SEPA Unveils Ambitious Environmental Transformation Plan for 2025/26

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has announced its Annual Operating Plan for 2025/26, outlining an ambitious transformation programme aimed at safeguarding and enhancing Scotland’s environment.

Now in the second year of its 2024-2027 Corporate Plan, SEPA continues to build on the foundations of its organisational reset. Over the past year, the agency has introduced new leadership, refined operational approaches, and identified key areas for transformation to ensure the strongest possible environmental protections for the future.

Acknowledging the rapid pace of environmental change in Scotland, SEPA is accelerating its transformation across all areas of operation. As Scotland’s principal environmental regulator and strategic flood risk management authority, SEPA recognises the need for continuous adaptation to meet emerging challenges.

The agency’s transformation programme prioritises customer engagement and service improvements, including a renewed regulatory approach powered by digital solutions, enhanced data-driven decision-making, and a commitment to improving public and business interactions. SEPA has pledged to work closely with key sectors and operators, ensuring accessibility, collaboration, and effectiveness as a regulator.

Reflecting on past achievements, SEPA CEO Nicole Paterson, has highlighted its contributions to Scotland’s environmental performance over the past year and reaffirmed its dedication to advancing its mission. With a clear focus on net zero, climate resilience, water environment protection, resource efficiency, and business environmental performance, SEPA is determined to uphold its core values—Purposeful, Professional, and Passionate—to benefit Scotland’s environment now and in the future.

You can read SEPA’s Annual Operating Plan HERE