On a cold and stormy day in Edinburgh we were delighted to have such a strong turnout for our "Power of attorney: making the case and building the conversation in Scotland" event.  

We're going to be running the first ever UK-wide Power of Attorney Day on 22 April 2026, and our event in Edinburgh was a crucial moment for the campaign in Scotland. We brought together experts from specialist charities, financial institutions and national agencies to talk about their own experiences promoting power of attorney, and the positive role a better uptake could have on key services. 

For those who don’t know, a power of attorney is a legal document that can ensure a person’s wishes are respected, should they be in a position where they are no longer able to express their own wishes directly. It can provide clarity in emergencies and can avoid stressful decision-making at a time of crisis. It is so important, yet many people in Scotland know nothing or very little about it. 

At the event we heard from the Public Guardian for Scotland, Fiona Brown on the Office of the Public Guardian Scotland's role and support they offer, alongside Cath Sermon from the Standard Life Centre for the Future of Retirement on the research they've done into people's engagement with power of attorney in Scotland, and the myths and misconceptions all too many people have about the process and purpose.  

We also heard from carers Lesley and Lynn about the impact having power of attorney for their loved ones had on their lives. Hearing "I'm so glad my Dad put one in place for him and my Mum" really brought home the vital need for people to know about power of attorney, and in good time.  

If you’re reading this and thinking that the people you support or work with would benefit from knowing more about power of attorney, then our Power of Attorney Day campaign, in partnership with Standard Life, is for you! Please save the date in your diaries, start thinking about how you and your organisations might get involved and sign up here: https://www.powerofattorneyday.org.uk/