National Mission Oversight Group minutes: December 2025

Attendees and apologies

Attendees

• David Strang, NMOG Chair 

• Maree Todd, Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy and Sport 

• Emma Crawshaw, CREW2000 

• Kirsten Horsburgh, CEO of Scottish Drugs Forum 

• Laura Wilson, Royal Pharmaceutical Society 

• Lorraine McGrath, CEO Simon Community 

• Valerie White, Public Health Scotland 

• Laura Mahon, CEO of Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs 

• Susan Grant, Families Campaign For Change 

• Rebecca Sibbett, Alcohol Focus Scotland 

• Gareth Balmer, With You 
   

Online      

• Andy McAuley, Glasgow Caledonian University 

• Eddie Follan, COSLA 

• Hannah Carver, Stirling University 

• Sally Amor, Lived and living experience representative 

• Tracey McFall, Scottish Recovery Consortium 

• Joanne McEwan, Police Scotland 

 

Also attended 

• Maggie Page, Scottish Government 

• Alison Crocket, Scottish Government 

• Chloe Poole, Scottish Government 

• Kirsten Campbell, Scottish Government 

• Alison McVeigh, Scottish Government 

• Lauren Ross, Scottish Government 

• Geri Metivier, Scottish Government 

• Rachael McQueen, Scottish Government 

 

Apologies 

• Sandra Holmes, Lived and living experience representative 

• Paul Johnston, Public Health Scotland 

• Chris Williams, RCGP 

• Stephen McCutcheon, Each Recovery Matters 

• Susanna Galea-Singer, Royal College of Psychiatrists 

• Elinor Jayne, HAAP 
   

Secretariat 

• Paul Sutherland, Scottish Government 

Items and actions

Welcome and board governance 

The Chair welcomed members and attendees to the fifteenth meeting of the National Mission Oversight Group (NMOG) and ensure member joining online could hear and welcomed Laura Mahon to the group in her new capacity as CEO of Scottish Families affected By Drugs & Alcohol (SFAD).  

The Chair went on to introduce the main topics of the meeting: a presentation on Drugs Policy Division’s approach to stigma followed by discussion on the Alcohol and Drugs Strategic Plan. 

The Chair highlighted the meeting papers and previous meeting minute then reiterated the purpose of the NMOG and encouraged everyone to contribute to the discussion 

 

 

Minister reflections 

The Chair introduced the Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy and Sport, Maree Todd to address the group and give her reflections on the last quarter. 

The Minister shared observations from her recent visit to Phoenix Futures and spoke of hearing inspiring recovery stories and diverse experiences that she heard firsthand about challenges such as health issues and homelessness.  

The Minister confirmed that budget allocations for 2026/27 have been provisionally approved. Concerns about budget uncertainty and funding challenges and their impact on National Mission projects were acknowledged and the Minister reaffirmed the Scottish Government commitment to addressing these issues. 

Progress on the post-2026 transition work and the new Alcohol & Drugs Strategy was highlighted by the Minister with sector-wide collaboration and lived experience input acknowledged  

 

 

SG update since last meeting  

The Chair handed to Maggie Page (Unit Head of the Drugs Strategy Unit) to provide the Scottish Government update since last meeting. 

MP highlighted the publications of the RADAR report and Residential Rehab Capacity report by PHS. 

An updated was provided on Drug checking. Ongoing restrictions are due to UK Home Office licensing conditions and highlighted the need for further engagement at UK level. 

 

Discussion  

There was discussion on the rising demand for naloxone and the potential role of family-focused services in increasing awareness. 

Concerns were raised about the discontinuation of nasal naloxone supply by some health boards due to cost pressures, and the need for national support to secure continued provision. 

The importance of nasal naloxone in crisis situations was highlighted, with recognition that injectable options can present challenges. It was agreed that this issue requires further exploration. 

The group considered barriers to implementing drug checking services in certain areas and noted that ongoing UK-level restrictions remain a challenge. It was acknowledged that Scotland faces a unique context compared to other nations. 

 

Presentation - Stigma – a human rights based approach 

The Chair introduced Alison Crocket (Unit head of the Whole Systems Unit) and invited her to deliver her presentation on Stigma. 

AC acknowledged the “blank sheet” approach and commended the incredible work already undertaken. Emphasised that things have evolved and will be integrated into the Drugs Strategy and Strategic Plan.  Highlighted a key challenge: institutional stigma remains pervasive across all aspects of life and within institutions, impacting the ability of people we serve to access healthcare 

 

Key points from the presentation were: 

Stigma is a major barrier to treatment and recovery; deeply embedded across health, housing, justice, and employment systems.  

Tackling stigma requires system-wide culture change, not one-off initiatives.  

Stigma Action Plan (2023): Recommendations include transparency, humanising substance use, workforce pledges, person-centred and trauma-informed practice.  

Charter of Human Rights (Dec 2024): First globally, endorsed by UN; sets out seven rights to challenge stigma and promote dignity, equality, and participation.  

Human Rights-Based Approach embedded in:  

Scottish Human Rights Bill (planned post-2026). 

• Equality & Human Rights Mainstreaming Strategy. 
• New Alcohol & Drugs Strategic Plan. 
• Workforce Development: Knowledge & Skills Framework, Learning Directory, Guiding Principles for inclusive workplaces.  
• Mental Health & Substance Use Protocol: Integrated care, anti-stigma training, lived experience leadership.  
• National & Local Initiatives: Humanising Healthcare Cafés, SDF Traineeship Programme, local stigma charters.  

Future Priorities: Top-down and bottom-up culture change, empower people and families, link with wider SG campaigns.  

 

Discussion 

The Chair opened the discussion to the group. 

The discussion highlighted gaps in policy and clarity on role of national renewal agenda, including the need for clarity on disconnections and full implementation of MAT Standards, as well as prospects for reform of the National Framework. 

There was recognition that stigma extends beyond drugs policy and requires a cross-government approach. Work is underway to align efforts across departments. 

The group noted the absence of specialist support to help individuals claim their rights and emphasised the need for the entire health and social care system to understand relevant policies and procedures, particularly for those with addiction 

Peer-led sessions on the Charter have begun, and there was agreement on the importance of engaging other government departments. Justice-related work in prisons was cited as an opportunity to reduce stigma and promote decriminalization. 

Stigma was acknowledged as deeply embedded culturally and societally, with recent experiences reinforcing its prevalence. 

Homelessness and mental health access were identified as major barriers, with calls for additional support for these groups. Multi-level stigma persists, and issues are often framed as problems rather than opportunities for intervention. 

The importance of stigma awareness in policing was stressed, alongside progress on trauma-informed approaches and diversion from prosecution for possession. An upcoming publication on drug harm will address stigma, though legislative barriers remain. 

 

 

Presentation

The Chair invited Maggie Page (Unit head of the Drugs Strategy Unit) to deliver her update on Alcohol and Drugs Strategic Plan. 

 

Key points from the presentation were: 

 

The Vision of the Strategic Plan is to Prevent harm, promote recovery, save lives through a human rights-based, locally-led system. 

Focus Areas:  

Prevention & Early Intervention: Reduce affordability/availability of alcohol; build resilience in young people; early support for high-risk groups. 

Harm Reduction: Expand naloxone; improve surveillance; support safer consumption facilities; reduce alcohol-specific harms. 

Treatment & Care: National standards; parity for alcohol and drug treatment; increase residential/crisis care; support recovery communities. 

Wider Support: Joined-up services across health, housing, justice; trauma-informed approaches; improve access to welfare and employment. 

Delivering in Partnership: Strengthen local accountability; support voluntary sector and workforce; improve governance, data, and research. 

 

Presentation on Chapter 6 of the Alcohol and Drugs Strategic Plan: Delivering in Partnership   

The Chair invited Chloe Poole, Leader of the Mission Strategy Team, to introduce the upcoming discussion and outline its purpose. 

CP explained that, rather than separate presentations, the group would split into two smaller groups for discussion and feedback. She noted that this approach will help explore how partners think about delivering in collaboration and what is needed to bring the plan to life 

CP highlighted that the discussion will focus on two key areas: 

Supporting the voluntary sector, including perspectives on funding and governance. 

Partnership issues at local and national levels, including views on the role of advisory and oversight groups 

 

Discussion 

Members were divided into two breakout groups to enable focused discussion on the two key areas. Both groups were supported by a facilitator who directed the discussions 

The key themes and discussion points are below:  

The group emphasised the need for stronger cross-government collaboration, noting limited communication between key teams such as homelessness and drugs and alcohol, which hinders effective partnership working.  

Concerns were raised about Alcohol and Drug Partnerships (ADPs), including lack of accountability, deskilling risks, and inconsistent commissioning practices. Some felt issues stem from commissioners rather than ADPs themselves. Strengthening oversight and capacity-building was seen as essential.  

Discussion highlighted gaps in partnership approaches, including limited involvement of wider stakeholders (e.g., employers, education) and the need for strategies to translate into tangible benefits for individuals. Connectedness and resource allocation were identified as priorities.  

Local-level awareness of service touchpoints was noted as insufficient. Improving coordination and tracking at community level should be prioritized, supported by the National Specification and Patient Data Framework.  

Service provision concerns included:  

• Young people: Significant gaps for those aged 12+ with substance misuse issues, particularly benzodiazepines, ketamine, and new psychoactive substances. 
• Rural areas: Limited services, reduced public sector presence, and increased vulnerability to organized crime. 
• Postcode lottery: Wide variation in service quality across Scotland. 

Governance and scrutiny gaps were flagged, with calls for Care Inspectorate oversight of alcohol and drug services and implementation of National Standards to ensure quality of care. The need to avoid duplication of effort within governance and advisory structures was also highlighted.  

The importance of involving people with lived experience in governance structures was stressed, alongside support to enable meaningful participation.  

The need to prioritise evaluation of interventions was highlighted, in order to ensure good practice and consistency of approach, as well as highlighting the benefits of evaluation at local level in order to advocate for continuation and resources. 

Gender-specific needs were highlighted, including patterns of use, trauma, caregiving roles, and fears of child removal.  

Funding challenges were discussed, including arrears-based payments, lack of flexibility, and delays causing workforce instability and redundancy risks. Calls were made for improved funding models, advance guidance on monitoring, and recognition of voluntary sector accountability pressures.  

Workforce concerns included burnout, training access, resilience, and the additional demands of MAT Standards and workforce action plans. A harm reduction approach and flexibility in recovery-oriented services were suggested. The role of volunteers in the workforce was also highlighted. 

Alcohol inclusion in the strategy was welcomed, though complexity acknowledged. Greater focus on harmful/hazardous alcohol use and primary prevention was recommended.  

Families were recognized as central to care, with calls for clearer communication and inclusion under each priority. The need to balance secrecy and family involvement was noted.  

Overall, the Plan was positively received, described as comprehensive and progressive compared to other strategies. 

 

AOB and Close  

The Chair welcomed back attendees from their breakout groups thank them for attending today. The Chair then confirmed the date of the next steering board  meeting and NMOG meeting 

The Minister also thanked everyone for attending and for contributing to a good healthy discussion. 

The Minister acknowledged the upcoming festive period and the additional challenges it poses for individuals struggling with addiction, as well as for those working in the support sector, and expressed gratitude for their continued efforts to assist people during this time.