Substance Misuse Policy

1) Definition

Substance misuse includes the non-medical use of illegal drugs, prescribed drugs, solvents and alcohol, to effect changes in mood, perception or physical performance.

2) Purpose

South Cheshire College is committed to:

Helping and supporting, as far as is practical, those learners or staff who either have a personal substance problem or whose lives are affected by the substance misuse of a partner or relative.
Encouraging any learners/staff member with a substance related problem to seek help at the earliest opportunity.
Providing drug education and information programmes for staff and learners.
Recognising its legal obligations as identified in relevant legislation, including the Misuse of Drugs Act 1968 (Revised 1971, 1993 and 2005).

3) Scope

This policy applies to everyone within the organisation, including learners, staff and contractors regardless of status or seniority. It applies to substance misuse within, or having an effect within, the grounds and premises of the College, during normal working hours. This includes all settings where college activity (including off site visits and residentials) is taking place.

4) Organisation and responsibility

The college will:

Maintain confidentiality in accordance with College policies, and support referrals as appropriate.
Facilitate time off for advice and treatment in accordance with the normal learner/staff absence/sick leave arrangements.
Assess the severity of incidents and carry out normal disciplinary procedures if behaviour endangers others or is considered to be seriously affecting the individual or College community.
Facilitate and support the return to previous studies/employment.
Establish links with suitable sources of professional advice and treatment.
Make learners aware of the existence of this policy through the Learner Handbook.
Make sure that staff are aware of this policy through the Staff Handbook.
Make provision for training, both for those involved in specifically implementing the policy and for College staff as a whole.

All College staff will:

Observe the requirements as identified above.
Encourage any learner/staff member who has a substance problem to seek advice and help from the Counsellors, Student Advisers or Health, Safety & Welfare Manager within the college or from outside agencies.

Organisational Development will:

Provide advice and help for any learner/staff member with a substance problem.
Direct learners/staff members to other sources of help and advice.
Provide, as part of the College's on-going health education programme, materials and workshops for learners/staff members regarding the dangers of substances.

The Duty Manager will:

Take responsibility for handling substance incidents as reported.
Deal with the person or persons involved within agreed guidelines and using their discretion.
Liaise with relevant college personnel.
Liaise with relevant external agencies.
Log written reports of any incidents and any further steps taken.

5) Procedures

General
In responding to incidents of suspected substance misuse the primary concern is to protect individuals from harming either themselves or others. Certain circumstances may dictate that the College must meet specific legal obligations.

5.1 Learners/staff making disclosures about their own substance misuse
Individuals should be made aware of the confidential support that is available within college or, for staff, through a confidential referral to Organisational Development. This may include referrals to external agencies such as Occupational Health or Alcohol Services in Cheshire or South Cheshire Drugs Service.

5.2 Students/staff who are experiencing difficulties as a result of others' substance misuse
Curriculum Support and Organisational Development will offer guidance and support to learners/staff members making such a disclosure.

5.3 Learners/staff found under the influence of a substance where an individual's ability to study or carry out their normal duties is impaired
This will be dealt with through their line manager, who will follow the relevant Learner or Staff Disciplinary Procedure. The incident should be logged on the appropriate Disciplinary Report Form.

5.4. Finding, using, supplying, cultivating or bringing substances on College premises

a) STAFF
If a member of staff finds a substance/substance equipment or discovers or suspects that a learner (or other member of staff or contractor) has been using, supplying or bringing onto college premises a substance, they should contact the Duty Manager. Individual members of staff will not normally be expected to contact the police direct, but should contact the Duty Manager as soon as possible.

In the event of any learner/staff member/contractor found to be coming onto college premises to supply or cultivate a substance, the appropriate Disciplinary Procedure will be implemented.

b) LEARNERS
Learners should immediately report such incidents to their tutor or nearest staff member who will then take action as identified above.

6) Monitoring and evaluation

This policy will be monitored along with incident reports to ensure its effective operation. This will be done through the Joint Health and Safety Committee. A summary report will be included within the annual Health and Safety report to the Organisational Development Sub-committee of the Corporation, and to the Quality and Standards Committee

APRIL 2008