A major new report has outlined the significant inequalities facing Scotland's communities. Published by the newly-formed Scottish Health Equity Research Unit (SHERU), the report has found that outcomes related to inequalities and health are not improving significantly in Scotland, and that some are getting worse.

Last week’s Programme for Government set out the main priorities for the Scottish Government over the next 12 months. In this edition of the Weekly, we’ve identified some of the key announcements and issues related to community development policy and practice.

We know that involving communities in deciding priorities and shaping local action is vital if we're to maintain collective wellbeing, support regeneration, and reduce inequalities. This is a core part of community development work, but how can it happen in practice?

How do we support young people to use their voices to take action on the health issues important to them? Launching at an event in October, a new HIIC course will help to answer that question by providing young people with new skills and understanding around health, power and social justice.

The Scottish Third Sector Tracker has outlined some of the challenges community organisations and others are facing as resources become scarcer and costs continue to rise.

Next month, Scottish Co-production Network members are coming together to exchange learning, ideas and tricky problems about their practice and experiences.

Public Health Scotland have published new analysis investigating the role of post-2010 welfare reforms on health and its determinants in Scotland.

Community-led health is a way for people in a community to take joint action to improve things for their community, leading to improved health and wellbeing.

A Scottish parliamentary committee is seeking views about impact the Child Poverty (Scotland) Act has had as part of its post legislative scrutiny.

What does fair and efficient funding look like for the third sector in Scotland? That’s the question the Social Justice and Social Security Committee is asking, and SCDC are seeking views as we submit our response. 

How do we embed co-production as the way we deliver support and services across Scotland? That’s the question at the centre of Co-production Week Scotland taking place in November. 

The latest Scottish Social Attitudes Survey has shown significant support for more progressive redistribution and increased taxation to fund key public services.  

A survey of more than 3,000 girls and young women has found deep distrust in politicians, a lack of ability to influence, and barriers to participation in decision making around the issues important to them. 

What does fair and efficient funding look like for the third sector in Scotland? That’s the question the Social Justice and Social Security Committee is asking, and SCDC are seeking views as we submit our response.

We know that outcomes improve when community priorities are part of how services are developed. That's why high quality community engagement is crucial to create the conditions for better democratic participation and decisions that properly reflect the needs communities face. 

The UN Convention on the Rights of Child has been officially incorporated into Scottish law.

A new guide has set out how third sector organisations and charities can support, advocate for and engage with climate assemblies.

SCDC recently brought together those working around community-led action research to share learning and ideas about how this approach can be used by communities to set their priorities, and carry out the actions they want to see. 

In this final Weekly before the election, we're again highlighting the new voter ID requirements in place for tomorrow’s vote.