Our annual report 2024-25 - a voice for fairness and making sure individuals and their families are involved in the decisions about their lives and care

Published today, the Mental Welfare Commission’s annual report shows the wide range of work the organisation completed last year, including visits to 149 wards and units around the country, meeting individuals, families, and staff. 

In 2024-25, the Commission published a report on the care and treatment of people with learning disabilities and complex care needs who had remained in either a learning disability or mental health hospital for more than 10 years, and closure reports on compulsory community treatment orders, mental health in Scotland’s prisons, and an investigation into the care and treatment of Mr E.

Reflecting on the Commission’s advocacy for law reform, Sandy Riddell, chair of the Mental Welfare Commission, said:

“As we navigate an environment characterized by increasing fiscal pressures, the imperative of law reform and safeguarding mental health as a non-negotiable priority becomes even more critical. 
“You will see in this report, our continued focus on making sure individuals who are going through mental health challenges or living with learning disabilities have strong advocates to speak up for them. We will stay an independent voice, working towards a future where every individual’s rights are not only protected but actively advanced.”

Julie Paterson, chief executive, Mental Welfare Commission, spoke about the need for sustainable solutions to the ongoing pressures. She said: 

“Staffing shortages, rising demand, and fragmented resources continue to strain services, yet transformative practices emerging across the sector offer cautious optimism. This report is not just a record, it is a testament to what is possible when we refuse to accept ‘good enough’ as the standard.”