Policy briefings

Author: Elaine Douglas et al.
Abstract: The Healthy Ageing in Scotland (HAGIS) COVID-19 Impact and Recovery Study is a multidisciplinary, large-scale study of older adults (aged 50) living in Scotland. The study explored COVID-19 concerns in older adults and its impact on their willingness to (re)engage across health, social, and economic domains as Scotland’s economy and society emerged from the pandemic.
Date: December 2022
Tags: COVID-19, COVID, recovery, impact, older adults

Author: Dr Irena Connon et al.
Abstract: Climate risk for children is significantly different from that of the broader community, with children in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia most at risk from climate change in 2020. This paper provides a descriptive overview of the findings of the Systematic Literature Review package from the Children’s Climate Risk Index (CCRI) Project.
Date: April 2022
Tags: Climate Change, Children, Young People, Climate Risk

Author: Professor Lena Dominelli et al.
Abstract: Climate risk for children is significantly different from that of the broader community, with children in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia most at risk from climate change in 2020. This paper, authored by the Data for Children Collaborative, in partnership with UNICEF, overviews a Children’s Climate Risk Index, which helps to explain and measure the likelihood of climate, environmental and socio-economic impacts of climate change.
Date: November 2021
Tags: Climate Change, Children, Young People, Climate Risk, COP26

Author: Dr Richard Purves et al.
Abstract: In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, large events such as Euro 2020 present a challenge to public health and governments as the circulation of athletes and spectators poses issues for different risk environments such as transport, local hospitality venues and the event venue itself. This briefing paper provides evidence regarding measures to mitigate virus transmission risks during EURO 2020 to inform the planning and delivery of future large sporting or cultural events.
Date: September 2021
Tags: COVID-19, mitigation, major events, EURO 2020, sport

Title: Using digital leisure to tackle social isolation: Insights from the BAMSA project
Author: Professor Samantha Punch et al.
Date: September 2021
Abstract: Globally, loneliness and isolation are on the rise, with policymakers recognising that there is an epidemic of loneliness that spans the generations. This briefing paper, drawing on findings from the Bridge: A Mind Sport for All (BAMSA) project, will be of particular relevance to those interested in developing safe and engaging leisure activities for older populations that provide meaningful connection.
Tags: Bridge, MindSport, loneliness, social connection, older people, COVID-19, lockdown, connectivity, digital leisure

Author: Dr Nathan Critchlow et al.
Abstract: Research routinely suggests a causal link between exposure to alcohol marketing and alcohol use among young people. This briefing presents data examining awareness of alcohol marketing among adolescents in Scotland, changes in marketing awareness between 2017 and 2019 and what factors are associated with seeing alcohol marketing.
Date: August 2021
Tags: alcohol, alcohol marketing, adolescents, teens, teenagers, public health, marketing

Author: Tessa Parkes et al.
Abstract: The Youth in Iceland Model (YiIM)is a community-based approach aiming to delay young people’s substance use through reducing risk factors and increasing protective factors. This paper considers how the approach can be adapted to for use in Dundee.
Date: April 2021
Tags: Substance use; harm reduction; drugs; alcohol; public health; young people; addiction

Author: Dr Annalisa Savaresi et al.
Date: April 2021
Abstract: Published ahead of the COP26 climate change conference in November, 202021, Dr Annalisa Savaresi and colleagues explore nature based solutions for climate change, people and biodiversity, in a briefing paper for the COP26 universities network.
Tags: Climate change, biodiversity, sustainability, resilience, COP26, environment

Author: Professor Iain Docherty et al.
Date: March 2021
Abstract: Covid-19 has forced countries around the world to make massive adaptations to the normal way of life to reduce the risk of the spread of the virus. This briefing sets out new insights into how people’s travel patterns have adapted over time and why. It draws on national data sources and a major panel survey of over 6000 people conducted in July and December 2020. It calls for a major realignment of investment and policy to ensure that we do not return to the overcrowded, congested, polluting and unhealthy transport system that people had come to accept as inevitable.
Tags: COVID-19, transport, coronavirus, economic recovery, economy, travel

Author: Professor Kate Hunt et al.
Date: March 2021
Abstract: The UK Government’s review of the Gambling Act 2005 seeks to ensure that Britain’s laws for gambling are fit for the digital age. This briefing paper uses early findings from the Betting and Gambling Covid-19 Impact study to highlight new evidence relevant to the review.
Tags: COVID-19, gambling, betting

Author: Professor Niamh Fitzgerald et al.
Date: February 2021
Abstract: Governments around the world have introduced a range of measures aimed at addressing the risk of COVID-19 transmission in licensed premises. This briefing provides insights for policymakers from the ‘Managing COVID-19 transmission risks in bars’ research, undertaken in Scotland in Spring/Summer 2020. As the only study of its kind to date, the findings help to fulfil an urgent need for evidence to inform and underpin evolving COVID-19 measures.
Tags: COVID-19, coronavirus, alcohol, licensed premises

Author:  Professor Maggie Cusack et al.
Date: July 2020
Abstract: The transition to a sustainable economy will require policymakers, businesses and other organisations to reconsider how they operate and to adopt alternative, low carbon ways of working. This briefing paper overviews the Stirling Protocol, a simple framework which enables organisations to balance the demands of economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion.
Tags: sustainability, net zero, low carbon, environment, prosperity, social inclusion

Author: Professor Maggie Cusack et al.
Date: July 2020
Abstract: Scotland’s Programme for Government 2019-20, Protecting Scotland’s Future, sets out an ambitious target to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. Meeting this objective will require policymakers, businesses and other organisations to reconsider how they operate, and make the transition to alternative, sustainable ways of working. This briefing paper overviews the Stirling Protocol, a simple framework which enables organisations to balance the demands of economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion.
Tags: sustainability, net zero, low carbon, environment, prosperity, social inclusion

Author: Dr Louise McCabe et al.
Date: May 2020
Abstract: Digital technology can play an important role in connecting individuals and families, and preventing social isolation, particularly in light of the global coronavirus pandemic. The Technology and Social Connectedness (T&Scon) project explored the potential of technology to support social connectedness for adults living in Scotland, producing a toolkit to provide guidance for individuals and organisations on the use of digital technology in building and maintaining social connections. This paper summarises the project’s key findings and recommendations for policymakers and practitioners.
Tags: Social isolation, loneliness, technology, social connectedness, coronavirus, social distancing, digital

Author: Professor David Bell et all.
Date: May 2020
Abstract: COVID-19 has caused a significant increase in deaths in Scotland, particularly amongst older individuals. Professor David Bell and colleagues explore key trends about the impact of coronavirus in Scotland's care homes.
Tags: coronavirus, COVID-19, care homes, care, social care

Author: Dr Michelle Donnelly
Date: April 2020
Abstract: This provocation paper explores​ the uniquely Scottish approach to youth justice by reflecting on the legacy of the Kilbrandon Report and​ highlighting inconsistencies towards the treatment of some children who come into contact with​ the Scottish youth justice system. It concludes by arguing that the identified contradictions could be​ resolved by raising the age of criminal responsibility to the cusp of adulthood.
Tags: children’s Hearings, justice, youth justice, young people

Author: Dr Tessa Parkes et al.
Date: Spring 2020
Abstract: In Scotland, rates of alcohol use and alcohol-related harm are high, with more than 1100 deaths attributable to alcohol in 2018. People who are experiencing homelessness are at a particularly high risk of alcohol use and associated harms, including experience of extreme social inequalities. Managed Alcohol Programmes (MAPs) are a harm reduction approach specifically for people experiencing homelessness, providing alcohol in measured, regular doses throughout the day, as well as a range of other supports including health and housing. This briefing paper summarise a study which aimed to scope the feasibility and acceptability of MAPs in Scotland.
Tags: alcoholism, homelessness, addiction, alcohol-related harm

Author: Sally Haw et al.
Date: January 2020
Abstract: This briefing provides insights into the relationship between tobacco branding, point of sale marketing and e-cigarette uptake among young people in Scotland. The paper will be of use to policymakers in Scotland, and further afield, when considering the next steps necessary to combat the uptake of smoking and vaping among young people.
Tags: smoking, vaping, e-cigarettes, tobacco

Author: Dr Sandra Engstrom et al.
Date: December 2019
Abstract: There are gaps in understanding what community resilience is and means to those working in communities, academia, practice and policy and how it is currently enacted in Scotland. Greater understanding of existing experiences can be used to encourage development of community resilience. By enhancing resilience, those affected by extreme events are better able to cope; communities are given a voice; and risk and vulnerability on local, national and global scales are reduced.
Tags: resilience, extreme events

Author: Dr Colin Moran et al.
Date: February 2019
Abstract: The Daily Mile is a physical activity programme through which primary-aged children run or walk for 15 minutes every day, at a self-selected pace. The initiative has grown in popularity nationally and internationally, initially driven by anecdotally reported benefits of participation. This briefing – drawing on three studies led by University of Stirling researchers − has the potential to inform the rollout of the Daily Mile, both in Scotland, and further afield.
Tags: Daily Mile, public health, fitness, schools

Author: Seda Erdem et al.
Date: October 2019
Abstract: Food Standards Scotland ensures that information and advice on food safety and standards, nutrition and labelling is independent, consistent, evidence-based and consumer-focused. This briefing summarises research undertaken to identify what food safety issues the public prioritise, what types of information individuals feel would influence their food handling behaviour, and where the public claim that they would like to hear more about food safety issues.
Tags: Food safety, consumer preferences, food standards

Author: Lynne Gilmour et al.
Date: October 2019
Abstract: As many as 800,000 lives are lost to suicide annually, in what is arguably a preventable cause of death. The World Health Organisation’s Mental Health Action Plan 2013-20 sets a target of reducing suicide rates by 10% by 2020. This briefing paper summarises a global review of national policy documents, considering how they address the treatment and care needs of suicidal children and young people. In doing so, it highlights best practice for how policy can influence the resourcing of services, and identifies gaps in policy provision for this vulnerable population.
Tags: Suicide, self-harm, mental health

Author: Dr Helen Whincup et al
Date: September 2019
Abstract: Though many children in the care system may be ‘legally’ secure, the challenging and often disruptive process of moving into - and within - the care system can leave children feeling insecure and unsettled. Part of the Permanently Progressing? Building secure futures for children in Scotland study, this briefing draws upon the voices of children, carers and adoptive parents in Scotland, offering perspectives on kinship care, foster care and adoption.
Tags: care system, kinship care, foster care, adoption

Author: Dr Helen Whincup et al.
Date: September 2019
Abstract: Many children who become looked after away from home will return to their parents, but for some the decision is taken to permanently place them with kinship carers, long-term foster carers or adoptive parents. Until now little was known about children’s pathways through the looked after system in Scotland, the balance of voluntary and compulsory intervention, and how patterns of placement change over time. This briefing paper provides insights into the pathways and timescales to permanence for looked after children in Scotland, with implications for policymakers and practitioners.
Tags: care system, kinship care, foster care, adoption

Author: Dr Helen Whincup et al.
Date: September 2019
Abstract: This briefing paper summarises key findings on the histories, progress and outcomes for a sample of looked after children in Scotland, three to four years after they became looked after away from home. It draws on survey data from social workers, caregivers, and the Children Looked After Statistics (CLAS), investigating the association between patterns of maltreatment, placement status, and children’s subsequent wellbeing.
Tags: care system, kinship care, foster care, adoption

Author: Dr Helen Whincup et al.
Date: September 2019
Abstract: The Scottish Government’s Looked After Children Data Strategy seeks to provide a robust and reliable body of data to realise the policy ambitions set out in the Scottish Government’s wider strategy for looked after children and young people. The Data Strategy specifically seeks to enhance knowledge of the outcomes for looked after children through linking administrative datasets to provide a broader evidence base and inform more effective interventions. This briefing paper summarises key findings from the Permanently Progressing? Building secure futures for children in Scotland study which tested the feasibility of linking administrative data from the Children Looked After Statistics (CLAS) with data from the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration (SCRA) and created a linked dataset.
Tags: care system, kinship care, foster care, adoption, data linkage

Author: Dr Helen Whincup et al.
Date: September 2019
Abstract: This briefing paper provides insights into the processes and pressures that influence decision making for looked after children in Scotland, drawing on findings from Phase One of the Permanently Progressing? Building secure futures for children in Scotland. The paper comes as the care system in Scotland is under review, through the Independent Care Review which examines the underpinning legislation, practices, culture and ethos of Scotland’s care system.
Tags: care system, kinship care, foster care, adoption, data linkage, decision making

Author: Professor Isobel Anderson, Ms Trudi Tokarczyk, Ms Catherine O'Shea
Date: February 2019
Abstract: River Clyde Homes commissioned the University of Stirling to work with regeneration partners to review progress of the Broomhill Regeneration Project. This report presents the findings of an initial assessment of the ambitious project for community regeneration in the Broomhill estate, in Greenock, Inverclyde. 
Tags: Regeneration, Housing, Community Development

Author: Mr Tom Ovenden
Date: May 2019
Abstract: This briefing summarises an innovative modelling approach that provides scientific evidence to inform the complex decisions surrounding the potential reintroduction of Eurasian lynx to Scotland and the conservation management of other species.
Tags: Conservation management, species reintroduction, lynx

Author: Dr Steve Rolfe et al.
Date: May 2019
Abstract: This paper summarises research which demonstrated that tenants’ health and wellbeing is shaped by whether they are able to feel at home in their tenancy, and that this is underpinned by four key foundations.
Tags: Housing, wellbeing, health

Author: Dr Crawford Moodie
Date: March 2019
Abstract: This briefing summarises research which concludes that users of standardised tobacco packaging are more likely to notice health warnings and consider the risks of smoking.
Tags: Smoking, tobacco, public health

Author: Dr Elaine Douglas
Date: March 2019
Abstract: Acknowledging the increasing recognition of social isolation and loneliness as major public health issues, the Scottish Government’s policy document A Connected Scotland (2018) sets out a strategic approach to tackling loneliness through building stronger social connections. This briefing paper summarises insights from the HAGIS study into social isolation and loneliness among older people in Scotland.
Tags: Older people, social isolation, loneliness

Author: Professor Jayne Donaldson
Date: February 2019
Abstract: The Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) implemented the New Clinical Response Model (NCRM) for Emergency 999 Calls in November 2016. The briefing paper summarises a University of Stirling led evaluation, suggesting that the  new model accurately identifies patients in greatest need through emergency 999 calls.
Tags: Health

Author: Dr Liz Forbat
Date: October 2018
Abstract: Palliative Care Needs Rounds are triage meetings that have been introduced in residential care for older adults to help identify and prioritise care for those most at risk of unplanned dying, with inadequately controlled symptoms. The briefing paper sets out implications of a pilot study for the Scottish Government’s  Strategic Framework for Action on Palliative and End of Life Care.
Tags: Social Care; Health

Author: Dr Peter Matthews
Date: December 2017
Abstract: This policy briefing paper focuses on the experiences of customers with a non-normative sexual or gender identity.
Tags: Housing, equalities, LGBT+

Author: Dr Peter Matthews
Date: December 2017
Abstract:  Homelessness among lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) people is becoming an increasing concern among LGBT+ organisations and homelessness organisations. This briefing explores the issue of homelessness among LGBT+ people.
Tags: Housing, equalities, LGBT+, homelessness

Author: Professor Mark Priestley
Date: May 2017
Abstract: In a working paper prepared for the Welsh Government, Professor Mark Priestley considers the development of a new curriculum for Wales, presenting and critiquing different approaches to how a national curriculum can be framed.
Tags: Education, curriculum

Author: Professor Mark Priestley
Date: May 2016
Abstract: In a briefing paper published by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, Professor Mark Priestley considers the role of learning outcomes in curriculum and assessment, including their potential to facilitate better learning and teaching.
Tags: Education, curriculum, learning, learning outcomes