Creating the conditions for safe care, improving outcomes for every person, every time across health and care.
The Essentials of Safe Care is a practical package of evidence-based guidance and support that enables Scotland’s health and social care system to deliver safe care. It forms the building blocks for each SPSP programme of work.
The essential drivers of safe care
Working in partnership with health and social care teams and several representative bodies across Scotland, the following essentials have been identified as being central to supporting the safe delivery of care across health and care.
- A people-led approach to the planning and delivery of safe care
- Effective and inclusive communication
- Leadership at all levels to support a culture of safety
- Safe clinical and care processes
You can see the Essentials of Safe Care driver diagrams on our website.
A people-led approach to the planning and delivery of safe care
Essentials of Safe Care: A people-led approach to the planning and delivery of safe care
Effective and inclusive communication
Essentials of Safe Care: Effective and inclusive communication
Leadership at all levels to support a culture of safety
Essentials of Safe Care: Leadership at all levels to support a culture of safety
Essentials of Safe Care: Further information and guidance
Essentials of Safe Care: Further information and guidance
Readiness for change toolkit
Essentials of Safe Care: Understanding your readiness for change. Published October 2025.