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I am aware that the episodes of Taking Action are getting longer and this is one of the episodes that justifies that. Apart from the fact that Fiona Duncan, who led the Review leading to The Promise and is the Independent Strategic Advisor on The Promise, and advises Scottish Ministers in this capacity, is a very impressive guest - articulate, bright, committed and passionate with a total command of the interview - The Promise (https://thepromise.scot/) deserves time for exploration and update. It was a groundbreaking commitment to changing the way that Scotland takes care of all of its children and young people particularly those who are in the Care System. We know that we have done badly by these young people. A previous report was entitled "We can and must do better", but, in reality, it made littler no difference. Its title remained true.
The Promise was different. It involved people who were in, or had experience of, the Care System to a far greater extent and it did that more systematically. It brought together the voices of experience with those who had the executive capacity to change the system.
More than recommendations, it brought commitments. It was also impressive in the quality, and extent, of the documentation. It had seriousness and status.
It brought hope that, finally, we had a review that was really going to make a difference.
Unfortunately, optimism in Scotland can be short-lived. Perhaps our experience of other reviews has bred cynicism. We also live in a world that is obsessed with the short-term and is reluctant to engage with complexity. There is a sense that The Promise has had its day in the media spotlight unless it offers grounds for criticism of the government or those charged with ensuring that The Promise is kept.
There is also a natural and justified sense of urgency. We want to make changes for the young people who are in the system NOW, so I wanted to ask the question "what action is being taken?". That is what this episode does.
In response, there is a fascinating conversation about the complexity of making change, the circumstances in which we have been trying to make that change, the need for deep cultural changes as well as changes in policy and procedures and also about significant progress and essential groundwork in preparation for further change.
I really hope that people will listen to this podcast and visit The Promise website. The children to whom we have made The Promise are the children that we have taken responsibility for. We have decided that they are better in our care than that of their parents or other carers. That is not a responsibility we must take seriously. It is heartening and hopeful to hear how seriously Fiona Duncan takes it.
