Scottish Alcohol Research Network Heather Galway Assistant Clerk, Health and Sport Committee Heather.galway@parliament.scot 0131 348 5410

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.

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

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

Health and Sport Committee

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.

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

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

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

SPICe and research Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) Kathleen Robson Kathleen.robson@parliament.scot Lizzy Burgess Lizzy.burgess@parliament.scot Anne Jepson Anne.jepson@parliament.scot To register as an adviser or external research consultant: spice@parliament.scot

Where to find us! Twitter @SP_HealthSport Committee Website www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/CurrentCommittees/health-committee.aspx Parliament TV You can watch meetings live on Parliament TV or catch up on previous meetings www.scottishparliament.tv (We are usually in CR4)