Experience

TONIC

• Director

  • Jan 2005 - Present

  Specialising in Government, 3rd Sector & Local Authority Consultancy across a range of public sector issues, policy development, research and service design.TONIC was established in 2005 by Matthew Scott to provide public sector consultancy to a range of Government departments, local authorities, PCTs and 3rd sector organisationsWe think that things can be done better if we are innovative, inclusive, listen and communicate, use the evidence and get the right people to "buy-in"… Specialising in Government, 3rd Sector & Local Authority Consultancy across a range of public sector issues, policy development, research and service design.TONIC was established in 2005 by Matthew Scott to provide public sector consultancy to a range of Government departments, local authorities, PCTs and 3rd sector organisationsWe think that things can be done better if we are innovative, inclusive, listen and communicate, use the evidence and get the right people to "buy-in" to the processWe use the “Principles to Practice” approach that develops a shared understanding of the problem, finds out what works from the evidence, adopts principles that will meet the challenge and then turns all this into a series of practical steps for improvementTONIC has worked for a range of clients, including Home Office, Department of Health, Ministry of Justice, Department for Children, Schools and Families, Essex County Council, Thurrock Council, ONTRAC 360, Lewisham Council and the Drug Education ForumOur completed projects include the consultation on the Code of Practice for Alcohol Retailers, Child Poverty bid for Essex, Targeted Mental Health in Schools (DfE pilots), The National Drug Strategy, The Youth Alcohol Action Plan and Dual Diagnosis among Young People Show more Show less



Public Policy Exchange

• Conference Chair

  • Jun 2011 - Jun 2016

  I am a regular chair for conferences run by Public Policy Exchange in Westminster, London for people across the UK working in a range of issues from Armed Forces personnel to the future of High Streets



Sunstone IP Systems

• Director

  • Mar 2011 - Mar 2015

  Sunstone IP Systems are specialists in HD surveillance systems with significant expertise in Megapixel HD CCTV, IP Access Control and Wireless Technology.We work in partnership with our customers to deliver robust, high quality, cost saving solutions. Our systems are fully scalable to ensure that it will continue to meet the future needs of any business. We have designed and installed a range of HD systems for large organisations, Independent schools, colleges and local authorities in… Sunstone IP Systems are specialists in HD surveillance systems with significant expertise in Megapixel HD CCTV, IP Access Control and Wireless Technology.We work in partnership with our customers to deliver robust, high quality, cost saving solutions. Our systems are fully scalable to ensure that it will continue to meet the future needs of any business. We have designed and installed a range of HD systems for large organisations, Independent schools, colleges and local authorities in the South East and throughout the UK. Show more Show less



The Portman Group

• Consultant

  • Dec 2011 - Nov 2012

  “We used TONIC to conduct an independent analysis of the public consultation responses on proposed changes to the Portman Group’s Code. Matthew and his team were professional and skilled in the way they conducted the analysis, producing a report that was useful in informing our Board and practical in terms of providing options about how to proceed. They also designed and facilitated a series of stakeholder workshops to ensure all parties had involvement in how proposals were moved forward… “We used TONIC to conduct an independent analysis of the public consultation responses on proposed changes to the Portman Group’s Code. Matthew and his team were professional and skilled in the way they conducted the analysis, producing a report that was useful in informing our Board and practical in terms of providing options about how to proceed. They also designed and facilitated a series of stakeholder workshops to ensure all parties had involvement in how proposals were moved forward. Their independence ensured that these were well-handled, with everyone included in the process. We would be pleased to use TONIC again and to recommend them to other organisations.”HENRY ASHWORTH, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, PORTMAN GROUP"Tonic were invaluable in helping us analyse and report on the responses to our Code consultation and understand the complexities facing the drinks industry. Tonic also organised and facilitated a number of industry workshops for us; we had total confidence in their ability to deliver on our deadlines and would recommend them to anyone."KAY PERRY, HEAD OF REGULATORY AFFAIRS, THE PORTMAN GROUP (Sept 2012) Show more Show less



The Innovation Unit Limited

• Senior Associate

  • Oct 2011 - Nov 2012

  Working on the Community Budget in Essex



Department for Education

• Project Lead: DfE Exemplar

  • Aug 2011 - Aug 2012

  Leading an Innovation Project to develop an effective approach to working with complex families affected by parental substance misuse



Essex County Council

• Project Manager - Safeguarding Children from Complex Families

  • Apr 2010 - Mar 2011

• Project Lead

  • Apr 2010 - Mar 2011

• Project Manager ­ Research Project Lead

  • Feb 2009 - Feb 2011

• Project Manager ­ CAMHS Strategy Lead

  • Aug 2009 - Oct 2009



Mott MacDonald

• Consultant

  • Mar 2010 - Oct 2010

  Service Redesign: Cornwall Intervention TeamWorking with local partners, the Intervention Steering Group and The Department for Education to deliver the following: Development of Outcomes Framework, new Governance Structures and Service User Engagement Programme for CAMHS



The Home Office

• Consultant

  • Mar 2009 - Jun 2010

• Alcohol Strategy Unit Policy Advisor

  • 2009 - 2010 1 year , Read the consultation documents here:http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/consultations/cons-2010-licensing-act/response-analysis-1 Read the new legislation here:http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/drugs/alcohol/alcohol-licensing-conditions/“Matthew has worked for the Home Office. And been involved at all stages from project management, developing and delivering a large-scale consultation exercise, briefing ministers and developing new legislation. This has been a high… , Read the consultation documents here:http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/consultations/cons-2010-licensing-act/response-analysis-1 Read the new legislation here:http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/drugs/alcohol/alcohol-licensing-conditions/“Matthew has worked for the Home Office. And been involved at all stages from project management, developing and delivering a large-scale consultation exercise, briefing ministers and developing new legislation. This has been a high profile and highly contentious area of work and Matthew has skillfully handled a range of differing views, always demonstrating an ability to bring all required work in on time and to an excellent standard – often in challenging circumstances and to short deadlines. Matthew has worked extremely well and I have been very satisfied by all of his work. It has been a pleasure to work with him and I would not hesitate to recommend him for any future work.” Mark Cooper, Head of Unit, Home Office



Cambridge Education

• Consultant

  • 2010 - 2010less than a year

  Working with local partners, the Intervention Steering Group and The Department for Education to deliver the following: Development of Outcomes Framework, new Governance Structures and Service User Engagement Programme for CAMHS



Harlow District Council

• Project Lead

  • May 2009 - Aug 2009

  "As Manager of the Harlow Education Consortium, an incorporated partnership of all 40 schools in the town of Harlow, with links to Harlow College (the main post 16 provider) and the Harlow Childrenʼs Centre Network (6 original Sure Start Centres), I have worked closely in the last year with TONIC on two successful applications / bids to the DCSF – one a Targeted Mental Health in Schools pilot (value £220k) and one a Child Poverty / Improving Support for Separating Parents (value… "As Manager of the Harlow Education Consortium, an incorporated partnership of all 40 schools in the town of Harlow, with links to Harlow College (the main post 16 provider) and the Harlow Childrenʼs Centre Network (6 original Sure Start Centres), I have worked closely in the last year with TONIC on two successful applications / bids to the DCSF – one a Targeted Mental Health in Schools pilot (value £220k) and one a Child Poverty / Improving Support for Separating Parents (value £450k).My Management Board and I think very highly of the quality of work TONIC undertook in regard to both applications. It is relatively easy to find consultancy which is adept at bid writing, but what TONIC were able to offer was a high level of expertise in the relevant fields and the ability to carry out in-depth research thoroughly and efficiently and make detailed recommendations. I always found TONIC willing to react quickly, to keep constantly in touch and to have high professional standards. Towards deadline times, they frequently went the extra mile, working late into the night and at weekends to complete tasks.Besides having high professional standards, I also formed the view that TONIC actually cared about the ʻproductʼ i.e. they genuinely werenʼt just interested in completing the commission well but wanting to ensure that the eventual implementation would have positive impact on children, young people and their families. From the point of view of someone whose background has been 35 years in teaching and the last 20 years as a Secondary School Headteacher, it was pleasing to work with consultants who, in my view, had a genuine interest in improving life chances for the most vulnerable and at risk young people in society.My organisation recommends TONIC unreservedly to any public, private and voluntary organisations seeking professional consultancy support."CHRIS FLUSKEY, MANAGER, HARLOW EDUCATION CONSORTIUM (2009) Show more Show less



Medway Council

• Substance Misuse Trainer

  • Apr 2009 - Jun 2009

  I developed the Drug Use Screening Tool (DUST) and it's recent revamp (DUST2). I delivered the training programme that I had written for practitioners in Medway. This training is now delivered nationally.



Essex Drug and Alcohol Action Team

• Diagnosis Project Lead

  • Dec 2008 - Jun 2009

  "Essex Young People's Joint Commissioning Group commissioned Tonic Consultants in 2009 to undertake a research project around young people's dual diagnosis needs and to produce a set of recommendations that would inform future commissioning decisions within CAMHS services. Matthew Scott and his colleagues at Tonic were always focused and professional in their approach to the project, they developed a realistic work plan to fit the project timeframe and would regularly confirm that the project… "Essex Young People's Joint Commissioning Group commissioned Tonic Consultants in 2009 to undertake a research project around young people's dual diagnosis needs and to produce a set of recommendations that would inform future commissioning decisions within CAMHS services. Matthew Scott and his colleagues at Tonic were always focused and professional in their approach to the project, they developed a realistic work plan to fit the project timeframe and would regularly confirm that the project direction continued to be satisfactory.The team engaged with all partners including young people & practitioners in a creative and flexible way, facilitating focus groups, attending formal meetings and designing on-line surveys. The team produced a highly professional and high quality end product that continues to be used by the partnership to inform decisions and needs assessments. Tonic have also delivered 16 days multi-agency training on Hidden Harm across the partnership. The feedback I have received has been extremely positive, with comments about the professionalism and knowledgeable approach of the trainer and also that although the subject is serious the day was really enjoyable and engaging. I would not hesitate to recommend Tonic Consultants for future work as the team are highly motivated, trustworthy and professional that can be left to deliver a high quality product."SALLY HILLS, COMMISSIONING MANAGER, ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL (2010) Show more Show less



Department for Education

• Head of Substance Misuse Unit

  • Apr 2007 - Jan 2009

  · Chair of Drug & Alcohol Education Review (Oct 08)· Leading policy development for the new Drug Strategy on young people and families (Feb 2008)· Developing the Youth Alcohol Action Plan (June 08)· Getting substantial funding for a communications campaign on young people and alcoholDevelop the content of the Drug Strategy public consultation document (July 07)· Lead the Ministerial accelerated delivery programme for the PSA on young people and drugs· Lead development of… · Chair of Drug & Alcohol Education Review (Oct 08)· Leading policy development for the new Drug Strategy on young people and families (Feb 2008)· Developing the Youth Alcohol Action Plan (June 08)· Getting substantial funding for a communications campaign on young people and alcoholDevelop the content of the Drug Strategy public consultation document (July 07)· Lead the Ministerial accelerated delivery programme for the PSA on young people and drugs· Lead development of national indicator on young people's substance misuse· Establishing the Memorandum of Understanding with NTA and improving stakeholder relationships· Obtaining strong support for the direction outlined in the Drug Strategy public consultation document· Getting the indicator through each process and ensuring its place in the National Indicator Set Show more Show less



Department of Health

• National Support Team

  • 2009 - 2009less than a year

  “Matthew has an extensive knowledge of public policy development and implementation. He has a style that always brings out the best in those around him and is especially able to introduce challenge in a way that does not feel confrontational. Having worked with Matthew across several projects, I have developed a confidence that no matter how difficult or complex the environment, he will deliver what is needed.”Matt Hennessey, Head of National Support Team, Department of Health



DCSFSchools

• Substance misuse policy lead

  • 2006 - 20093 years

  Lead policy and delivery of reductions in substance misuse and related harm for young people and familiesResponsibilities: • Lead the substance misuse policy team • Responsibilty for National Indicator 115 • Ensure delivery of commitments in the Youth Alcohol Action Plan and Alcohol Strategy • Ensure delivery of commitments within the Drug Strategy on young people and familiesAchievements: • Consultation on Youth Alcohol Guidance (Jan… Lead policy and delivery of reductions in substance misuse and related harm for young people and familiesResponsibilities: • Lead the substance misuse policy team • Responsibilty for National Indicator 115 • Ensure delivery of commitments in the Youth Alcohol Action Plan and Alcohol Strategy • Ensure delivery of commitments within the Drug Strategy on young people and familiesAchievements: • Consultation on Youth Alcohol Guidance (Jan 09) • Chair of Drug & Alcohol Education Review (Oct 08) • Lead policy development for the new Drug Strategy on young people and families (Feb 2008) • Developing the Youth Alcohol Action Plan (June 08) • Getting substantial funding for a communications campaign on young people and alcohol Show more Show less



London Borough of Lewisham

• Senior Policy Consultant

  • Apr 2008 - Sep 2008

  Delivery of DUST training to professionals from key agencies and implementation of the new Drug Use Screening Tool



Thurrock Council

• Commissioning Manager

  • Jan 2008 - May 2008

  Ethnographic research and film with street drinkers



University of Kent

• Guest Lecturer on substance misuse

  • Jan 2006 - Feb 2007

  I developed and produced a module on young people and substance misuse for the Diploma course at the University of Kent. I taught on this module for a couple of years



KCA (UK)

• Service Manager

  • Jan 2001 - Aug 2006

  Manage young peoples drug and alcohol services for KCAJan 2004 (UK), voluntary sector provider agency Young People's Drug and Alcohol Services Responsibilities: KCA (UK) · Contract and budget management · Membership of Senior Management Team · Provide leadership, quality assurance, regular… Manage young peoples drug and alcohol services for KCAJan 2004 (UK), voluntary sector provider agency Young People's Drug and Alcohol Services Responsibilities: KCA (UK) · Contract and budget management · Membership of Senior Management Team · Provide leadership, quality assurance, regular supervision and line management Achievements: · Building the service from 5 to 40 staff by winning new contracts and expanding existing services · Leading the Drug Use Screening Tool project, which delivered improved referral results and generated significant income for the organisation · Staff retention rates well above the organisational averageAug 1999 to Senior Substance To improve outcomes for young people and families Show more Show less



Kent Probation

• Probation Trainer on substance misuse

  • Jan 2000 - Jan 2004

  Substance Misuse training for Kent Probation staff



King's College London

• Field Researcher

  • Jan 2001 - Jan 2002

  Field research into non-injecting stimulant use by young people for King's College London. Published by Stilwell, Marsden et al



NHS

• Service Manager

  • Mar 1995 - Jan 2001

  To manage the needle exchange scheme:Jun 1997 Co-ordinator · Managing the team and service contract · Increasing the number of pharmacies involved in the North Kent NHS scheme by 50% and doubling the rate of take up of Trust needles and returns