Shaping Better Transitions Together

The Fairer Futures Partnership is exploring what a more person-centred Shetland could look like and how services can work together more effectively around people and families. This case study shows how work by Shetland Islands Council to develop a Transitions Policy is contributing to that wider partnership effort. The policy supports young people as they move from children's services into adulthood.

Transitions can involve changes in education, health, social care and wider support. Young people and families need clear information, shared timescales and confidence that the services around them are working together. The Transitions work therefore provides a practical example of the person-centred, joined-up support that Fairer Futures is seeking to strengthen.

Engagement sessions brought together young people, parents, carers and professionals. Sessions took place in Lerwick, Brae, Bixter and Sandwick, alongside online opportunities and individual discussions for people who needed additional flexibility or support.

Participants consistently highlighted the importance of understanding what support would be available after leaving school and how to access it. They felt that information about adulthood and available services should be shared earlier and in different ways. They also emphasised the importance of clear timescales, shared understanding, strong relationships and person-centred support.

Their feedback directly informed the development of the Transitions Policy and was later explored at a multi-agency practitioner event. Partners considered practical ways to improve information sharing, coordination and support for young people and their families, connecting the policy work with the wider ambitions of the Fairer Futures Partnership.

The Transitions Policy was approved through committee at the end of 2025. A small team of key staff is now developing operational guidance to accompany the policy, using the engagement feedback to inform both the guidance and future practice.

The clearest message from the engagement was that information about transitions and the support available in adulthood needs to be shared earlier. Early information sharing is therefore a key aspect of the policy and will also be reflected in the operational guidance.

“Having the opportunity to engage with young people, families and other key stakeholders through the development of the Transitions Policy was invaluable in ensuring that the policy and the operational guidance is reflective of the needs and views of those with lived experience. I would like to give my heartfelt thanks to everyone who gave up their time to be part of the engagement process.” 

Ruth MacMillan, Executive Manager Adult Social Work, Chief Social Work Officer, Interim Deputy Director CHSC

Impact

The engagement directly influenced the approved Transitions Policy, with earlier information sharing now established as a key aspect of the policy and the operational guidance being developed alongside it. The work has also brought partners together around shared challenges and provides a stronger foundation for improving transitions. The longer-term aim is for young people and families to receive information earlier, understand what support is available and experience better coordinated support as they move into adulthood.

Learning and next steps

Involving people early helps create policy that reflects real experience, while offering local, online and individual ways to take part helps include people from different places and with different needs. The work also shows the value of giving services space to reflect together on what people have said and how this should change practice. The next steps are to complete the operational guidance, continue collaboration through Fairer Futures, put the learning into practice and show young people and families what has changed as a result.

Contribution to the Shetland Partnership

• Participation: Young people, families and professionals have directly shaped policy and the wider conversation about improving transitions.
• People: The focus on clear information, person-centred support and stronger relationships aims to improve young people's and families' experience of moving into adulthood.
• Place: Local, online and individual engagement opportunities helped people take part across Shetland and in ways that worked for them.