Shetland's Next Partnership Plan
Developing the Next Plan (2028 onwards)
The current Plan concludes in 2028. Work is now underway to develop the next Plan - a new long-term strategic framework that will set Shetland's collective direction for the decade ahead and beyond.

A different kind of process
This is not a public consultation starting from scratch. Shetland's organisations and communities have already shared a great deal through years of surveys, research and engagement. This process draws on all of that. Rather than asking the same questions again, it brings together the people best placed to make sense of what we already know - and to agree what to do about it. Read on for more information, or see our handy summary document.
Why this matters
Shetland is a remarkable place. It has strong institutions, active communities, and a proven track record of innovation and self-reliance. What this process is about is making the most of all of that - bringing organisations and communities together to agree a shared direction and build the collective commitment needed to face the next decade with confidence.
Reducing inequalities is central to this. Research consistently shows that more equal communities perform better on almost every measure - from health and education to economic resilience. Addressing inequality is not a separate agenda, it is core to Shetland's ability to thrive.
Who is involved?
Around 70 people drawn from the Partnership's 21 strategic partner organisations, Shetland's 18 Community Councils, and 21 Community Development organisations are being invited to work together in the same room, hearing the same evidence, and building a shared direction.
When?
A series of structured sessions will run from May 2026 to March 2027, covering themes including inequalities, population and economy, housing, climate, and public sector reform. The new Plan will be in place ahead of 2028.
These will all be held at Mareel, registration from 3.45pm, for a 4-6pm session.
Session 1: Scene Setting
21st May 2026
An introduction to the process and what is driving our approach to developing the next plan.

Session 2: Inequalities
25th June 2026
An in-depth look at Inequalities in Shetland, what we already know and what we can do about it.

Session 3: People & Economy
2nd September 2026
A focus on Population & Economy; how our population and economy is changing and the potential impact on inequalities.

Session 4: Housing & Connectivity
7th October 2026
Unpicking what we know about Housing & Connectivity – external and internal transport and our broadband and 4G access.

Session 5: Climate & Biodiversity
2nd December 2026
Understanding what Climate & Biodiversity means for Shetland and where we can best focus our efforts.

Session 6: Public Sector Reform & Communities
21st January 2027
Considering the role of partnership working, with communities in supporting Public Sector Reform.

Session 7: Final Session
18th February 2027
Bringing together the outputs from what’s come before.

Key Documents
Follow the link below to see all the documents that support the next Shetland Partnership Plan process. This includes the Information Summary, Background Papers on Topics, the Seven Children and the post Session Reports.
Got any questions? See our Contact Us page to see how to get in touch.
