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Care Experience Survey Review: What You Told Us and What Happens Next 

September 10, 2025 by lisaclark No Comments | Category Health and social care

 In March 2024, we invited feedback on the Scottish Government’s Care Experience Survey Programme. This was part of a wider review to understand how the surveys are used, what could be improved, and what future care experience data should look like. Thank you to everyone who contributed through discussions and the online questionnaire. 

What we heard 

Awareness and use 

Many users recognised the value of the surveys but hadn’t used them directly. A key reason was limited awareness. There’s a clear need to improve visibility and understanding of the programme. 

Purpose and priorities 

Views differed on the main purpose of the surveys. Some use them for service improvement, others for strategic planning. These different uses affect preferences around survey frequency, length, and sample size.  

Survey format and delivery 

Most surveys are currently sent by post, with both online and paper options available. Stakeholders expressed strong interest in exploring digital methods to improve efficiency and reduce costs. However, any changes must consider equalities and accessibility so that everyone can participate fully. 

Frequency and timeliness 

Some users viewed the surveys as too infrequent to support timely decision-making. Many called for more regular data collection, ideally annually or even continuously. Faster turnaround of results was also a common request. Meeting these user needs would require new digital approaches. 

Data granularity 

There’s strong demand for more granular breakdowns by geography, deprivation, age, disability, ethnicity, and rurality. Users also want better representation of seldom heard groups, including unpaid carers, people with sensory loss, and those with English as a second language.  

What’s next 

Based on the review, we’re recommending three key actions: 

1. Establish a new governance structure
   To coordinate survey design, stakeholder engagement, and decision-making across the programme. 
2. Explore digital methods
   To improve efficiency, reduce costs, and potentially increase participation while ensuring inclusivity.
3. Address data gaps systematically
   To respond to stakeholder needs and explore new topics. 

We’ll continue to share updates and welcome feedback as we take forward these recommendations. 

Health and Care Experience Survey 2025/26 

Planning for the next Health and Care Experience Survey is well underway. The survey fieldwork will begin in late October 2025, with results expected in May 2026. You can find out more on the Scottish Government website and we’ll provide a further update when survey materials are finalised. 

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