The quality and design of a place has a significant impact on peoples’ lives. The Scottish Government, are amongst many who are focusing on the importance of maximising the potential of the physical and social structures in our communities to promote good health, wellbeing and a good quality of life.

In late summer we completed another interesting piece of work with Carnegie UK Trust on behalf of the Scottish Government; by piloting the Place Standard Tool which had been developed in collaboration with Architecture and Design Scotland and NHS Health Scotland. The piloting, with members of the community in Auchencairn, Belville in Greenock and Kirkcaldy helped us to assess the content and usability of the tool, and how well it was able to reflect diverse spaces.

The tool is designed to help structure discussions about place by considering questions around key themes such as the physical environment and social aspects of a place.

Today we joined a wide range of experts, community representatives and local authorities in celebrating the launch of the tool. Introductions from Sir Harry Burns and Alex Neil MSP reflected the importance of such an innovation – currently the first of its kind in the UK – and marked the start of what is sure to be an interesting period of development in understanding the impact of place.

More info: Place Standard Website

We’ve been commissioned by the Scottish Legal Aid Board to carry out research into what happens when people end up in a civil dispute such as when there is an issue about the quality of goods or workmanship, or when money is owed.

These disputes can be something that people may sort out between themselves, with the support of others (such as Citizens Advice) or by going through the small claims process in a sheriff court.

Our research is looking at what makes people deal with their civil disputes in one way or another – such as going to court or not.

We are interviewing people in two locations, Tayside and Edinburgh, about their recent experience of a civil dispute, the steps taken to respond to it, and why those steps were taken.
We would really appreciate it if you could take part in an interview. The research will help to guide SLAB in steps they can take to ensure that people have a better experience of the justice system.

All interviews are by telephone, set at a time to suit you and typically last 15-20 minutes. Information provided will be treated anonymously.

Please let us know if you’d be willing to Take Part