Duty of Candour 2025-26
The Duty of Candour is a key element of transparency, accountability and continuous improvement across health, care and social work services in Scotland. Introduced through the Health (Tobacco, Nicotine etc. and Care) (Scotland) Act 2016 and implemented in April 2018, it places a legal responsibility on organisations to act openly and honestly when things go wrong. This includes informing those affected, offering a sincere apology, and ensuring meaningful learning takes place to reduce the risk of recurrence.
This report sets out how Aberlour Children's Charity has fulfilled its Duty of Candour obligations during the period 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026. It provides a summary of incidents where the duty applied, alongside details of the organisation’s response, the support provided to those affected, and the steps taken to strengthen practice and improve systems. The report also highlights how staff are supported to understand their responsibilities and respond in a compassionate, person-centred way when incidents occur.
Aberlour remains committed to embedding clear procedures, strengthening policy frameworks, and sharing learning across teams and leadership structures. A strong emphasis continues to be placed on organisational learning, staff support, and maintaining trust with the children, young people and families who rely on our services.
Aberlour is committed to openness, learning, and continuous improvement. Publishing this report annually forms part of that commitment and helps ensure accountability to the people we support and the wider public.
Download our latest Duty of Candour Report for 2025-26