Professional Summary: Dynamic and results-driven professional with a deep understanding of the health, social care, and sport committee's critical influence on public policy development. Adept at analyzing and interpreting complex legislative frameworks to drive effective health and social care initiatives. Committed to fostering collaborative relationships among stakeholders to enhance community health outcomes and promote sustainable sports programs. Passionate about leveraging insights to...
Topics covered
The Health, Social Care and Sport Committee plays a pivotal role in overseeing legislative matters in Scotland. Its regular reviews of the work program ensure adaptability to the constantly evolving health and social care landscape. This overview outlines the committee’s upcoming legislative initiatives and ongoing evaluative efforts.
Legislative initiatives
The committee is set to examine several significant pieces of legislation. The National Care Service (Scotland) Bill will continue its review during Stage 2, scheduled for Autumn/Winter 2026. This initiative aims to improve Scotland’s care system by addressing critical needs and enhancing service delivery.
Another critical item on the agenda is the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill. The committee has initiated a call for written evidence, which began in June 2026 and will conclude in August. Following this phase, oral evidence sessions will be held as part of Stage 1 scrutiny set for late 2026.
This bill seeks to provide an option for terminally ill individuals, raising essential ethical and societal questions.
Additional legislative considerations
Moreover, the Right to Addiction Recovery (Scotland) Bill will also be under consideration. The committee’s approach to scrutinizing this bill at Stage 1 will be determined in due course, reflecting a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive support for individuals struggling with addiction.
Ongoing scrutiny and evaluations
In addition to legislative activities, the committee will engage in various scrutiny efforts. One key task involves pre-budget scrutiny for the 2026-25 fiscal year, focusing on the financial status of Integration Joint Boards (IJBs). Scheduled for September 2026, this process is critical for ensuring effective resource allocation within the health and social care sectors.
The committee will also review National Outcomes, a fundamental aspect of the National Performance Framework (NPF). Discussions on these outcomes, planned for September 2026, will enhance understanding of how various initiatives align with national goals.
Post-legislative and policy assessments
Additionally, the committee will conduct post-legislative scrutiny of the Health and Care (Staffing) (Scotland) Act 2019. This evaluation will assess the effectiveness of the legislation and its impact on staffing within health and care settings. Ongoing scrutiny of tobacco and vaping policies, along with evaluations of electronic patient records and perinatal mental health issues, underscores the committee’s commitment to addressing pressing health concerns.
The Health, Social Care and Sport Committee is actively engaged in shaping Scotland’s health and social care landscape through rigorous examination of legislation and continuous scrutiny of existing policies. Its efforts aim not only to enhance services but also to ensure that the voices of those affected are heard and considered in the legislative process.
