Style and writing guide
Recent updates
28 August 2025
- new entry on naming services and systems
- a new entry on Personal Acting Body (PAB) and Corporate Acting Body (CAB), either name the specific type or use client representative
- new entry on assistance, do not use it to refer to payments
- updates to the entry on benefit, award and payment, use payment wherever you can
- updates to the numbers entry, including advice on naming parts of a form
Use the Social Security Scotland style guide as your first point of reference.
To find what you need, you can:
- use the A-Z to for an alphabetised list of all the entries
- choose a section and browse the entries
- choose a section and search for something specific by using Ctrl+f (PC) or ⌘+f (Mac)
If you cannot find the entry you’re looking for, check the GOV.UK style guide.
This is a guide, not a set of rules. However, the advice in this guide is based on evidence and content design expertise. You should read the advice and use your own judgement.
Request an addition to the style guide
If you cannot find the entry you’re looking for in this style guide or the GOV.UK guide, you can request an addition to the style guide.
To request a change:
- fill in the style guide request form
- if you cannot access the form, email: contentdesign@socialsecurity.gov.scot
Include examples of what you're trying to do and any relevant evidence.