Participation, accountability and trust: the next steps for open government in Scotland
/This article was featured in the SCDC Weekly - 23rd September 2026
People from across communities, the third sector, and all levels of government have been working in partnership over the last year to explore what trust, accountability and participation mean to them.
Published by SCDC, the final report from this extensive process, bringing together ideas and insights from online and in-person events, is currently being used to develop a draft Open Government National Action Plan. The Scottish Government has now published their response to the report, setting out specific actions for each recommendation.
Throughout this process participants from across sectors have expressed strong support for the principles of open government. Many called for clearer communication, stronger feedback mechanisms, and more meaningful public participation, as well as the need for improved access to information and data, and greater accountability in decision-making.
These findings highlight the importance of strengthening the fundamental systems, practices and connections that enable open government, and help to build a more participatory, accountable and trusting relationship between communities and government.
Join our webinar next week to hear about the co-creation process and the report findings. 6:30pm - 8pm. Tuesday 29th September, online on Zoom