Responding to the challenge of devolution
Responsibility for health and other issues of importance to people with diabetes is increasingly in the hands of national politicians and not Westminster. At the same time there is a growing sense of national identity in the devolved nations – Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Diabetes UK has responded to the challenge of devolution in a number of ways. We have transferred resources from the centre to be administered nationally – since the mid-1990s we have had national offices in Glasgow, Cardiff and Belfast. Also, while remaining true to the Diabetes UK mission and vision, we have drawn up unique agendas in each nation and launched separate awareness-raising campaigns. This strategy is already paying dividends, as demonstrated by the progress made in each country in terms of developing Diabetes Frameworks.
Devolution is the template of the future, and Diabetes UK will devote considerable energy to stepping up our presence in each nation over time.