Following a change in leadership in Scottish Government, ACE has shared the latest iteration in its series of 2023 manifestos, which outline the policy aspirations and priorities for Scotland’s consultancy and engineering sector. Over the next 12 months, the document will serve as the foundation for political engagement and advocacy.
The Scotland manifesto follows the release of ACE’s 2023 UK Manifesto earlier this year, and is aimed at policy makers and stakeholders in and around Holyrood. Earlier this week, ACE shared details of its priorities for the English regions.
The policy document comes just a week after Humza Yousaf was elected by MSPs as Scotland's new First Minister. In his speech to the Scottish Parliament, the new SNP leader promised to “never shy away from tackling the big issues” faced by Scotland.
Since his election, the First Minister has also announced his new Cabinet, with key appointments including Màiri McAllan as Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition, Neil Gray as Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy and Kevin Stewart as Minister for Transport. Details of the full ministerial team are also available.
ACE has written to the new Cabinet on behalf of the industry, sharing details of the manifesto, which includes a number of recommendations organised in line with ACE’s Blueprint themes to unleash the potential of the built environment across Scotland.
ACE CEO Stephen Marcos Jones said: “Whether it’s meeting Net Zero commitments and targets, delivering on promises for regional development, or driving economic growth while boosting productivity, our members’ work enables political ambitions to be turned into tangible projects and programmes.”
“In return, our members need long-term plans and political stability to ensure they can access the skills, financial resource and capacity to deliver what is expected of them.”
The manifestos have been developed to provide a platform for ACE’s engagement on behalf of its members and the industry. Written with the expert input of its member-led devolved committee, they also provide a framework for activity at ACE in 2023 and beyond.
Guto Davies, UK Head of Policy at ACE, said: “Our policy and advocacy activity spans right across the UK, so I am delighted to see the timely launch of our Scottish manifesto.
“This is a major achievement and shows we take very seriously the importance and opportunities of devolution. We’re looking forward to taking this platform to Scottish Parliament, and the new Scottish Cabinet.
Olivia Smalley, ACE's Policy and Advocacy Officer for the Devolved Committees, said: “Today’s publication of the Scotland Manifesto sets the tone for the ACE members in Scotland’s ongoing engagement with government, stakeholders and clients.
It has been great to work over the past few months with our members to create the documents and it is clear the industry remains ready to adapt to the Government’s direction so long as it is provided with the clarity and confidence to do so.
I look forward to the insightful conversations with members and Government that will come as a result of this manifesto and to the exciting programme of events and meetings for 2023.”
The Manifestos will play a major part in the programme of the Scotland Committee’s work in 2023, with roundtable sessions with stakeholder and policy officials exploring many of the key recommendations.
To get involved in ACE's Committee in Scotland, please contact Olivia Smalley.
Find out more about ACE’s policy activity. Download your copy of the Scottish Manifesto below.
