The former organisations or services that now make up SDS are: In 2010, the agency found itself facing funding cuts of more than £20 million and needing to find 125 voluntary redundancies, one tenth of its workforce.

The Big Plus is an awareness raising campaign in Scotland targeting adults who might be unable to achieve their aspirations due to a lack of literacy and/or numeracy skills.

Adults who respond to the media promotion are put in touch with a local learning provider where they are invited to participate in a program of personal, dedicated learning activities at a local centre.

The program aims to help participants reach a level of skills that will enable them to actively engage, with confidence, in personal, family, community and work life.

Learning programs are provided by Scottish local authorities and are free to resident applicants.