The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland

The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland was originally set up in 1960 under the Mental Health Act. Our duties are set out in current mental health and incapacity law.

Our Mission

To be a leading and independent voice in promoting a society where people with mental illness, learning disabilities, dementia and related conditions are treated fairly, have their rights respected, and have appropriate support to live the life of their choice.

Our Purpose

We protect and promote the human rights of people with mental illness, learning disabilities, dementia and related conditions.

Our Priorities

To achieve our mission and purpose over the next three years we have identified four strategic priorities.

• To challenge and to promote change
• Focus on the most vulnerable
• Increase our impact (in the work that we do)
• Improve our efficiency and effectiveness

Our Activity

In order to achieve these priorities we have grouped our activities into five main categories

• Influencing and empowering
• Visiting individuals
• Monitoring the law
• Investigations and casework
• Information and advice

These activities are supported by good governance and management, well trained and knowledgeable staff and appropriate information management systems.