Publication - Independent report
Residential Rehabilitation Services: recommendations on clinical governance
This report summarises the findings and recommendations of the Future of Residential Rehabilitation Working Group on the improvement of clinical governance of Residential Rehabilitation Services in Scotland
Work Undertaken
The Clinical Governance Subgroup was established under the FRRWG with agreed Terms of Reference. Between May and December 2025, the subgroup undertook a structured programme of work to address concerns about clinical governance in residential rehabilitation services. Key activities included:
- Reviewing evidence of governance gaps and associated risks presented by clinicians, commissioners, and providers.
- Considering a discussion paper outlining priority issues for exploration.
- Requesting additional mapping work from Scottish Government analysts to clarify detoxification provision and associated infrastructure.
- Receiving presentations on the National Specification and the role of the National Flexible Framework from Scotland Excel.
- Engaging with regulators, including the Care Inspectorate and Healthcare Improvement Scotland, to understand current regulatory constraints.
- Incorporating lived experience perspectives appropriately and previous survey findings to ensure recommendations reflect service user needs.
This evidence base informed subgroup discussions and shaped the recommendations presented in this report.