Engagement in Europe review of 2019
- Area of Work: The ALLIANCE
- Type: News Item
- Published: 16th March 2020

The ALLIANCE reviews their continued activity in Europe in 2019.
In 2019, the ALLIANCE worked to maintain Scotland’s third sector profile in Brussels in the run up to Brexit. We did so by maintaining representation on several European bodies including the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), the EIP on AHA (European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing), the European Patients’ Academy (EUPATI) and the European Patients Forum (EPF).
We began the year by publishing a report ‘Brexit: What Matters to Local Communities and Older People in Scotland’ which highlighted the findings of engagement activity surrounding the potential impact of Brexit. We also liaised with colleagues to promote the ALLIANCE’s Private Members Bill which sought to secure an independent evaluation of the impact Brexit could have on the health and social care sector. This bill was supported by more than 90 third sector organisations, many of which are ALLIANCE members.
Throughout 2019, ALLIANCE Director Irene Oldfather continued to act as the Third Sector Representative for Scotland for the EESC. Throughout the year, we contributed to EESC Third Sector work by attending EESC Plenaries, SOC and REX sessions. We also supported EESC motions calling for the strengthening of the European Pillar of Social Rights as well as a consideration of economic, technological and social changes in advanced services for the elderly. We successfully tabled two amendments to plenary reports on Peace and the Future of Europe.
Our director Irene also had the opportunity to participate in EESC debates over the year. This included a debate on European priorities, highlighting the importance of prevention, diet and inequality and a debate alongside Michel Barnier highlighting the impact of Brexit on civic society. This allowed us to share our view that it is essential to work across borders to share best practice and achieve stronger health and wellbeing outcomes.
We were particularly intentional in pursuing a continued dialogue and relationship with European organisations this year. In fact, in late 2019 we worked alongside Stefano Mallia (EESC President of Brexit Sub Committee from Malta) to co-host a delegation and exchange views with Scottish Government, Parliament, businesses, trade unions and the voluntary sector on maintaining relationships with Civic Scotland, the UK and Europe post-Brexit. We also attended the week-long Canada/EU Domestic Advisory Group delegation on Trade in Ottawa, Canada.
Patient engagement has remained a key focus as we have continued to work very closely with EUPATI UK to engage with both patients and patient organisations on how to use the EUPATI Toolbox to share learning. We have also shared EPF communications widely across all of our networks.
Through these partnerships, the ALLIANCE has been able to deliver extensive engagement work and give a greater platform to share the views of our members, local communities and the seldom heard voices in our society. Going forward, we hope to maintain links with our EU sister organisations and networks to ensure there is a strong voice for people with lived experience in influencing the policy, services and resources agenda.
End of page.
You may also like:
The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is looking for Public Partners to help them assess funding applications.
Continue readingThis year marks the halfway point from when the promise was made, to when it needs to be kept.
Continue readingThe GIRFE Team Around The Person Toolkit has been launched, designed to support a more individualised approach to health and social care.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE welcomes the proposed strategy, though a Human Rights Bill is necessary for full effect.
Continue readingInspiring Scotland has launched a a Scottish Government Learning Disability Support Fund.
Continue readingObesity Action Scotland wants to stop unhealthy food sponsorship at Scottish sports events including the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
Continue readingResidents of Leith’s famous Banana Flats (Cables Wynd House) have launched their human rights monitoring report.
Continue readingThe Scottish Human Rights Commission (SHRC) report finds troubling failures in progress from institutionalisation to independent living.
Continue readingThe updated SPSO Principles demonstrate a positive shift towards putting people and their human rights at the centre of complaints handling.
Continue readingBowel Cancer UK have a team of awareness volunteers based across Scotland who deliver free bowel cancer awareness talks.
Continue readingThe Mental Welfare Commission calls for urgent changes so people with learning disability and complex needs can leave hospital and flourish.
Continue readingOrganisations across the third sector and health and social care are being invited to sign up for a new forum launched to tackle isolation.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE submission focuses on the wellbeing economy and fair finances, health and social care reform, and human rights.
Continue readingEvery Tuesday the Discover Digital team at the ALLIANCE shares a free and trusted digital tool that supports health and wellbeing.
Continue readingMinister announces parts of the National Care Service Bill will be dropped due to a lack of compromise and support.
Continue readingThe Open University is looking for respondents to their survey exploring the gender pain gap.
Continue readingThe Scotland Reducing Gambling Harm programme informed a Systems Map to understand local experiences of gambling harm.
Continue readingThe paper is the result of feedback highlighting this as an important yet under-explored area.
Continue readingAre you aged 55+, living in the UK, and interested in supporting new research?
Continue readingDisability Information Scotland offer training courses designed to help you ensure your online information is accessible to everyone.
Continue readingThis year’s campaign is ‘get comfortable and start talking about mental health’.
Continue readingWe have submitted a parallel report to the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights for its examination of rights in the UK.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE welcome the aims of widening access to palliative care, but actions must be underpinned by resources and accountability.
Continue readingGWT have a new package of support available for people interested in or involved in delivering intergenerational work with school pupils.
Continue readingALLIANCE Members came together to connect, share experience, and discuss key issues facing those with learning disabilities across Scotland.
Continue reading