Bereavement Charter: Manifesto for Scottish Parliament Elections

Bereavement Charter: Manifesto for Scottish Parliament Elections

The Bereavement Charter Manifesto for the Scottish Parliamentary Elections 2026  outlines steps for the next Scottish Government to improve experiences of bereavement in Scotland.

The Manifesto highlights that bereavement is associated with increased use of health and social care services, reduced workplace productivity, and greater risk of mental and physical ill-health.

It points out that compassionate bereavement support has far-reaching positive impacts on society, yet the support available to those who are grieving remains inconsistent and, too often, inadequate. 

The Manifesto urges the next Scottish Government to:

• appoint a bereavement lead
• financially support expansion of the bereavement charter marks for schools and workplaces
• co-produce a national bereavement strategy with stakeholders
• prioritise succession rights in the housing bill

Access the full manifesto or watch a short summary film here: Manifesto for the Scottish Parliament Elections