Alcohol and drugs: partnership delivery framework - 2026
A framework to clarify the roles, responsibilities, lines of accountability, and best practices to ensure optimal partnership working on the formulation, planning, delivery, and reporting and evaluation of services for people affected by the use of alcohol and drugs.
Ministerial / Spokesperson Foreword
Alcohol and drug related harm continues to have a profound impact on individuals, families and communities across Scotland. These issues are complex and closely linked to inequality, trauma, poverty and poor health. Addressing these harms requires long-term commitment, compassion and coordinated action across the whole system.
The Scottish Government (SG) and COSLA share a strong commitment to reducing harm and improving outcomes for all those who are affected by substance use. This Partnership Delivery Framework (PDF) has been developed collaboratively, in line with our Verity House Agreement, and through extensive consultation with partners. Making progress to reduce harms and improve outcomes depends on effective partnership working across national and local government, health and social care, justice, housing, the third sector, and communities. The PDF reflects a joint approach based on collaboration, mutual respect, and clear lines of accountability across partners.
This PDF supports the delivery of our new Strategic Plan: Preventing Harm, Promoting Recovery and sits alongside the National Service Specification. It aligns with Scotland’s public health and human-rights-based approach, including the Charter of Rights for People Affected by Substance Use.
The PDF sets out shared expectations for how the alcohol and drugs system operates. It provides clarity on roles, responsibilities and ways of working across national and local partners.
The PDF makes clear that Alcohol and Drug Partnerships (ADPs) are central to the planning and coordination of services that best meet the needs of our communities, through visible and collaborative leadership and partnership working at a local level. The PDF supports ADPs to translate national priorities into locally responsive action and recognises the importance of strong governance, clear accountability, and effective use of resources.
This PDF represents a renewed shared commitment to working together to reduce alcohol and drug related harm and improving the lives of all who are affected. Through partnership, leadership, and compassion, we can strengthen delivery and support better outcomes for people across Scotland.
Maree Todd MSP
Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy and Sport
Councillor Paul Kelly
Health and Social Care Spokesperson