Kate was research lead for two projects (a scoping study and a randomised control trial pilot) commissioned as part of a ministerial commitment to fund research into NHS Health Scotland and the Scottish Government funded three projects in all as part of the Alcohol and Offenders Research programme. Both reports were published along with a journal paper.
Research to investigate the effectiveness of an Addiction Support Area in HMP Edinburgh (2011), moving away from previous models of Drug Free Areas in prisons, with recommendations for the future potential of such areas across the Scottish Prison Service estate. Kate undertook interviews with prisoners and staff and co-authored a final report.
Process Evaluation of the Mandatory Drug Testing of Arrestees pilot schemes (2009), set up in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen. Kate led interviews with the police, social work staff and drug users to prepare a final report for the Scottish Government advising on the outcomes and impacts of the scheme.
Evaluation of Scotland’s Drug Treatment and Testing Order (DTTO) II pilots (2009), to inform future decisions about the potential roll-out of the Orders and associated services across Scotland. Kate led interviews with drug users and service providers to evaluate the pilot and made recommendations on future changes to maximise impact.
A project led by Kate which required consultation with key stakeholders around the UK, analysis of both statistical and documentary evidence and production of a detailed report summarising findings. Carried out in collaboration with Dr David Shewan, Glasgow Centre for the Study of Violence, the final report was published online.