Alcohol and drugs: partnership delivery framework - 2026

Annex D: Alcohol and Drug Partnership Strategic Plan Template

How to use this template:

This template sets out the expected substance of ADP strategic plans.

It is designed to provide a consistent and proportionate way for ADPs to demonstrate effective governance, accountability, and delivery in line with the Partnership Delivery Framework (PDF).

ADPs are not expected to generate new analysis. Existing local strategies, needs assessments, delivery plans, and performance reports should be summarised or referenced where appropriate.

Where an ADP chooses to use an alternative format, it should be able to clearly demonstrate how all elements of this template are addressed.

This template provides a consistent and proportionate way for ADPs to demonstrate compliance with the PDF.

It does not introduce new requirements. It makes explicit the governance, accountability, and delivery arrangements that ADPs are already expected to have in place.

A. Purpose, Status and Scope

This section should clearly set out:

• the purpose of the strategic plan
• the period it covers
• its formal status within local governance arrangements

ADPs should state:

• the period covered by the plan
• the body (or bodies) that have approved it
• how it aligns with national alcohol and drugs strategy
• how it demonstrates compliance with the PDF

B. Local Context and Need

This section should summarise:

• key alcohol- and drug-related harms and trends locally
• inequalities and population groups most affected
• any relevant local system factors (e.g. rurality, islands, service configuration)

ADPs are strongly encouraged to:

• draw on existing needs assessments, Joint Strategic Needs Assessments (JSNAs), or profiles
• link to rather than reproduce detailed analysis

C. Strategic Priorities and Intended Outcomes

This section should:

• set out a small number of strategic priorities for the period of the plan
• show how each priority:
  • reflects national priorities
  • responds to local need
  • contributes to agreed outcomes
  • A clear format is encouraged – for example:

Strategic Priority: Rationale / Need: Intended Outcomes

ADPs should also explain:

• how priorities were agreed
• who was involved in prioritisation (including lived and living experience)

D. Governance, Roles and Accountability

This section should clearly describe:

• the role and remit of the ADP
• chairing arrangements and responsibilities
• ADP membership and partner expectations
• how decisions are taken and recorded
• reporting and accountability routes

Where local arrangements differ:

• these should be clearly explained (e.g. Community Planning Partnerships (CPPs)-led models, non-Integrated Joint Board (IJB) arrangements)

E. Financial Governance and Resource Stewardship

ADPs should explain:

• what resources the ADP oversees or influences
• how funding decisions are made and agreed
• how financial oversight is exercised
• how financial risks are identified and managed
• how ADP financial governance relates to Integration Authority (IA) or partner systems

F. Delivery, Performance and Improvement

This section should describe:

• how the ADP oversees delivery of its priorities
• what performance information is used
• how under-performance or risk is identified
• how support, challenge, and improvement are provided
• how learning is captured and shared

ADPs are encouraged to:

• link to delivery plans, action plans, or performance reports
• avoid including long action lists in the strategic plan itself

G. Lived and Living Experience (LLE)

ADPs should explain:

• how LLE is embedded in governance
• where and how it influences decision-making
• how participation is supported and sustained
• how the impact of involvement is understood and fed back

H. Risk, Escalation and Assurance

This section should set out:

• key strategic risks to delivery
• how risks are identified and reviewed
• escalation routes where risks cannot be managed locally
• how the ADP assures itself and others of effective governance and delivery

I. Review, Refresh and Transparency

ADPs should describe:

• how often the strategic plan will be reviewed
• how updates or refreshes will be agreed
• how progress will be reported publicly
• where stakeholders and the public can access information

J. Optional Annexes

ADPs may choose to include or link to:

• Delivery or action plans
• Needs assessments or profiles
• Performance dashboards
• LLE frameworks
• Risk registers