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ASPA
@aspa-network.bsky.social
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The Association of Scottish Public Affairs.
Public Affairs with integrity
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aspa-network.bsky.social
ASPA @aspa-network.bsky.social · 23d
Join us and public affairs colleagues from across Scotland at our annual conference in March:
aspa.scot/scotlands-pu...

#Hustings
Scotland’s Public Affairs Conference 2026 – ASPA – Association for Scottish Public Affairs
aspa.scot
Reposted by ASPA
holyroodmag.bsky.social
The Scottish Child Payment is to increase to £40 per week for some families under SNP budget plans. www.holyrood.com/news/view,sc...
Scottish Child Payment rises to £40 per week under SNP ‘budget for families’
Reaction to Shona Robison tax and spend plan
www.holyrood.com
January 14, 2026 at 7:12 AM
Reposted by ASPA
scotfisccomm.bsky.social
We have published our forecasts that accompany the Scottish Government’s 2026-27 Budget announcement. Read them here: fiscalcommission.scot/publications....

A quick thread on some of the headline messages below 🧵 (1/10)
The words “We have published Scotland’s Economic and Fiscal Forecasts” alongside the cover page for our publication.
January 13, 2026 at 3:51 PM
Reposted by ASPA
theifs.bsky.social
NEW: Immediate response to the Scottish Budget 2026-27 and Spending Review.

Read our response here: ifs.org.uk/articles/imm...
Quote from IFS Associate Director David Phillips: "In this pre-election Budget the Scottish Government has found money for several measures to support families with children, to reduce business rates for the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors, and to increase the basic and intermediate income tax rate thresholds by double the rate of inflation. But the overall outlook for Scottish public finances and services is far less rosy than these ‘toplines’ would suggest. A tight overall funding environment, money for aforementioned giveaways and a focus on the NHS – at least from 2027–28 onwards – means many public services in Scotland are set to see a reduction in their budgets."
January 13, 2026 at 5:40 PM
Reposted by ASPA
cihscotland.bsky.social
📢 The Scottish Government announced their draft budget for 2026/27 in the Scottish Parliament yesterday afternoon.

Read the initial response from our director Gillian McLees:

▶️ www.cih.org/news/cih-rea...
CIH reaction to the draft Scottish Budget 2026/27 | Chartered Institute of Housing
Read CIH Scotland director Gillian McLees's key housing take aways from today's budget.
www.cih.org
January 14, 2026 at 9:33 AM
Reposted by ASPA
thirdforcenews.bsky.social
The Scottish Government’s budget announcement needed to have more than a “recommitment” to voluntary sector funding reform, leading sector voices said.

Full story:
Scottish budget: Wider reforms of voluntary sector funding unlikely before next parliamentary term - TFN
The Scottish Government had to go further, charity representatives said.
buff.ly
January 14, 2026 at 10:47 AM
aspa-network.bsky.social
Join us and public affairs colleagues from across Scotland at our annual conference in March:
aspa.scot/scotlands-pu...

#Hustings
Scotland’s Public Affairs Conference 2026 – ASPA – Association for Scottish Public Affairs
aspa.scot
January 14, 2026 at 11:10 AM
Reposted by ASPA
barnardos.org.uk
Reports suggest the government will remove the two-child benefit limit - a landmark step that could lift 350,000 children out of poverty. (1/2)
Green graphic that reads: This could be a landmark moment - one that could transform the life chances for a generation of children.
November 23, 2025 at 8:48 AM
Reposted by ASPA
goodmovesjobs.bsky.social
@ccpscotland.bsky.social is recruiting a Parliamentary Officer to help to position them with political stakeholders as a credible, solutions-focused strategic partner in the reform of social care tinyurl.com/ymhhhw3j £36,454 Edinburgh #charityjob
November 21, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Reposted by ASPA
sheghleyo.bsky.social
"No further burdens": charities make budget plea to chancellor ahead of #AutumnBudget
tfn.scot/news/infrast...

@thirdforcenews.bsky.social @scvo.scot @ncvo.bsky.social @wcvacymru.bsky.social @nicva.org
"No further burdens": charities make budget plea to chancellor - TFN
Sector is already at breaking point with rising costs and diminishing funding
tfn.scot
November 25, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Reposted by ASPA
fraserofallander.org
A few days out from the UK Budget, a chance to reflect on the process. This is NOT normal. But we can and should improve the forecast process if we want increased public trust and transparency.

Read our analysis below:

buff.ly/jUliDtB
UK Budget Preview #4: This is not normal | FAI
As we approach the day of the UK Budget, it’s worth reflecting on just how unusual the process so far has been and what a better one might look like…
fraserofallander.org
November 21, 2025 at 3:29 PM
aspa-network.bsky.social
ASPA members event, last few tickets remaining.

In discussion with Kezia Dugdale.

With the Holyrood election just eight months away, join us for this discussion about Scotland’s political landscape.

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/in-discuss...
In discussion with... Kezia Dugdale
Join Kezia for a look ahead to what the next 7 months may hold in store for Scottish politics.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
October 21, 2025 at 9:42 AM
Reposted by ASPA
enlightenscot.bsky.social
Missed an event? Watch back our recent conversations on immigration, entrepreneurship, devolution, and health and social care - featuring leading voices exploring the issues shaping Scotland and the UK's future. Watch back now at www.enlighten.scot/events.
October 13, 2025 at 11:43 AM
Reposted by ASPA
povertyalliance.org
📢We're recruiting for a Policy and Campaigns Manager (Maternity Cover)

📅 Closing date: Tuesday 4th November

Find out more details via the link:
www.povertyalliance.org/about-us/rec...
October 20, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Reposted by ASPA
weallscotland.bsky.social
There's still time to get your application in and join our team!

We're looking for an enthusiastic and experienced individual to join us as our Communications and Engagement Lead. Could it be you?

Applications close at 23:00 on 26 October. Find out more and apply: www.weallscotland.org/vacancies
October 20, 2025 at 10:50 AM
Reposted by ASPA
fraserofallander.org
In this week's update: the IMF has urged the UK to stick to two forecasts a year. But is that compatible with the incentives of Chancellors? Or if we want policy stability, do we have to make do with just one forecast?

Read more below:
buff.ly/XFZvodu
Weekly update: the two-forecast conundrum | FAI
The IMF waded this week into a live debate in UK fiscal architecture, with Fiscal Affairs Department Director…
fraserofallander.org
October 17, 2025 at 12:52 PM
Reposted by ASPA
ipprscotland.bsky.social
📢 We are very close to finalising our agenda. We're hosting a range of panels, breakout sessions and keynotes speeches that will cover the key challenges facing Scotland today. If you'd like to attend, write to us to reserve your spot! Details⤵️

www.ippr.org/events/ippr-...
IPPR Scotland: 10th Anniversary Conference | IPPR
Ten years ago, in the wake of the Scottish Independence referendum, there emerged a clear need for a think tank to support progressive policymaking and dee
www.ippr.org
September 8, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Reposted by ASPA
thirdforcenews.bsky.social
Duncan Thorp of Social Enterprise Scotland on a series of thought-provoking webinars:

It’s time to make public policy less boring
buff.ly/CDbzxiF

@duncanthorp.bsky.social‬
@socialenterprise.scot‬
#WellbeingEconomy
It’s time to make public policy less boring - TFN
Duncan Thorp on a series of thought-provoking webinars
buff.ly
June 12, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Reposted by ASPA
ipprscotland.bsky.social
🎯The broad settlement for Scotland in today's Spending Review is welcome but not enough to meet its fiscal challenges.

👀All eyes should now be on the upcoming industrial strategy.

@stephenboydippr.bsky.social reacts ⤵️

Full statement on our website: www.ippr.org/media-office...
June 11, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Reposted by ASPA
fraserofallander.org
Podcast: Our take on the UK Government's spending review
Podcast: Our take on the UK Government’s spending review | FAI
In this episode we discuss yesterday’s spending review announcements by the UK Government. Ben Cooper, Economics Fellow, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde Mairi Spowage,…
buff.ly
June 12, 2025 at 2:51 PM
Reposted by ASPA
povertyalliance.org
Last week's #SpendingReview fell far short of what people need to build a life beyond poverty.
www.povertyalliance.org/news-spendin...
June 16, 2025 at 11:20 AM
Reposted by ASPA
gregorpoynton.bsky.social
📢 Just launched! Robin Cook Internship. A paid summer placement for S5/S6 pupils in Livingston constituency.

🌍 Work in Craigshill & Westminster
💼 Real Living Wage
📝 Apply: CV + essay “Livingston’s Place in the World”

📧 [email protected]

Please share!
June 17, 2025 at 8:06 AM
Reposted by ASPA
theifs.bsky.social
Our Director @pjtheeconomist.bsky.social spoke to @maitlis.bsky.social about his fourteen years running the IFS and the big economic events that happened in his tenure.

Watch the interview in full here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2xl...
Emily Maitlis interviews Paul Johnson: 14 years at the IFS
Emily Maitlis interviews Paul Johnson in Westminster on his time at the IFS and the big economic events that occurred over his tenure - austerity, Brexit and...
www.youtube.com
June 17, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Reposted by ASPA
shelterscotland.bsky.social
🌟 We’re hiring! 🌟

Join us as an Executive Assistant to our Director and play a key role at the heart of our leadership team.

If you're organised, unflappable and thrive in a fast-paced environment, this is your chance to help tackle the #HousingEmergency.

Apply now 📝 shelterscotland.org/2482bd
A photograph of Shelter Scotland employees and volunteers holding picket signs, calling for a fairer housing system for all. The Shelter Scotland logo appears in the middle, with 'Job Alert' text above it.
June 17, 2025 at 11:07 AM
Reposted by ASPA
theifs.bsky.social
Last chance to apply to join us as a Communications Assistant!

We're looking someone hardworking, engaged and wanting to kickstart a career in communications for a 12-month fixed term contract.

➡️ Apply by 11:59pm Sunday 22 June here: app.beapplied.com/apply/gx8z4e...
June 18, 2025 at 7:45 AM
Reposted by ASPA
enlightenscot.bsky.social
Listen to our director @chrisdeerin.bsky.social chatting to @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social on the The Herald Scotland Unspun podcast about why we changed our name.

Link here: open.spotify.com/episode/6uOD...
May 20, 2025 at 9:23 AM