SCOT - the Scottish Coalition on Tobacco - is a dynamic coalition of partners which campaigns on all matters relating to tobacco and health. The alliance was founded in a previous form by ASH Scotland in 1999, bringing together organisations with shared concerns, interests and views. The combined influence of SCOT adds weight to policies and campaigning, and demands the attention of all policy makers. SCOT's membership comes from health groups, charities and civic and voluntary organisations, and plays an important role in shaping a positive future for public health in Scotland.
The coalition provides a platform to share view with other organisations and with policy makers as it works closely with the Scottish Government, NHS Health Scotland, and the Scottish Parliament's Cross Party Group on Tobacco Control. Its collective approach means that SCOT has become an influential and respected voice in public health, with the secretariat being provided by ASH Scotland, the leading charity campaigning for effective tobacco control in Scotland.
The work of SCOT is decided by its membership with periodic meetings to set out strategy and to review progress. Coalition work is carried out through regular meetings, informal networking and email contact.
SCOT's Steering Group retains an overview of the overal strategy, makes long-term decisions, sets aims and goals for the coalition, and retains a wider brief for tobacco control issues. The coalition's Communications Group is a sub-group of SCOT made up of staff with a press and communications remit, and invited observers. The group is mandated to make recommendations and take forward communications work on behalf of the coalition as a whole.
SCOT aims to further reduce the harm caused by tobacco in Scotland and campaign for more effective tobacco control policy. SCOT (incorporating Scotland CAN!) played a leading role in campaigning for legislation to end smoking in enclosed public places. Up to and beyond the law being passed, SCOT was an important forum for the campaign, providing a combined and united front in favour of Scotland becoming smoke-free.
The organisations involved in SCOT share information and best practice, create policies on tobacco control and smoking, campaign on specific tobacco or smoking issues, respond to relevant consultations, and provide advice and information to the public, politicians and the media.
A visual representation of SCOT's structure is available here.
Page updated 5th December 2008