Our work
Areas of work for the Scottish Sensory Hub
Policy, Consultation and Research
The Scottish Sensory Hub conducts a range of lived experience research, co-design, and consultation work. Some of these activities are undertaken on behalf of Scottish Government, while others are independent. We also publish responses to developments across the sensory sector. Read more about our research work here.
Engagement
The Scottish Sensory Hub participates in a range of engagement activities. These include the Visual Impairment Network for Children and Young People (VINCYP), Hearing Impairment Network for Children and Young People (HINCYP), the Getting It Right For Every Child (GIRFEC) Advisory Group for children with disabilities and long-term conditions, and the Audiology Implementation Delivery Group.
Cross Party Groups
The Hub also provides the Secretariat for the Cross Party Group on Deafness, and is a member of the Cross Party Group on Visual Impairment.
The Cross-party Group on Deafness (CPG on Deafness) acts as a channel of communication between the Scottish Parliament, individuals with Deafness/Deafblindness and organisations working or supporting individuals with Deafness/Deafblindness.
Sensory Care and Dementia
A Short Life Working Group of the CPG on Deafness on sensory care and dementia was formed in March 2025. This working group is chaired by Roz McCall MSP with secretariat provided by the ALLIANCE. Membership includes members of the CPG on Deafness, the CPG on Visual Impairment, and other experts with an interest in sensory care and dementia. This includes people with lived experience of dementia and sensory changes, Age Scotland, Sight Scotland, Deafblind Scotland, the ALLIANCE, the Care Inspectorate, Edinburgh Napier University, NHS Lothian, Queen Margaret University, and the University of Edinburgh.
The aim of the working group is to improve care pathways and provision of support for people with dementia who also experience Deafness, Deafblindness or Visual Impairment, including BSL users. To achieve this aim, the group is developing the first framework of sensory care standards for Scotland. Sensory care in this context is defined as any type of care related to the senses which is necessary for a person’s communication, access to information and mobility. The framework of sensory care standards will centre around several core areas including sensory data collection, sensory assessment, and implementation of sensory care.
In April 2025, the sensory care and dementia working group published a research report on dementia assessments for people with Deafness, Deafblindness or Visual Impairment. The findings from this report will inform the development of the framework of sensory care standards.
For more information or enquiries on the sensory care and dementia working group, please contact sensory@alliance-scotland.org.uk
You can also access quarterly updates on progress of the working group from the minutes of the CPG on Deafness, published on the Scottish Parliament’s website here.
Inclusive Communication
We are happy to offer organisations support with inclusive communication, accessibility, and connected areas of policy and practice. To discuss further, please email the team at sensory@alliance-scotland.org.uk.
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