Important Documents and Resources
In addition to the e learning modules, NHS Boards are encouraged to consult a range of supplementary documents and resources that provide further guidance and support in the areas of governance, strategic planning, and service delivery.
Overall policy context
In 2025, the Scottish Government published several significant policy documents, aligned to the overall vision of a Scotland where everyone has access to services that are efficient, good quality and effective:
And the Programme for Government is available here.
The Introduction to policy page shares explores policy more through videos from key stakeholders from The Scottish Government.
Important core governance documents
In this section we set out a series of core governance documents which you will want to refer to routinely in the course of your work.
Scrutiny resources
Audit Scotland publishes an annual review of the NHS in Scotland. The most recent report is here, with the next scheduled for publication in December 2025. In addition, Audit Scotland published its NHS in Scotland: Spotlight on Governance in May 2025.
Healthcare Improvement Scotland will publish Inspections, reviews and regulations and you can find more details here.
Leading in a digital age
Leading in the Digital Age Board Development provides learning resources and training events to board-level leaders of health and care organisations across Scotland. This helps provide a better understanding of how to strategically lead, govern and support the digital transformation of health and care services.
Quality, safety and values
The documents and tools in this section will support you in navigating how the NHS in Scotland ensures that care is effective and that resources are used to best effect.
The Safety Skills and Improvement team at NHS Education Scotland have a range of elearning modules and QI Tools that will enhance your understanding of Quality Improvement methodology. These are available through the Quality Improvement Zone.
Healthcare Improvement Scotlands ihub have created a suite of resources for NHS Boards as it was recognised that additional knowledge on quality improvement would enhance Baords abilities to lead and govern their organisations.
Leadership and management
Some of the resources linked below need an Athens login and password to access.
The Senior Leadership Gateway App contains development tools for senior leaders in Health and Social Care in NHS Scotland. These tools can be used for senior leadership development and succession planning.
It is for current chief executives, aspiring chief executives, those in director level roles, chief officers, chief operating officers and those aspiring to director level roles.
