The figures published today showing a 13% fall in deaths caused by drug misuse in Scotland in 2024 are a step in the right direction. However, they are not cause for celebration. Similar figures for 2023 saw a 12% rise in deaths caused by drug misuse. Progress is precarious and we will not know … [Read more...] about VHS Statement: decrease in drug misuse deaths in Scotland
VHS Response: Public Health Scotland Strategy
On Friday 22nd August we submitted our response to the call for views on Public Health Scotland's (PHS) Strategy from 2025-2035. The closing date for responses is Friday 29th August, and responses should be sent to phs.strategicdevelopment@phs.scot. In our response, we largely reflect on the Key … [Read more...] about VHS Response: Public Health Scotland Strategy
VHS Response: Health, Social Care and Sport Committee Consultation on Mental Health Spending
In our response to the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee’s pre budget scrutiny focusing on mental health spend, we welcome the recent commitment from the Scottish Government in various publications to prioritise prevention in the delivery of mental health services. We also welcome the explicit … [Read more...] about VHS Response: Health, Social Care and Sport Committee Consultation on Mental Health Spending
VHS Response: Long Term Conditions Framework Consultation
Yesterday we submitted our response to the Scottish Government’s consultation on a proposed Long Term Conditions Framework which closes on the 20th July. This response was based on extensive engagement with our members. In our response, we were unable to categorically answer whether or not we are … [Read more...] about VHS Response: Long Term Conditions Framework Consultation
VHS Response: Scottish Labour Policy Forum Stage 2 Consultation
On 27th June 2025, we responded to the second stage of the Scottish Labour Party’s Policy Forum. This will inform their manifesto for next year’s Scottish Parliament election. The consultation is framed around seven thematic documents, including two on Mental Health and Preventative Health Care … [Read more...] about VHS Response: Scottish Labour Policy Forum Stage 2 Consultation
Response: Medium Term Financial Strategy
The Scottish Government’s Medium Term Financial Strategy, published on the 25th June, does not provide the concrete commitment required regarding health spending on prevention. The Population Health Framework, the Health & Social Care Service Renewal Framework and the Public Service Reform … [Read more...] about Response: Medium Term Financial Strategy
Policy Workshops: 2026 VHS Manifesto
In preparation for next year’s Scottish parliament election, VHS is planning to publish a policy manifesto later this year. We’ve already hosted a meeting with a group of key stakeholders to help us identify the key issues and opportunities and some of the policy solutions to address these. Now we … [Read more...] about Policy Workshops: 2026 VHS Manifesto
A momentous three weeks for health creation in Scotland
Sarah Latto, VHS Policy and Public Affairs Lead, reflects on her first three weeks in post including the publication of the Population Health Framework and the Service Renewal Framework this week. Today marks exactly three weeks since I joined Voluntary Health Scotland as the Policy and Public … [Read more...] about A momentous three weeks for health creation in Scotland
VHS is recruiting – Policy and Public Affairs Lead!
Could you be our new Policy and Public Affairs Lead? This is an exciting role working to drive our dynamic policy programme. The deadline for applications is 9.00 a.m. on Monday 10th March 2025, so if you think this is the job for you, read on. Job title: Policy and Public Affairs … [Read more...] about VHS is recruiting – Policy and Public Affairs Lead!
Health Policy Matters – September 2024
Welcome to September’s edition of Health Policy Matters! This monthly blog features recent policy highlights, as well as upcoming influencing opportunities for VHS and our members. Following on from yesterday’s announcement of £500 million cuts by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local … [Read more...] about Health Policy Matters – September 2024
