The Source dataset

Social care is a vital investment in people, communities, and the economy. In Scotland, it supports around 200,000 workers and contributes £3.4 billion annually. Improving care experiences and outcomes - especially for unpaid carers - is a major policy goal. 

As part of their Spotlight on Social Care, ADR Scotland highlighted the potential of the Source dataset. This national dataset provides information on individuals who are (fully or partially) funded by their local authority to receive social care services. 

The dataset is structured into eight sections - including demographics, client information, self-directed support, care at home, community alarms, care homes, and learning disability statistics. Data is collected and submitted by local authorities to Public Health Scotland for every person, regardless of age, who has: 

• received an assessment or review of their care needs, and 

• accessed local authority-funded social care services during the collection period. 

Covering activity from 2017/18 to 2023/24, the dataset captures both local and national care provision.