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.
6. Maintenance and Revision
6.1 Joint Responsibility
As a joint publication, this Partnership Delivery Framework (PDF) should, in every aspect, be subject to the mutual development and agreement of the Scottish Government (SG) and COSLA, with suitable consultation and contributions from wider partners. That has been the case in the drafting of this version and should be for any revision and republication thereafter.
6.2 Joint Publication and Comms / Promotion of the PDF
The SG and COSLA will work together to agree and execute the most effective methods for dissemination and promotion of the PDF, as well as considering how best to engage with partners on the implementation and compliance with the principles and guidance detailed herein.
6.3 Agreed Standard Duration / Timetable for Regular Review
The SG and COSLA agree to responsive and reasoned adaptation and review, to ensure the provisions herein remain relevant and effective. Review will take place at two key points:
- Spring 2028: An interim (2yr) review of the efficacy of implementation in the improvement of governance and accountability of planning and delivery of services, with any identified key points of failure identified, and further recommendations tabled for inclusion at full-term evaluation and review.
- Spring 2030: A full-term (4yr) review, wider consultation, and revision to ensure continued relevance and efficacy.
6.4 Structure and Leadership of the Review Group
A Joint Review Group comprising officials from both the SG and COSLA should be maintained, or established as required, to support any evaluation, consultation, advice to decision-makers, and redrafting efforts. In jointly leading such a Review Group, those officials should ensure that as wide a cohort as possible and practicable, of representatives from institutions referenced within the PDF, are actively consulted and given opportunity to contribute to any revision.
As a minimum, Scottish Ministers and the COSLA Health and Social Care Spokesperson should be the signatories to any review or republication. Wherever possible or practicable consideration should be given to appropriately widening the cohort of signatory or endorsing bodies.
6.5 Circumstances / Triggers for Extraordinary Review beyond the Timetable
Should the authorities or structures that underpin the planning and delivery of services change so significantly, for example:
- Due to legislative change conveying or transferring statutory authority over service delivery.
- Due to the dissolution, amalgamation, or reconstitution of any key partner institution
- Due to discovery that any provision herein, has become unlawful, unworkable, or materially misaligned with either SG, COSLA, or partners’ aims and policy.
The SG and COSLA may, by agreement, seek to review or revise the PDF on timescales outwith those described in Section 7.3 above.