Review of the Scottish Drugs Forum

Review of the Scottish Drugs Forum

ANNEX 1. RATIONALE FOR METHODOLOGY

The following chart illustrates an overview of the research methodology and how it relates to the objectives of the Review of the Scottish Drugs Forum:

Objectives	Methods
examine the performance of SDF in providing value for money in relation to all funding sources with a particular focus upon the funding made available by the Scottish Government both to support its core activities and specific projects/initiatives taken forward over the last 5 years, including an examination of the effectiveness of service user involvement in terms of what SDF was funded to deliver.	Review the purposes of the different funding streams - what does each aim to achieve? In light of these objectives, work out what input, output and outcome data is needed to come to conclusions on the 3 Es of vfm ¹³. Collect data for core activities and specific projects/initiatives - using desk research and stakeholder interviews to gain perceptions of how effective SDF is in different activities, and why. Review service user involvement against good practice and assess the use made of the outputs of that involvement.
assess SDF's short and long term strategic planning processes…	Review the "Golden Thread" to check that long term strategic objectives are translated into short term operational targets which are then implemented, monitored and reviewed. Review processes to check involvement of stakeholders is both appropriate and well managed.
its performance in, and contribution to, developing the drugs strategy;…	Establish Scottish Government's expectations of the role of SDF was to play in development of strategy and measure performance against these using primarily stakeholder interviews.
….its future role in supporting the implementation of the recovery focused strategy and the central role of those with drug problems (e.g. the role of SDF in promoting service user involvement).	Consider all conclusions of this review, including on value for money; planning processes; and performance in relation to the drugs strategy and, then, in the light of those, conclude on the likely efficiency and effectiveness of SDF's future role in the implementation of the new strategy, and in particular its ability to promote a shift in the role of service users.
assess the effectiveness of SDF's standing financial instructions, internal and external audit; staff and partnership arrangements.	Review documentation and assess against acknowledged best practice Review against Good Governance Standard (Langlands 2004)
identify key strengths, which can be built upon, and propose solutions to any weaknesses which need to be addressed; value for money ( VFM) for funders and key stakeholders and cost-effectiveness being a key feature.	Key S&W identified in overview assessment following initial data collection Key S&W analyses in context of follow up with stakeholders and benchmark organisation Recommendations to address weaknesses will be developed based on analyses above and & tested with client

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