1. Scottish Alcohol Research Network
Heather Galway
Assistant Clerk, Health and Sport Committee

2. The role of the Scottish Parliament
The Scottish Parliament is the lawmaking body in Scotland for devolved matters. It is made up of all 129 Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs). MSPs debate matters of importance to the people of Scotland, consider and vote on legislation and hold the Scottish Government to account.
The Scottish Parliament is staffed by public servants, not civil servants. They serve the Parliament as a whole and must remain politically impartial.

3. Current Parliamentary Committees
Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations
Delegated Powers and Law Reform
Economy, Jobs and Fair Work
Education and Skills
Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform
Equalities and Human Rights
Finance and Constitution
Health and Sport
Justice
Justice Sub-Committee on Policing
Local Government and Communities
Public Audit and Post-legislative Scrutiny
Public Petitions
Rural Economy and Connectivity
Social Security
Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments

4. Functions of committees
Scrutinise and hold to account the Scottish Government and public bodies
Inquire into subjects within remit
Examine legislation, including bills and subordinate legislation
Examine the Scottish Government budget and expenditure
Specific role in Stages 1 and 2 of bills
Can initiate legislation
Consider petitions that have been submitted by members of the public and groups who wish to raise an issue.
Scrutiny function is the key function of Committees
Parliament vests special powers in Ministers – it needs to check, on behalf of the people, that these powers are exercised appropriately
Ministers need to be held accountable for their actions and expenditure made by them or on their behalf
Ministers’ proposals for new laws need to be independently examined

5. Health and Sport Committee

6. Health and Sport Committee Strategic Plan & Vision 2016-2021
“In all our actions our overriding aim is to improve the health of the people of Scotland”
To meet the above we will test all activity we scrutinise against the following aspects:
The impact it has on health inequality;
The extent to which it has a prevention focus;
Long term cost effectiveness and efficiency; and
The implications of the UK’s EU exit.
The Committee’s aim is clear and simple
However we recognise the NHS is a large and complex landscape –
Budget of over £12 Billion
14 Health Boards, 8 special boards
31 integration authorities
Over 138,000 staff employed by the NHS
The Committee’s strategic plan ensures we don’t get lost in the detail and lose sight of what the NHS is there to deliver.
Note the use of people – not patient – the individual must be centre stage – must consider an individuals whole care pathway – not just as a stat. for the record book
Below this overarching aim we will test all activity we scrutinise against the following aspects:
The impact it has on health inequality
The extent to which is has a prevention focus
Long term cost effectiveness and efficiency and
The implications of the UK’s EU exit.

7. 2016 work programme Health and Social Care Budgets Delayed Discharges
Social and Community Care Workforce
Recruitment and Retention
Mental Health
GPs and GP Hubs
Obesity
Targets

8. Current work programme
Inquiries
Sport for Everyone
Preventative Agenda
Healthcare in Prisons
NHS Governance
IJB Consultation with Stakeholders
Technology and Modernisation of the NHS

9. Engaging with the Committee
Stage 1, 2 and 3 of a Bill
Call for written evidence
Oral evidence at formal meeting
Direct contact with MSPs
Informal meetings
with the Committee
with the Clerks

10. SPICe and research
Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe)
Kathleen Robson
Lizzy Burgess
Anne Jepson
To register as an adviser or external research consultant:

11. Where to find us! Twitter @SP_HealthSport Committee Website
Parliament TV
You can watch meetings live on Parliament TV or catch up on previous meetings
(We are usually in CR4)