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.

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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.

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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.

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

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Session 4: Housing & Connectivity

7th October 2026

Unpicking what we know about Housing & Connectivity – external and internal transport and our broadband and 4G access.

 

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Session 5: Climate & Biodiversity

2nd December 2026

Understanding what Climate & Biodiversity means for Shetland and where we can best focus our efforts.

 

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Session 6: Public Sector Reform & Communities

21st January 2027

Considering the role of partnership working, with communities in supporting Public Sector Reform.

 

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Session 7: Final Session

18th February 2027

Bringing together the outputs from what’s come before.

 

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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.

Key Documents

Got any questions? See our Contact Us page to see how to get in touch.

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