This document explains the terms of reference for the RADAR Network.

RADAR is Scotland’s drugs early warning system. It was established in 2022 and is coordinated by Public Health Scotland (PHS). It is a national programme using a collaborative design approach to ensure the system is relevant and meets the needs of the people and places it serves. RADAR collects and analyses information about drugs, such as uses and availability, and enhances the recording and validation of information related to drug harms to inform action. What is the RADAR Network? The Network is a large multi-agency national group supporting the operation of the system. The Network sits alongside two other working groups advising on the development and delivery of the system. It is an inclusive information sharing group designed to connect RADAR to services and the public.

Its key roles are to:

• monitor markets, collect information and detect trends
• share drugs information – using email, forms and surveys
• strengthen local information sharing and communication networks
• share communications in a coordinated way.

See also, RADAR reporting form (updated)