National Collaborative

In January 2022, Scotland’s First Minister invited Professor Alan Miller, a proven human rights leader, to become independent Chair and build the National Collaborative.

The National Collaborative’s vision is to integrate human rights into drug and alcohol policy leading to better outcomes for people affected by substance use.

Video explaining the background and development of the National Collaborative and draft Charter of Rights.

Independent from government, the National Collaborative developed an approach to bring together:

1. A Change Team of people affected by substance use and their families (rights holders), independent advocates (rights defenders), service providers (duty bearers) and regulators to co-design a Charter of Rights.
2. NC Network – an extensive network including individuals, organisations and groups who provide advice and extend the reach of the National Collaborative. 

The work of the National Collaborative in the creation of a Charter of Rights for People Affected by Substance Use contributes to the Scottish Government’s National Mission to reduce deaths and improve the lives of those impacted by substances. The National Collaborative is supported by a team from Scottish Government Drug Policy Division facilitated by The Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE).

The ‘Roadmap for the National Collaborative’, available at the bottom of the page, was published in 2022 and details how a human rights-based approach will be put in to practice.

2023

In May- August 2023, the National Collaborative launched a Call for Evidence to gather views from around Scotland about people’s experiences of substance use and human rights. Findings from the Call for Evidence were analysed and informed the creation of a Draft Charter of Rights for People Affected by Substance Use.

2024

From December 2023- June 2024, the National Collaborative held a public consultation to gather views on the Draft Charter of Rights for People Affected by Substance Use to inform its continued development. The consultation feedback was collectively analysed by the Change Team of the National Collaborative and the resulting data informed the creation of the final Charter of Rights for people affected by substance use which will be published on 11th December 2024.

If you have any questions or would like to get in touch with someone about the work of the National Collaborative please email people@alliance-scotland.org.uk.

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