New Independent Chair for Alcohol and Drugs Partnership

Dundee Alcohol and Drugs Partnership (ADP) has appointed a new independent chair, Pamela Dudek OBE, who recently retired from the role as the Chief Executive of NHS Highland.

She led the organisation through the COVID pandemic and the subsequent remobilisation of services, including taking a key role within Highland’s Community Planning Partnership.

Pam worked in the NHS in Scotland for over forty years. She was the Chief Officer in Moray Health and Social Care Partnership and held roles in NHS Grampian covering children and adult services and community planning.

She has a nursing background, having trained as a psychiatric nurse. She undertook a wide variety of nursing and leadership roles in drug, alcohol and mental health services.

Pam has a strong connection to Dundee and Tayside. She was the Head of Substance Misuse Services within NHS Tayside and the Strategic Lead for Mental Wellbeing.

Pam worked across inpatient and community-based services both in Dundee and collaboratively across Tayside, including working with partners to establish the Drug Treatment and Testing Order Service, Arrest Referral Service and Intensive Support Project. 

NHS Tayside’s Director of Public Health Dr Emma Fletcher, currently interim chair, will take up the position of vice-chair of the ADP until December 2024.

Pam Dudek said: “I am delighted to take up this significant role in Dundee. In the short time I have been involved I have been struck by the drive and commitment of others trying to improve the situation in the city, whether that be individuals, families or those working across our services.

“The picture is of ongoing improvement and progress but as always there remains much to do.

“I look forward to being part of the journey and working alongside all partners with an interest to make Dundee a place where options to recover from alcohol and drug use are easy to access, taking a whole family approach and to contribute to the work to make our communities safe. Important to me is how we help our young people make different choices that allow them to have control of their lives and hope as they look to their futures.

“It is a privilege to take up this appointment and I will be seeking to make a difference with and for people.”

Dr Emma Fletcher said; “It has been a huge privilege chairing the ADP this past year on an interim basis. Substance use continues to be a key public health priority for Dundee and the work that has been progressed in this area by all of the teams and people who make up the partnership has been enormous. My thanks go to everyone who has been part of that effort.

“The ADP is delighted that Pamela has been appointed as the new independent Chair and we look forward to working with her to continue to improve the support provided to people, families and communities affected by substance use in future.”

Dundee City Council leader John Alexander, who is also chair of the Dundee Partnership, said: “I welcome the appointment of Pam Dudek to this crucial role in our city

“Dundee partners are keen to keep up the momentum of the hard work that has been undertaken over the last few years to reduce the terrible toll that alcohol and drugs have taken on Dundee people, families and communities.

“Pam brings with her a wealth of experience and a deep knowledge of the issues, and I am sure she will make a significant contribution to the efforts that are ongoing to help save lives and give people better futures.”

Dundee City Council chief executive and chair of the Public Protection Chief Officer Group Greg Colgan said: “Through her career which has progressed from frontline nursing to strategic leadership, Pam has a long track record of delivering for people.

“The independent chair of the ADP is a very important position for the future of this city, and I am looking forward to working with her as we continue our efforts to improve the situation for individuals and families across our communities.”

Chief Superintendent Nicola Russell, Police Scotland Divisional Commander for Tayside said: “I am delighted for Pam on her new appointment and look forward to working alongside her.

“Tackling alcohol and substance misuse is challenging but by working together we can focus on the strategic priorities in the hope we can improve community safety in Dundee.”

Kathryn Baker, chief executive of Tayside Council on Alcohol, added: “As one of two third sector representatives on the ADP I am delighted that Pam has been appointed to this role. She brings a huge wealth of experience with her, an enthusiasm and passion for the work we need to take forward and values the input offered by the third sector.”

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