower in Glasgow to allow the private sector to bring forward its redevelopment


• Building on the success of our National Housing Trust programme and working with The City of Edinburgh Council and Scottish Government, we created ‘Edinburgh Living’ to increase the supply of mid- market rent homes across the city


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