October 2026

VHS Policy News

Policy Briefing: Prevention, Health and the Third Sector
This month we published a policy briefing exploring the contribution of the third sector to the design and delivery of preventative health services in Scotland. The briefing was based on insight from VHS members, and showcases the third sector as a vital source of evidence and insight on what works as we shift to a more prevention-centred health system. Read the briefing here. 

Cross Party Group on Health Inequalities
On October 1st, we held the inaugural session of the Cross Party Group (CPG) on Health Inequalities for this parliamentary term and are delighted to, once again, be the Secretariat for this group. Heather Anderson MSP has joined as the Convener, Kayleigh Kinross-O'Neill MSP as Vice Convener, as well as other members including Miles Briggs MSP, Helen McDade MSP, Paul McLennan MSP and Adam Harley MSP. Our next meeting will be in January 2027 - if you're interested in joining the CPG, please get in touch. 

Ministerial Oversight Groups
In the past month we were invited to represent third sector voices on the Ministerial Oversight Group, chaired by Government Minister Maree Todd MSP, and the Health and Social Care Reform Oversight Board, chaired by Cabinet Secretary Angela Constance MSP. It is vital that the third sector is represented in these spaces, particularly in times of such considerable change. 

Health Policy Officers Network Meeting
We hosted our quarterly in-person meeting of the Health Policy Officers Network (HPON) this month, where policy professionals gathered to reflect on the recent Programme for Government. To find out more about the HPON, get in touch!

From Research to Reality: Social Prescribing In Scotland Report
The report from Voluntary Health Scotland's May event on social prescribing in partnership with Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) has now been published. It calls for sustainable, long-term funding, better data sharing and guidance for evaluation and a proportionate approach that prioritises reaching those with greatest need.  Read the report here.  

VHS Events

VHS Conference: Power, Partnership, Perseverance
On 2nd November, we'll be holding our Annual Conference at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh. This year's theme is Power, Partnership, Perseverance and we'll be celebrating our collective power, strong partnerships, and how our perseverance leads to real, measurable change. Secure your place today!

We're also excited to announce the Images of Impact Photography Competition. We're looking for photos taken from across our membership that embody this year's theme and that tell a story about the people, places, relationships and actions that help create health and wellbeing in Scotland. The deadline is October 21st, learn more about guidelines and submissions here. 

Third Sector Health Creation Marketplace at Scottish Parliament 
Registrations are now open for our Third Sector Health Creation Marketplace event in the Scottish Parliament. This unique event, sponsored by Paul McLennan MSP, will take place in the Garden Lobby from 6-8pm on Tuesday 8th December, and provides a valuable opportunity for VHS members to engage with members of the Scottish Parliament, as well as key health and policy decision-makers in Scotland. If you have not received an invitation email directly, get in touch for more information about how to get involved. 

Wider Policy Developments and Publications

The following is a summary of relevant policy developments, but it is not an exhaustive list. Please contact me if you want to speak about something not listed here. 

Drug Deaths in Scotland rise by 11%
There were 1,133 drug related deaths registered in Scotland in 2025, an increase of 11% (116 deaths) compared with 2024, according to new National Records of Scotland figures. Male deaths rose 19% to 830, while female deaths fell 5% to 303. The rate in Scotland’s most deprived areas was 15 times higher than in the least deprived areas. Nitazenes - a form of synthetic opioid - were implicated in 247 deaths (22%), more than three times the 2024 figure.

Health, Care and Sport Committee Meetings
The Health, Care and Sport Committee heard calls on the 23rd September for greater investment in sport and physical activity as part of Scotland’s preventative health agenda.

On the 30th September, the Committee heard evidence from palliative care and hospice organisations on unmet need, workforce pressures, and inequalities in access to care.

On the 7th October, the Committee heard calls for greater investment in preventative healthcare during its pre-Budget scrutiny session, with witnesses highlighting the importance of tackling long-term conditions and improving population health.

The official report for Health, Care and Sport Committee meetings can be found here. 

Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund Impact
A Scottish Government impact report of the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for Adults has found that projects reported improvements in mental health, social connection and access to support during 2023-24.

Scottish Government confirms new childhood cancer strategy
The Scottish Government has confirmed that a new cancer strategy for children and young people is expected to be published in early 2027, after the current 2021-26 strategy ends. This was confirmed in a Members Business debate led by Jackie Baillie MSP.

Scottish Greens call for abortion law modernisation
In a press release, the Scottish Greens have called upon the Scottish Government to bring forward plans to decriminalise abortion "as soon as possible." The party added it was time to "modernise" abortion law in Scotland.

Updated Mental Health and Wellbeing Delivery Plan Published
The Scottish Government and COSLA have published an updated Mental Health and Wellbeing Delivery Plan. It outlines priorities for the next three years, including a stronger focus on prevention and providing support closer to home.

Scottish Government warned about impact of scrapping LDAN Bill
A coalition of MSPs and charities has written to Maree Todd to urge the Scottish Government to address fears that “focus will be lost,” after John Swinney confirmed last week that the Learning Disabilities, Autism, and Neurodiversity (LDAN) Bill was to be abandoned.

Scottish disability benefit recipients forecast to rise by 31% by 2030
The number of people receiving Scottish disability benefits is forecast to rise by 31% to more than one million by 2030-31 according to a new SPICe briefing. Adult Disability Payment is expected to grow from around 473,000 recipients in 2024-25 to 691,000 by the end of the decade.

Scottish Government confirms £2.6 billion PSR savings target 
The Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Reform has confirmed in a letter to Public Service Reform Committee that the Scottish Government is targeting a 2.5% reduction in the overall public sector workforce by 2029-30, equivalent to around 457,700 FTE staff.

Year 1 progress report on health and social care reform
The Scottish Government and COSLA have published their first annual progress report on health and social care reform, outlining progress on the Population Health Framework and Service Renewal Framework. This shares that more than 122,000 patients received cardiovascular risk assessments in the year to March 2026, with over 13,000 identified as being at increased risk and offered preventative treatment. 

Relevant Consultations

Updates to the Code of Practice for the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 - Scottish Government - closes on 29th October

Domestic homicide and suicide review standards - Healthcare Improvement Scotland - closes on 5th November

Restricting mobile phones in Scotland's schools - Scottish Government - closes on 17th November

Quality Prescribing Guidance for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction 2026-2029 - Scottish Government - closes 20th November

Price controls on essential food items: draft legislative provisions - Scottish Government - closes on 24th November