About health and social care

We recognise that local people and communities are central to everything we do and are a vital part of all decision-making. We will work with individuals to plan and arrange their care or support, helping everyone to live healthy, active lives. We are committed to transforming the way we deliver services.

Our vision is to provide health and social care in Highland, working together to support our communities to lead healthy lives, achieve their potential, and enjoy the freedom to live independently where possible.

Our vision

We aim for all children, young people, families, and adults in Highland to achieve the best possible outcomes:

• Infants, children, and young people should have the best start in life, feel loved, confident, and resilient, and be supported to reach their full potential.
• Adults receiving support should be safe, free from exploitation, and able to live independently within their communities wherever possible.

Our principles

We will realise this vision through a set of guiding principles:

Tackling inequalities

We strive to reduce the gap in outcomes between the most and least vulnerable individuals and families by addressing poverty and increasing opportunities for all.

Love and support for care-experienced children and young people

We are committed to ensuring care-experienced children and young people are loved, supported, and, where safe, able to stay within their families.

Promoting children’s rights and participation

We uphold the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the Human Rights Act 1998, ensuring families are informed of their rights and are actively involved in shaping the services they receive.

Good health and mental wellbeing

We support individuals of all ages to be safe and to achieve and maintain good physical and mental health.

Protecting and supporting our communities

We work to prevent and reduce offending, address its root causes, and promote social inclusion—enhancing public protection in partnership with others.

Working in partnership

We collaborate with a range of partners, including the Community Planning Partnership Board and the Integrated Children’s Services Planning Board, to deliver shared improvement priorities.