New Independent Chair for Alcohol and Drugs Partnership

Dundee Alcohol and Drugs Partnership has appointed a new independent chair, John Wyllie.

Recently retired from Police Scotland, he worked across a wide range of functions including public protection, international policing, specialist crime, training, law reform, organised crime and crime strategy.

He was the Detective Chief Inspector (Public Protection) for Tayside and has significant experience of participating in and leading strategic partnerships in a multi-agency setting.

John Wyllie said: “I look forward to working in a positive, practical and meaningful way with all members of the ADP and anyone else who can assist. I know that the task of tackling the harm caused by alcohol and drugs is complex and challenging but I absolutely do think that by continuing to work together, with good will, determination and a clear focus that we will make things better for the people and communities of Dundee.”

Councillor John Alexander, city council leader and chair of the Dundee Partnership, said: “I welcome John as the new independent chair of our Alcohol and Drugs Partnership.

“This is a crucial appointment, as we look to make progress on the hard work that has been ongoing over the last few years to reduce the terrible toll that alcohol and drugs have taken on Dundee people, families and communities.

“I look forward to the publication of the ADP’s Strategic Framework and Delivery Plan for Drug and Alcohol Recovery, which will provide us with a roadmap to continue our efforts over the next five years.

“We have no illusions about the size of the task and our local partnerships are striving every day to make Dundee a City of Recovery.

“John will bring a strong skillset to the table and will have a significant contribution to make.”

John Wyllie has been appointed following a tender process for an initial period of 2 years.                                                                                 

Dundee City Council chief executive and chair of the Public Protection Chief Officer Group Greg Colgan said: “The tender evaluation process, which included a multi-agency panel of ADP members, found John to be highly motivated and committed to working with others to learn together and improve collaboratively, including developing creative ways to engage typically excluded groups.

“I look forward to working with him as we continue to tackle some of the biggest problems facing Dundee.”

Vicky Irons, chief officer of Dundee Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “DHSCP are very much looking forward to welcoming the new chair and developing future plans with all city partners.”

Professor Grant Archibald, Chief Executive of NHS Tayside said, “Substance use remains a major public health concern and a priority for NHS Tayside, working with the three Alcohol and Drug Partnerships in the Tayside area.

“I welcome the appointment of John to this important role for Dundee. We are committed to continuing to work together to develop recovery services that can respond holistically in ways that meet the needs of individuals and families to the complex social, economic and health factors that lead to substance use.” 

Christina Cooper, Chief Executive Officer, Dundee Volunteer and Voluntary Action said: “I am extremely pleased to welcome John as Chair of the ADP. His wealth of experience in practice and policy – and proven track record of influencing change will be a great asset to the ADP. With his distinguished career history to date, I am confident John will lead the partnership and focus it on strategic priorities, overseeing the business and setting high governance standards.”

Chief Superintendent Phil Davison, Divisional Commander for Tayside and deputy chair of the Public Protection Chief Officer Group, added “John Wyllie was a dedicated and highly respected officer during his time in service and has an in-depth understanding of the complex social issues that affect communities within Tayside.

“I look forward to working alongside him to achieve our shared objectives of improving community safety and wellbeing within Dundee.”

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