Independent Chair - North Ayrshire Alcohol and Drugs Partnership (ADP) - NAY16650 in Irvine

North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership is seeking to appoint a suitably qualified and experienced individual to chair the North Ayrshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership (NAADP). This is an exciting opportunity to drive forward partnership working focused on preventing harm and supporting recovery through a key leadership role.

North Ayrshire is proud of its strong, compassionate partnerships and our determination to reduce the harms caused by alcohol and drugs. We are now seeking an Independent Chair for our Alcohol and Drugs Partnership to bring vision, courage and collaboration to this mission—galvanising partners, amplifying lived experience, and championing recovery across all our communities.

The North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership (NAHSCP) deliver integrated health and care for our residents and convenes partners around shared goals. The Alcohol and Drugs Partnership is central to this effort—aligning local services, communities and national policy so people at risk are supported earlier, with dignity, and with hope. As Chair, you will set the strategic direction for NAADP and help turn vision into sustained, measurable improvement for people and families.

The partnership is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction, development, publication, distribution, dissemination, implementation, embedding and reporting of the ADP strategy. We are looking for an individual with senior leadership experience with a track record of motivating partners and turning strategy into action.

The Main Duties of the post include:

• Reporting directly to the Director HSCP and governance Boards including the Integration Joint Board you will provide strategic leadership and direction while providing regular performance and quality assurance updates in respect of the whole functioning of the ADP.
• Attendance at local and national events in relation to the ADP and partnership meetings will be required to support and enhance the current work of the existing senior management team.
• The effective development of links and partnerships are key to this post.
• Ensure that the ADP fulfils its key functions as outlined in the Scottish Government strategy “Rights, Respect and Recovery” and associated key documents to deliver in respect of strategic planning; continuous improvement; public information and engagement and communication.
• Chairing the senior management team meetings of the NAADP and appropriate representation at Child and Adult Protection Committee meetings.
• Ensuring engagement between partners and all other stakeholders by promoting and developing multi-agency working, practices and initiatives in respect of recovery and the impact of substance use.

Applicants should have:

• Experience at a Senior Management level
• Experience of partnership working on a multi-agency capacity or across multi-discipline teams
• In depth experience of working within the area of recovery and substance use and have knowledge of current Scottish Government drivers, policy frameworks and evidenced best practice in relation to this.
• Experience of chairing multi-disciplinary groups and meetings

Working Arrangements:

The Committee Chair will have flexibility to work from home in preparation for reports in relation to the work of the ADP but will need to be available to chair the Senior Management Team and attend Chief Officer Groups/Integrated Joint Board Meetings when required. There may be additional attendance on an as required basis in relation to Scottish Government and national commitments. It is anticipated that the Chair will work up to 4 days per month.

Key contacts include Director North Ayrshire HSCP, Chief Executive of North Ayrshire Council as Chair of COG; Chief Social Work Officer; Heads of Service, Public Health, Child and Adult Committee chairs, leads of organisations in key positions which support the work of the ADP. The Chair will work with the Lead Officer to produce our local strategy, annual reports and implementation plans of the ADP’s performance for the Scottish Government and Integration Joint Board. They will provide reports in respect of Scottish Government priorities and initiatives and associated data. The Chair will facilitate active participation of all senior management members in contributing to the decision making of NAADP disbursement of funds, recommendations and implementation of evidenced based practice and potential joint working across pan Ayrshire ADPs.

Professional Development:

The chair is expected to attend any identified training and development relevant to the role and to maintain knowledge of current practice issues in the fields of substance use and recovery, a whole system public health approach and promote an anti-stigma human rights approach.

Payment Details:

£400 per day – up to 4 days per month

This post is considered Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children and/or Protected Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. Preferred candidates will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check prior to a formal offer being made by North Ayrshire Council.

How to Apply:

If you are inspired to lead with purpose, inspire recovery and transform lives, we would love to hear from you. If you would like to apply, please submit your CV to carolinecameron@north-ayrshire.gov.uk by 12th February 2026. For further information or a discussion on the role please contact Caroline Cameron (carolinecameron@north-ayrshire.gov.uk), Director North Ayrshire HSCP.