A Common Understanding 2025

1. Foreword

A Common Understanding (2003) was the first guidance of its kind to be introduced in the United Kingdom. It aimed to describe a productive relationship between the NHS in Scotland and the pharmaceutical industry. Updated in 2012, a revised Common Understanding better defined an agreed framework for cooperation between the NHS and the pharmaceutical industry to achieve the best outcomes from collaborative working.

A great deal has changed within the NHS in Scotland since 2012, but the underlying principle described in the revised Common Understanding holds true – that by working together, where appropriate, more can be delivered to improve care for people in Scotland than could be achieved by individual organisations working alone. Innovation is the cornerstone of the future of healthcare. By embracing new technologies, treatments and collaborative ways of working, we can ensure that Scotland remains a world leader in health innovation, alongside strengthening the Scottish economy and our life sciences industry.

Central to our success is the continued collaboration across key stakeholders working with the NHS in Scotland, including the research community and the pharmaceutical industry. Our dedication to transforming our approach to innovation across health and social care, by building new partnerships between the Scottish Government, the NHS and our academic institutions, holds strong and remains an area we are committed to progressing.

As Chief Executive of the NHS in Scotland and Scottish Government Director-General Health and Social Care, I am proud to introduce this update to A Common Understanding which highlights the guidance and toolkits available to support the NHS, the pharmaceutical industry and other stakeholders to work together on joint endeavours.

This updated guidance comes at a crucial time and reflects the evolving opportunities available within our health and social care system, our academic institutions and the pharmaceutical industry to improving healthcare outcomes for patients. I would like to extend my gratitude to all those involved in the drafting of this updated guidance. Together, we will continue to drive forward innovation and excellence in delivering healthcare.

I would encourage all parties to use this guidance as a framework for collaboration now and in years to come to ensure the best chance of successful and sustainable Joint Working that will benefit both patients and the public in Scotland.

Caroline Lamb

Director General Health and Social Care

Scottish Government