From feedback to action – ALISS progress so far in 2026

Chris Mackie, Director of Digital, reflects on what ALISS has achieved so far this year and shares what is still to come.

So far, 2026 has been a busy and productive year for the ALISS programme. From new website features, to supporting developments in digital health and social care, we have continued to improve ALISS based on valuable feedback from our users. This article highlights some of the key achievements to date and looks ahead to what is next.

Technical developments

Navigation

For some time, users have asked for a more visual way to discover services on ALISS. We have now introduced a map view for search results. This allows people to see the location of services relative to their postcode or place name that they enter. Currently, ALISS can only display services with a postcode on the map. As many services operate regionally or nationally, we are exploring how we might visually represent them on a map.

Assurance

Professionals often ask how the quality of information on ALISS can be verified. User research indicated that displaying an organisation’s charity number (if applicable) could help increase users’ confidence in the information provided. Therefore, we have added a field for the charity number. This is validated through a link to the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) website. Organisations with a charity number are now identified with a purple ‘Registered Charity’ badge on ALISS. Users can follow a link to the OSCR website where further information (e.g. annual returns) about the charity can be viewed.

Free services

Some services listed on ALISS require a payment to access them. However, users told us they would value clearer information about services that do not charge a fee. To support this, we have now introduced a ‘Free Service’ badge which is shown next to the name of services. Organisations can tick this option when providing information about their accessibility features, making it easier for people to identify suitable support based on their circumstances.

Publications

Asset mapping toolkit

In January, the ALISS team relaunched its popular Asset Mapping Toolkit with a fresh design and updated content. The concept of asset mapping has been key to the development of ALISS since the beginning. It all started with one question: “what keeps you well?”. The toolkit explains the background to asset mapping, why it is important, and how it can help communities identify and connect with local resources. It also outlines a four-stage approach to guide people unfamiliar with the process.

Planned future work

Search

The journey from the website’s front page to a list of relevant search results is a critical part of the ALISS service. Following user research, we have planned a new look for the search boxes which is more intuitive and easier to use. The new design aims to improve user experience and the results presented.

MyCare.scot

The vision for a digital front door to health and social care in Scotland was launched in April under the name MyCare.scot. Building from its initial features, the roadmap for MyCare includes an integration of ALISS data. This will enable people to more easily find health and wellbeing services. A process of business analysis has explored options for displaying and navigating ALISS information. The Digital Front Door delivery board will be asked to endorse a way forward to ensure ALISS information can be easily and efficiently found by MyCare users.

As we head into the final months of 2026, we are eager to build on this progress. We will continue to work with users, partners and stakeholders to ensure that people across Scotland can find the right information, support and services to help them live well and stay connected to their communities.

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