We’re pleased to share a major milestone for the third sector. Service user, carer, and third sector representatives on Integrated Joint Boards (IJBs) will finally receive full voting rights from 1 September 2026.
This long-awaited change ends the two-tier system of voting and non-voting members, giving lived experience representatives an equal voice alongside local authority and Health Board members. It is the result of sustained engagement and advocacy across the sector, including contributions from CTSI, SVE, and the wider TSI Scotland Network.
Previously, proposals to extend voting rights faced scrutiny in the Scottish Parliament following concerns from COSLA about political accountability. Our sector responded loudly. Natalie, CEO of Stirlingshire Voluntary Enterprises, represented the TSI Scotland Network and provided oral evidence to the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee. Here is a clip of her evidence: https://www.scottishparliament.tv/meeting/health-social-care-and-sport-committee-february-3-2026?clip_start=11:58:12&clip_end=11:59:17
CTSI and SVE also submitted detailed written evidence highlighting the benefits of full participation for community-focused health and social care. You can watch the full evidence session here: Health, Social Care and Sport Committee | Scottish Parliament TV.
Thanks to this collective effort, the motion to annul the amendment was withdrawn, and the SSI has now successfully passed through Parliament.
Why This Matters
Our Chief Officer, Anthea Coulter said:
“After receiving the full support of the Clackmannanshire and Stirling IJB to include patient, carer and third sector reps as voting members, we are delighted to see this legislative milestone achieved. Locally the voices and points raised by the non-voting members are highly regarded and our meetings are collaborative – this change ensures equality and recognition for the contribution these members bring.
Extending voting rights strengthens the voice and influence of our sector in local decision-making, supports genuine partnership working, and addresses longstanding power imbalances in health and social care. It paves the way for more community-focused, preventative approaches that help people to stay well and ensures lived experience informs decisions at every level.”
Next Steps
While we celebrate this progress, the focus now turns to implementation. Over the coming months, CTSI, SVE and our partners will work locally and nationally to provide guidance, training, and support for all IJB members ahead of September. By preparing early, we can ensure that these new arrangements translate into meaningful changes for partnership working across health and social care.
This is a huge step forward for the third sector, service users, carers, and for everyone committed to stronger, more equitable health and social care governance.
Stay tuned for further updates as we move closer to implementation.
