Environmental Standards Scotland - updated Strategy 2026-2031
Feedback updated 27 Apr 2026
We asked
We invited feedback on an updated version of Environmental Standards Scotland’s (ESS’) draft Strategy for 2026-2031. The Strategy sets out ESS’ approach to delivering our functions over the next five years. Our consultation sought views on updated aspects of the draft to inform the preparation of a final version to be submitted to the Scottish Parliament for approval.
You said
We received 17 responses to the consultation from a variety of organisations and individuals. We are grateful to all those who took the time to give us their views. All of the responses have been considered and have informed the preparation of a final version of the Strategy that has been submitted to the Scottish Parliament for approval. A summary of the responses has been prepared and is available on our website.
We did
All of the responses were considered and have helped to inform the preparation of a final version of the Proposed Strategy that was submitted to the Scottish Parliament for approval on 5 February 2026. The Scottish Parliament now has 40 days to consider the Strategy and determine whether to approve it. If approved the Strategy will then be published on ESS’ website and will guide our work between 2026 and 2031.
We have made a number of changes to the Strategy to reflect the feedback and suggestions made by consultees, including providing greater clarity on certain aspects of our approach to delivering our functions. Alongside our proposed Strategy, we have laid an Accompanying Statement that summarises this feedback and sets out how it was taken into account in preparing the Strategy that has been laid in the Parliament.
Published responses
View submitted responses where consent has been given to publish the response.
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
What happens next
Once the consultation closes we will analyse the responses and consider whether any changes are needed to the draft text of the Strategy before it is submitted to the Scottish Parliament for approval.
Interests
- Environment and Climate Change
- Main hub
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