National Collaborative: Call for Nominations papers

Purpose of the Change Team

The Change Team has been established to co-design an Action Plan for the National Collaborative, which will include a Charter of Rights for people affected by problem substance use as well as an Implementation Framework and Monitoring and Evaluation Plan. The Change Team will lead the Human Rights Based Approach and will move through the FAIR process guided by the Coordination and Communities Team. The stages are outlined below:

• facts: Develop an evidence base from people affected by problem substance use
• analysis: Co-produce an analysis of the human rights engaged in experiences of problem substance use
• identification: Identify an action plan to respect, protect and fulfil the relevant human rights
• review: Review and monitor the implementation of the action plan

Membership

• the Change Team will consist of 15 to 20 people, including rights holders (people with experience of substance use) and duty bearers.
• the Change Team will meet every four to six weeks, and individuals are expected to be in this role for a set period of time.
• meetings may be held virtually or in-person. In-person meetings will be held in a variety of locations.

People with experience may include

• people who have experience of problem substance use and who are currently in recovery
• people who are currently using one or more substances problematically
• family/loved ones who currently support or have previously supported someone with problem substance use
• people working in drug and alcohol services with experience of problem substance use

Diversity and inclusion

Whilst we want people to participate in the National Collaborative as individuals rather than asking them to represent a particular characteristic, it is important to include a wide range of experiences and perspectives. We particularly welcome nominations from under-represented groups such as:

• people who are disabled with a physical condition
• people who have a mental health condition
• people who have a learning disability and/or neurodiversity
• people who share a range of protected characteristics including race, LGBTQI+ people, age and sex
• people who live in rural areas
• people who have experienced problems with a range of different types of drugs and alcohol (opiates, stimulants, depressants, and poly drug use)
• people who are still using drugs and/ or alcohol and people in recovery of any form
• people with caring responsibilities
• families and loved ones of people affected by problem drug and alcohol use

Person specification

As a member of the Change Team you will be expected to:

• participate in a series of capacity building workshops to develop a knowledge and access the support needed to engage in the FAIR process. In particular, members of the Change Team will have previous knowledge and understanding of the Human Rights Based Approach or be willing to undertake the necessary training
• listen and respond to input from each other recognising that everybody is speaking from their own experiences
•  work collaboratively with team members and stakeholders
• be open and identify challenges, concerns and opportunities
• provide advice on the priorities for the National Collaborative
• co-design a Charter of Rights and Implementation Framework
• share updates on the National Collaborative process within respective communities (e.g. recovery groups and clinical networks)
• bring questions, challenges and issues from relevant communities to the attention of the National Collaborative
• help others in the Change Team understand the community context, including relationships, activities, strengths and resources
• attend pre-arranged meetings (virtual or in-person) whenever possible
• read and provide feedback on documents and/or take part in surveys

Support

Information and assistance will be provided to members to ensure their work is fully informed and to ensure they receive appropriate support ahead of NC meetings.

Support may include pre-meeting briefing, ongoing liaison and signposting to support services.  All members will also be requested to participate in capacity building workshops. Further tailored arrangements will be available to meet the needs and preferences of individuals.

Support will be provided at meetings where someone will be available to offer group or 1:1 support. Follow up support can be provided where required.

Remuneration

Out of pocket travel and subsistence will be paid as well as costs for alternative caring, if required.

A gift of thanks in recognition of the time and effort freely given by participants will be offered to participants. The form and the administration of this will be determined in due course. We will discuss this with each participant and try to tailor to suit their preferences and circumstances.

Unfortunately, the impacts of receiving recognition payments on benefits entitlements is complex and difficult, and dependent on individual circumstances. We strongly advise prospective participants to seek independent advice on whether receiving such a payment is likely to affect eligibility for benefits or other forms of state support. You can get general advice online from The Citizens Advice Bureau as well as details of your local office at Citizens Advice Scotland or call Scotland’s Citizens Advice Helpline free on 0800 028 1456.

Secretariat

Secretariat support for the National Collaborative will be provided by the Drugs Policy Division from the Scottish Government Population Health Directorate. The National Collaborative will be able to draw on wider expertise from across the Scottish Government, as well as from organisations from the wider virtual network.