Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care (Scotland)

The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care is a position in the Scottish Government Cabinet, responsible for health and social care policy and its implementation in Scotland. The role holder is accountable to the Scottish Parliament for the performance of the National Health Service (NHS) in Scotland and the delivery of social care services.

The responsibilities of the Cabinet Secretary typically include:

• Overseeing the NHS Scotland budget and ensuring its effective allocation.
• Setting strategic direction for healthcare policy, including public health initiatives and addressing health inequalities.
• Leading on social care policy, including the provision of support for vulnerable adults and children.
• Working with NHS boards and local authorities to improve the delivery of health and social care services.
• Responding to health emergencies and managing public health crises.
• Liaising with other government departments, agencies, and stakeholders on matters related to health and social care.

The Cabinet Secretary is supported by Ministers who hold specific portfolios within the health and social care brief, such as public health or mental health. The specific titles and responsibilities of these Ministers can change over time.

The appointment to this position is made by the First Minister of Scotland. The individual appointed must be a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP). The current Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, and previous holders of the post, can be found on the Scottish Government website.

The role is significant due to the devolved nature of healthcare in Scotland, giving the Scottish Government considerable autonomy in setting its own health and social care policies, separate from those in other parts of the United Kingdom.