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Covering letter to Sarah Jones, Minister for Policing and Crime (accessible)

Published 13 May 2026

© Crown copyright 2026

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/drug-use-in-ethnic-minority-groups-a-review-and-recommendations/covering-letter-to-sarah-jones-minister-for-policing-and-crime-accessible

ACMD Chair: Professor David Wood
ACMD Harm Reduction, Treatment and Recovery Committee Secretary: Kortu Stevens
1st Floor (NE), Peel Building
2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF

ACMD@homeoffice.gov.uk

Rt Hon Sarah Jones MP
Minister for Policing and Crime
2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF

13th May 2026

Dear Minister,

RE: ACMD report on Drug Use in Ethnic Minority Groups

We are pleased to enclose the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) report titled ‘Drug Use in Ethnic Minority (DUEM) Groups’. The ACMD self-commissioned this work within its series of reports on drug use in vulnerable populations. This report examines the currently available evidence on drug use, harms, and access to treatment among ethnic minority groups across the UK. At this time, the data available demonstrate that there is an inconsistent and fragmented picture of prevalence in DUEM, due to the under-reporting and inadequate classification of ethnicity. Structural barriers, including stigma, mistrust, cultural insensitivity, and negligible service visibility have been found to limit engagement with treatment services.

After extensive research and evidence gathering on drug use in ethnic minority groups, the ACMD has since made four recommendations summarised below, which are presented in full within the report:

  • Timely and useful data on drug use in ethnic groups should be collected to feed into the next UK drug-strategy refresh and associated funding rounds.
  • Appropriate calls for funded research projects to understand the differences in harms, treatment engagement, treatment outcome and recovery in different ethnic groups and the factors which influence each of these metrics.
  • Special services and specialist workers from different ethnic groups should be included in service planning across the UK.
  • Workforce planning should define competencies needed for a culturally sensitive service to include stigma and shame. It should also focus on workforce representation from ethnic groups across all levels from frontline staff through to board and trustee levels.

The recommendations aim to deliver the following outcomes:

  • A clearer evidence base: robust, consistent ethnicity data to accurately understand prevalence, harms, and service engagement.
  • Better targeted policy and funding: improved research to identify what works for different communities and inform future commissioning.
  • Improved access and engagement: culturally tailored services that reduce barriers and increase uptake of treatment.
  • More equitable treatment outcomes: reduced disparities in treatment access, experience, and recovery across ethnic groups.
  • Stronger, more competent workforce: enhanced cultural competence and increased diversity within services.
  • Reduced stigma and inequalities: more inclusive, community-informed approaches that build trust and improve long-term recovery outcomes.

We welcome the opportunity to discuss this report in due course.

Yours sincerely,

Professor David Wood
Chair of the ACMD

Professor Anne Campbell
Chair of ACMD’s Harm Reduction, Treatment and Recovery Committee

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