Sources of information on participation policies

In this section we provide links to the Scottish Government's policy commitments and legislation which relates to Patient Focus and Public Involvement, equality and diversity and human rights.

Chief Executive Letters and Health Department Letters (CELs & HDLs)

These letters provide direction from the Scottish Government on the implementation of policies relating to Patient Focus and Public Involvement. They can be found on the Scottish Government Health Directorates website.

• CEL (2010) 04 Informing, Engaging and Consulting People in Developing Health and Community Care Services
• CEL (2009) 08 Guidance on reimbursement of 'Out of Pocket' expenses for volunteers within NHS Scotland
• CEL (2008) 49 Spiritual Care
• CEL (2008) 20 Implementation of Better Health, Better Care
• CEL (2008) 10 Refreshed Strategy for Volunteering in the NHS in Scotland
• HDL (2006) 22 NHS Carer Information Strategies: Minimum requirements and guidance on implementation
• HDL (2006) 13 Patient Focus and Public Involvement Independent Advice Support Service
• HDL (2005) 15 Implementation of new NHS Complaints Procedure
• HDL (2005) 11 Patient Focus Public Involvement: Establishment of the Scottish Health Council
• HDL (2005) 09 Equality and Diversity Impact Assessment Toolkit : Interim guidance
• HDL (2002) 51 Fair for All: Working together towards culturally competent services
• HDL (2001) 08 Independent Advocacy: A guide for commissioners

Key Standards and Publications

• Independent Advocacy: A Guide for Commissioners (Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance, 2010)
• Equally Well: Report of the Ministerial Task Force on Health Inequalities(Scottish Government, 2008)
• Principles and Standards for Independent Advocacy (Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance, 2008)
• Code of Practice for Independent Advocacy (Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance, 2008)
• Better Together – The Patient Experience Programme
• Better Health, Better Care: Action Plan (Scottish Government, 2007)
• National Standards for Community Engagement
• Building a Health Service Fit for the Future (Scottish Executive, 2005)
• Delivering for Health(Scottish Executive, 2005)
• Can I help You? Learning from Comments, Concerns and Complaints (NHSScotland, 2005)
• Community Health Partnerships: Involving People Advice Notes (Scottish Executive, 2004)
• Community Health Partnership Statutory Guidance (Scottish Executive, 2004)
• A Partnership for Care: Scotland's Health White Paper (Scottish Executive, 2003)
• Patient Focus Public Involvement (Scottish Executive, 2001)
• Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change (Scottish Executive, 2000)

Equality, Diversity and Human Rights Legislation

The Equality and Human Rights Commission maintains a list of the key pieces of legislation relating to equality and human rights. It also has a section on its website that covers issues relating to Scotland.

Other Key Legislation

• Patient Rights (Scotland) Act 2011
• NHS Reform (Scotland) Act 2004
• Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003
• Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002
• Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000
• Carers (Recognition and Services) Act 1995