Dame Carol Black GBE has been appointed as the UK government’s independent advisor on drugs for a further three-year term, running until November 2028. The appointment was confirmed by the Home Office and the Department of Health and Social Care on 19 December 2025.
In her role, Dame Carol will work closely with the Joint Combating Drugs Unit and play a central role in promoting a whole-system, cross-government approach to tackling drug-related harm. She will also provide advice on how national strategies are delivered at a local level, including through multi-sector local drugs partnerships involving health services, law enforcement and community organisations.
The position builds on Dame Carol’s previous work advising government on drugs policy, including her landmark independent review into drugs. The review set out a series of recommendations aimed at reducing drug-related crime, preventing deaths and improving outcomes for individuals and communities affected by drug misuse.
Crime and Policing Minister Sarah Jones welcomed the appointment, saying:
“I am delighted that Dame Carol Black has agreed to continue in her role. Her landmark review into drugs set out a clear path to cut drug-related crime, save lives and strengthen communities and I look forward to leading this work across government.
Together, we’ll deliver on Dame Carol’s recommendations to reduce the harm caused by drugs – making our streets safer, our communities healthier, and creating opportunities for every young person to thrive.”
Public Health Minister Ashley Dalton also highlighted the importance of continuity in leadership as the government advances its public health response to drugs. She said:
“I am pleased to welcome Dame Carol Black’s reappointment as independent advisor on drugs. Dame Carol has successfully built trust across the whole system, and her continued leadership will be vital as we drive forward a comprehensive public health response.
With our investment of £3.4 billion ringfenced for drug and alcohol treatment and recovery over the next 3 years, we are committed to reducing drug deaths, supporting people into recovery, and breaking the cycle of harm that affects individuals, families and communities.
I look forward to continuing our work with Dame Carol to improve drug abuse treatment services and save lives.”
The government confirmed that Dame Carol’s appointment followed a robust open competition, carried out in line with the Governance Code on Public Appointments. Officials said the process was designed to ensure transparency and secure the most suitable candidate for the role.
Dame Carol’s continued involvement is expected to provide stability as the government delivers its long-term strategy on drugs, with a focus on enforcement, treatment, recovery and prevention working together across departments.
