National conversation must grapple with stark realities behind social injustice in Scotland

Social justice. It’s a phrase that has been around since the Scottish Parliament was founded back in 1999. Numerous initiatives, reports and task forces have surfaced over the years to tackle problem. Yet still we find it riding high on the political agenda. When Nicola Sturgeon became First Minister last November, she spoke about wanting to build a socially just Scotland, determined in its resolution to address poverty, support business, promote growth and tackle inequality. Announcing her programme for government, she stated three key national priorities: fairness, participation and prosperity. These are admirable aims, but a fundamental question remains - what exactly do we mean by social justice? In policy terms, it is hard to find a definitive answer. Social justice can refer to an overarching approach by government and civil society to redress the stark inequalities in our society.

The reality is that social justice, when understood as a concept, is alien to many beyond the 'policy bubble'

Or it can be more specific: ending poverty, tackling inequalities, repositioning our economy, improving our democracy and addressing climate change. Then again, it can be even more specific: giving power to communities, changing our economic model, creating viable jobs in the right sectors and places, and focussing on the well-being of the people of Scotland. The reality is that social justice, when understood as a concept, is alien to many beyond the 'policy bubble'. Its various causes and effects, however, are well known by people on the ground. When the Scottish Government begins work on taking forward its social justice strategy, it must first clearly express what it wants to achieve. I know it sounds obvious, but getting this right will be crucial to making our country a fairer and more equal place to live. By emphasising social justice as a national priority, the Scottish Government is putting the focus squarely on the main issues that concern the third sector. At SCVO we have spent a considerable amount of time discussing our members’ ambitions for a future Scotland. Our vision is for a country that has a shared sense of purpose, is fair and prosperous, and where the entire population has the opportunity to participate on equal terms. As a first step, we want to participate in building a future Scotland that prioritises tackling poverty and equality. With this in mind, we believe that ministers are correct in thinking we need to change the current perspective. As the Scottish Government embarks on its national conversation, it must reach into communities across the length and breadth of the country in order to engage with the widest possible range of people. Failure to do so will see the project become a missed and wasted opportunity. This cannot be allowed to happen. But before the community meetings begin, we need to take a reality check. Tackling poverty, health inequalities and inequality of opportunity will take at least two generations. Any claim which states otherwise is wrong. And quick-fix ideas will not work. We must also move away from judging outcomes purely by the amount of money spent on them. It is far more important to consider how and where we target our national finances, making sure they hit the right areas and are based on achieving the right outcomes. If the Scottish Government is serious about its programme for fairness, participation and prosperity, then we need to see social justice policies and strategies being shaped by, and having significant influence over, the Holyrood spending review this autumn, and in future budgets. The roots of social justice reach far and wide through our history and society. Let’s use this national conversation to start treating the causes, not the symptoms, behind the issues that matter most to the people and communities of Scotland.