How evidence has been used to build the approach, ethos and materials of the Scottish Approach to Change
The Scottish Approach to Change has drawn on existing evidence, experience, and ongoing testing to support its ethos and approach. It has drawn on three key types of evidence:
- formal research including literature reviews, horizon scanning, and findings from various improvement and transformation initiatives
- experience from colleagues, leaders, and organisations with direct experience that have driven change in Scotland and beyond
- through real-world testing with partners in our Pathfinder sites and ongoing improvement and change programmes
These three information sources come together in a structured learning system. This process:
- is based on iteration, testing, and adaptation
- has shaped changes to the Scottish Approach to Change in its content, focus, and structure
The approach mixes practical insights with evidence from published and grey literature. This has been tested and adjusted in real-world settings. This approach ensures the model reflects Scotland’s change culture. It also addresses common barriers and enablers. It also stays relevant in various areas and pathways.
Existing evidence from publications, policy, and thought leaders
The Scottish Approach to Change draws on a broad evidence base, including literature reviews and searches, as well as published works, grey literature, and outputs from thought leaders.
This evidence backs the experiential insights. It compares local views to established models and findings from Scotland, the UK, and other countries.
Scotland’s ongoing efforts to improve and transform offer valuable insights that guide the approach.
Experiential evidence from practitioners, leaders and organisations
The Scottish Approach to Change draws on the experiences of senior leaders and organisations that have led change in Scotland over the past 10 to 20 years.
This includes conversations and planned work with colleagues from:
- national bodies
- academic partners
- local health and social care bodies
- the Scottish Government
This also means working with experts in quality improvement, service design, community engagement, and strategic planning, among other areas.
These conversations helped identify key enablers, barriers, risks, and opportunities. They provided useful context and insights that shaped the Scottish Approach to Change.
Working with partners across Scotland to test the approach
Testing the Scottish Approach to Change in real-world settings. This takes place at Pathfinder sites and through continuous reflection with partners and leaders in Scotland and elsewhere.
This test-and-refine method is key for enhancing content, steps, tools, recommendations, tone, and context.
Learning and working with partners created the values of the Scottish Approach to Change. This shows how the model operates within real-life limitations, various stakeholders, and shifting local priorities.
Bringing it together using a Learning System
The Scottish Approach to Change you see today comes from a learning cycle.
This cycle has a clear pattern:
- identify
- understand
- develop
- design
- prototype
- test
- review for implementation
- define and implement
The team regularly updates the language, model elements, and support materials. They do this as new insights arise from published evidence, experience, and practice.
This Learning System characterises:
- curiosity and ongoing improvement mean seeking evidence that questions our assumptions. It is also about welcoming feedback and adjusting our methods when needed
- comparative sense-making involves using insights from experience and comparing them with evidence from other places and case studies. This shows what applies generally and what is specific to some contexts
- feedback cycles: using Pathfinder testing and reflection to identify where guidance, tools, or sequencing need adjustments
The Scottish Approach to Change uses three types of evidence: experience, literature and practical testing. It follows a clear learning system that keeps updating the approach. As Scotland’s own approach to change, it will continue to iterate. As more people use it, the approach will keep developing over time.