Solar Farm Perthshire - SHIFT, Perth & Kinross Climate Change Commission
The River Tay and riverside walk on the North Inch, Perth - SHIFT, Perth & Kinross Climate Change Commission

Shift: Our purpose, approach and membership

SHIFT is an independent body set up to support efforts by local government, communities, businesses, charities and individuals to address the causes and impacts of global warming locally, and to accelerate and maximise the opportunities  in our journey to tackle climate change and beyond.

Our immediate focus is the Perth and Kinross region, but we also have a vital role to play in collaborating with bodies with a similar purpose in the wider Tay Cities region, in Scotland and at a UK level, and internationally.

We aim to recruit and maintain a diverse Commission membership, which reflects our region’s local communities and businesses, and offers a voice to citizens of all ages and backgrounds.

Our role and objectives

SHIFT has several key objectives, which are all centred on helping our region address the challenges of climate change and maximise the opportunities from transitioning to a greener future.

We will do that by:

  • Providing a critical review of key climate policy and related climate plans provided by Perth and Kinross Council and related advisory parties.
  • Focusing on the fundamental issues that matter to our communities, including: energy, transport, land-use and food, shelter, jobs, skills and investment for green economy regenerative growth.
  • Seeking to add value, avoid duplication, and help unlock blockages to secure more consistent operational deployment of policies both within and across agencies and organisations active in climate planning and response.
  • Identifying gaps in policy frameworks or delivery processes and mechanisms across those organisations.
  • Acting as a knowledge hub to engage with and inform citizens, businesses, organisations and communities of climate change developments and local plans to address the emergency.
  • Championing and advocating for change to ensure the significant opportunities and benefits of addressing climate change and wider environmental issues are delivered in our region.
Kinnoull Hill View Perth Scotland - SHIFT, Perth & Kinross Climate Change Commission

How we work with others

SHIFT looks to leverage expertise from across the Perth and Kinross region to engage and inspire collective ownership and a shared commitment to reaching net zero.

We aim to improve partnership working across and between all sectors by engaging with individuals, communities and charities, businesses and local government.

Perth and Kinross Council provides secretariat support to the Commission, including liaising with members and providing administration support for minute taking and communications, as well as circulating policy information and reports to the Commission for review.

The Commission scrutinises the Council’s Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan as a critical friend to provide feedback, guidance and recommendations, as well as helping to identify areas of good practice.

Perth High Street Scotland - SHIFT, Perth & Kinross Climate Change Commission

What we have delivered so far

Our immediate focus since we were established has been agreeing the scope of our work, the priority areas for action, and putting in place steps to increase the visibility of the Commission and broaden the diversity of our membership.

In addition, we have:

  • Participated in several events and workshops with a focus on driving forward more sustainable approaches to various issues.
  • Helped local environmental groups in Perth and Kinross win grant funding for various initiatives.
  • Employed a student intern to compile a database of all ‘green’ groups across Tayside.
  • Produced soon-to-be published guidance for groups looking to set up community energy projects.
  • Worked with Perth and Kinross Council and Edinburgh University to successfully bid for and deliver an Innovate UK-funded research project. The project worked with community groups in Tulloch, Aberfeldy and Blairgowrie to identify barriers to people using more sustainable transport, cleaner energy, and other environmentally-friendly approaches in their daily lives.
Stagecoach Electric Bus - SHIFT, Perth & Kinross Climate Change Commission