The CSPP, formerly known as the John Wheatley Centre, was inaugurated in 1999 in preparation for the re-convening of the Scottish Parliament and the predicted new focus on public policy in Scotland.

Since its creation the CSPP has developed a recognised expertise in a number of policy fields, including two of this year's continuing themes; city regions and democratic renewal, arguing, for example, for the introduction of Elected Mayors for our cities through both these programmes.

Of particular note over the past few years has been the CSPP's activity at each of the main party conferences here in Scotland.  A series of successful fringe events, with very lively debate involving Ministers, senior party spokespeople and activists has enabled the CSPP to get to the very heart of policy debate within each of the main parties.