Substance Misuse Policy
Version:
Draft
New or Replacement:
Replacement November 2012
Approved by:
Date approved:
Name of author:
Josie Pedersen
Name of responsible manager:
Director of Learner Services
Date issued:
March 2013
Review date:
March 2014
Document Reference:
Policy statement
The Policy on Learner Use and Abuse of Controlled Drugs and Other Substances, including legal highs,
supports GIG’s commitment to ensuring the health and safety of students and recognises the risks that may
be caused by the misuse of alcohol, drugs and other substances. It is recognised that alcohol, drugs and
other substances cause different problems but as the issues overlap the policy deals with them as a whole.
In this document the term ‘drug’ will be used to cover the misuse of illegal and medicinal drugs, alcohol,
tobacco and volatile substances for classes of illegal drugs (as outlined by the Misuse of Drugs Act).
1. Scope of policy
The policy applies to all students attending GIG Group premises for study. The policy covers the habitual or
frequent consumption of alcohol and alcohol dependency, the inappropriate, illegal or excessive use of drugs
or other substances (whether medically or non-medically prescribed and including “legal highs”) and the
effects of such use, possession and/or dependency.
2. Policy aims
The purpose of the policy is to prevent students, staff and visitors from the use/misuse of both illegal and
prescribed drugs. The policy also covers the abuse of any other illegal substance which can be dangerous
when used inappropriately or excessively.
The GIG shall be an environment entirely free from illegal drugs, the paraphernalia of drugs, substances
intended to resemble drugs, legal highs, and the “culture” of drugs. The GIG will promote a safe, healthy
and supportive environment for staff, students and visitors, and will promote supportive and caring harmminimisation strategies which reduce the risks associated with drug use or misuse,
A breach of this policy will be regarded as a serious breach of discipline.
The GIG recognises that the misuse of alcohol and/or drugs and/or other substances are medical and social
problems. This policy aims to facilitate the early identification of such problems and to encourage students
to seek advice, help and assistance voluntarily before their studies are adversely affected. GIG staff, unless
employed directly to do so, will not provide direct advice on substance abuse. They will provide guidance as
to where professional assistance is available locally using existing agencies. The policy is designed for use in
conjunction with the GIG’s health awareness campaigns and other educational programmes.
3.
Legal responsibilities
The GIG has a responsibility to uphold the law in all matters. Working within the framework provided by the
Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and other relevant legislation, the GIG is clear that the supply, possession and/or
use of illegal drugs on its premises is unacceptable.
4. Sources of help
The GIG has a duty of care to its community and a responsibility for ensuring its welfare. It is important that
action is taken to protect people where their well-being is affected or put at risk by the drug use or misuse of
others. Further, it is essential that students and staff should feel able to seek advice, support, guidance and
counselling about drug-related concerns and problems without fear or reprimand or punishment. This, in
turn, requires respect for, and a commitment to confidentiality, clarity and openness concerning the limits of
this, and a widespread knowledge of appropriate internal and external advice and referral channels.
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Confidential advice support and information on other services, is available from within Learner Services for
those wishing to discuss problems related to the use of drugs or alcohol.
A programme of education relating to drug use and misuse will form part of the wider health programme
delivered to all students through the tutorial programme and other means. The issues will be addressed in
an open, frank and positive way as a vital part of student learning. The GIG will continue to actively cooperate with a range of external groups and agencies in order to deliver a health and safety programme
5. Discipline
The GIG will take very seriously any situation where students either use drugs on GIG premises, or where as
a result of drug use, a student’s work or the work of others is affected. Any situation of suspected drug use,
possession or supply on GIG premises will be regarded as an act of serious misconduct under the GIG
disciplinary procedures.
Individuals who place themselves in a position where their safety at GIG and/or the safety of others may be
adversely affected by their taking drugs immediately prior to or while working may be in breach of Section 7
of the Health and Safety at Work Act. Any breach of such law will result in disciplinary action being taken.
Where prescribed medications impair the ability to work safely, the student or staff member should inform
their teacher, personal tutor or line manager so that work of a hazardous nature can be avoided.
Situations, which involve threat or harm to others, or damage to property, will be dealt with according to the
normal GIG disciplinary procedures for students. In circumstances where a student's behaviour is disruptive
or causing risk to others she/he may be required to obtain a medical assessment as a condition of continuing
on the course
Additional Information on students' use and abuse of controlled drugs and other substances
1. The GIG is committed to raising awareness of the possible consequences to health of the abuse of
controlled drugs and other substances, including prescribed drugs, alcohol and tobacco. It therefore will
provide a programme of health promotion and education, and appropriate training for members of staff
with responsibilities relating to student welfare and care of premises, including residential provision.
2. The use of certain drugs is illegal under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, and members of staff becoming
aware of such usage should report it to their line manager. A range of action may be taken, from a
conversation with the student giving information about health risks and services available, through to
contact with the police in cases of persistent usage of, or dealing in, illegal substances. Students after
graduating may put at risk their ability to obtain employment in certain professions if they have a drugs
related criminal record.
3. It is an offence for `the occupier or someone concerned in the management of any premises knowingly to
permit or suffer on those premises the smoking of cannabis; or the production, attempted production,
supply, attempted supply, or offering to supply of any controlled drug' (Misuse of Drugs Act 1971). It is
not the duty of staff to collect evidence, but any suspicion of dealing in controlled drugs on GIG premises
should be reported to the Duty Manager. The Duty Manager will take whatever action she/he considers
appropriate, which may include involving the police. The GIG reserves the right to invite the police to
make spot checks on GIG Group premises where there is suspicion of persistent drug usage or deal
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Additional Information
In addition to the above, the GIG will comply with the Equality Act. Relevant GIG policies are the Complaints
Procedure and Academic Performance & Behaviour Policy
Help Available
If any of the above is not clear, please contact a Learner Mentor.
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