Environmental Standards Scotland - updated Strategy 2026-2031

Overview

Environmental Standard Scotland (ESS) is an independent public body, established by the UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Act 2021 (the Continuity Act).

ESS monitors compliance with, and the effectiveness of, environmental law in Scotland. Our role is to hold public authorities to account to improve the quality of the environment in Scotland and help achieve the highest environmental standards.

ESS’ Strategy sets out how we will work to scrutinise, investigate and secure improvements in public authorities’ compliance with environmental law, the effectiveness of environmental law, and the way it is being implemented and applied in Scotland.

ESS consulted on a draft Strategy between June and August 2025. The responses to that consultation were considered and a revised version was prepared and submitted to the Scottish Parliament for approval in October 2025. Following feedback from the Parliament we have added in some additional content to cover certain aspects of our approach to delivering our functions which are required by the Continuity Act to be set out in the Strategy. Previously our approach to these aspects of our role was set out in operational procedures or on our website, which the previous draft Strategy linked to.

This consultation is seeking views and comments on ESS’ updated draft Strategy for 2026-2031 – focusing on those elements of the Strategy that have been added to address feedback from the Parliament.

Read the updated draft Strategy.

The consultation is open until 9 January 2026 and you are invited to share your views with us using our online survey - please select the 'Give us your views' link below.  

Why your views matter

All responses will be considered and will inform the preparation of our Strategy, which will be submitted to the Scottish Parliament for approval. Once approved the Strategy will guide our operations for the period from 2026 to 2031