Consultation launched by ESS on draft Strategy 2026-2031

Environmental Standards Scotland asks residents in Scotland for their views on new five-year Strategy  

Environmental Standards Scotland (ESS) has today (4 June 2025) launched a public consultation on a draft of its new Strategy that will set the direction of work for the organisation for the next five years.

The consultation will give organisations and members of the public living in Scotland with an interest in ESS’ role, the opportunity to provide their views and help shape the development of ESS final Strategy that will be submitted to Parliament later this year.

The draft Strategy sets out a clear framework for how ESS will ensure public bodies in Scotland are complying with environmental law, as well as how ESS will scrutinise the effectiveness of environmental law in Scotland, and how it is implemented and applied.

The document includes an updated vision and new strategic objectives for the organisation and sets out a fresh approach to prioritisation within its work. The consultation will also seek feedback on ESS’ proposed response to a recommendation made to ESS by Scottish Ministers following the Scottish Government’s review of environmental governance.

Residents in Scotland are also invited to participate in an online consultation information session that will take place on 19 June 2025 where they can hear directly from the Chief Executive and other ESS staff about the new draft Strategy.

Mark Roberts, Chief Executive of ESS, said: ‘This consultation will enable us to refine our final Strategy which will be submitted to the Scottish Parliament for approval later this year. Environmental law directly and indirectly impacts every resident, business and community in Scotland so we’re keen to hear from as wide a range of people and groups as possible. I would encourage anyone with an interest in our work to take part.’

ESS was established in October 2021 to ensure environmental laws and standards are adhered to in Scotland, replacing the European Union’s scrutiny and enforcement role after Brexit.

ESS’ first Strategy covered the period from 2022-2025. During this time, ESS has investigated compliance with a wide range of environmental law on issues including the management of special protection areas for birds, air quality and wrasse fishing. The organisation has also examined the effectiveness of environmental law in areas such as storm overflows, marine litter and soils.

Further information on ESS’ public consultation on draft Strategy

Consultation launch date: 4 June 2025

Consultation closing date: 29 August 2025

More information about the consultation

Respond to the consultation via Citizen Space

Review the full ESS draft Strategy for consultation

Engagement

Several engagement events will run during the consultation period, these will provide an opportunity for you to ask us questions about the Strategy and share a broad range of views. You can sign up to these events through Eventbrite.

Our first engagement session will be:

• Thursday 19 June, 17:30 – 18:15, online attendance only, please book using this link ESS Strategy Consultation – Information Session (Online)

ESS will analyse and consider responses to this consultation and will take them into account when drafting the final Strategy that will be laid before the Scottish Parliament for approval later this year. A summary of the views expressed in response to the consultation will be published alongside the final Strategy.