Evidence and Impact
Detailing and understanding Scotland’s current and future skills demand is a key part of the Skills Planning Model.
This is why SDS’s Evidence and Impact Team provides a robust, detailed and up-to-date evidence base to guide and inform how we invest in Scotland’s learning and skills system.
This evidence base is used not only by SDS, but by a broad range of partners and stakeholders from Scottish Government and partner agencies to learning and training providers, employer bodies, industry groups and businesses.
Building on a strong track record in producing trusted labour market insights for this range of audiences, the Evidence and Impact Team has a schedule of national, regional and sectoral publications that aims to meet the needs of users, putting accurate and timely evidence at the heart of decision-making.

Economy, People and Skills
Read the latest labour market intelligence by sector and region, which makes sense of the wealth of labour market data available and helps inform policy direction and decision making on investment.
Regional Skills Assessments
RSAs provide an agreed evidence base to help us and our partners plan future skills investment.
Sectoral Skills Assessments
The Sectoral Skills Assessments look at current and future skills demand in the key sectors across Scotland.
Edinburgh and South East Labour Market Toolkit
This toolkit has been developed to ensure that indivduals and those that support people to prepare for jobs and careers across the Edinburgh City region have regionally tailored and accessible guidance materials.