2. Scope

2.1 This policy relates to all students of the University, when studying / working on University premises or elsewhere, undertaking activities on behalf of the University or attending University related social events.  

2.2 Where University activity takes place outside of the United Kingdom, such activity will be governed by the laws of the jurisdiction in which the activity occurs, non-withstanding any references to UK law, or assumptions based on UK law, in this policy.

2.3 This policy does not include drugs prescribed by doctors for personal use.  

3. Purpose

3.1 The purpose of this is to;  
a. Detail the University’s harm reduction approach to drug and alcohol use.  
b. Clarify the responsibilities of students regarding their own use of drugs or alcohol, and how they should respond if they believe a fellow student’s use of drugs or alcohol is concerning.  
c. Outline for students the support and guidance available to them if they haveconcerns about the drug or alcohol use of themselves or another student.
d. Explain how the University’s duty of care interacts with other University policies, for example those relating to student conduct (whether on-or off- campus), fitness to practice and academic absence.  

4. Legislative background

4.1 The University has statutory responsibilities and a duty of care for students and staff under a number of legislative instruments which include:

1. Health & Safety at Work (N. I.) Order 1978;
2. Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations (N.I.) 2000;
3. Misuse of Drugs Order (N.I.) 2001;
4. Psychoactive Substances Act 2016.

4.2 Some Schools have students who work, or are on placements in healthcare trusts, care settings, primary or secondary schools or potentially hazardous working  environments. These students are required to adhere to the policies within that organisation to maximise the safety of themselves, other staff, patients, children and vulnerable adults in such settings. Likewise, when allocating placements to students, Schools are required to consider not only the risks to students but also the safety of the staff, patients, children and vulnerable adults in such settings. Schools must also consider the potential for damage to premises and equipment and reputational damage to the placement provider and the University. 

4.3 Addiction to non-prescribed drugs or alcohol is not a disability under current disability legislation. Long-term physical or mental health impairment arising from addiction may be considered to be a disability. The University recognises that addiction to alcohol and drugs may in some cases be considered a medical condition. Students who may have such a condition will be encouraged to seek help and treatment, voluntarily and at an early stage.

5. Definitions 

5.1 Excessive Alcohol or Drug Use – this includes drinking alcohol or taking drugs, either intermittently or continuously, such that it adversely affects an individual’s health, safety, social functioning, academic or general performance or conduct, or affects the performance or safety of others. 

5.2 Drug – this includes any controlled substance (other than alcohol) that produces physical, mental, emotional or behavioural changes in the user. It also includes prescription medicines where the prescription medicines have not been prescribed for the person possessing or using them and/or such prescription medicines which are not taken in accordance with a physician’s direction. 

5.3 Controlled Substances – includes all chemical substances or drugs listed in any controlled drugs acts or regulations applicable under the law.

5.4 Illegal drug – an illegal substance or controlled drug, or any prescription drug which has not been prescribed directly to the student. 

6. Policy statement

6.1 The University will adopt a harm reduction approach when addressing issues related to student use of alcohol and/or drugs and will prioritise the safety, health and wellbeing of students and staff when responding to students who have engaged with illegal drugs or excessive alcohol use. 

6.2 Education and support
6.2.1 The University and Students’ Union will provide expert-informed, relevant, and timely information on the risks associated with drug and alcohol use and on approaches to harm reduction. In this way, they will support students to make well-informed choices regarding their drug and alcohol use.

6.2.2 In addition to treatment services provided by the student’s GP, students are encouraged to avail of the support available through the Student Wellbeing Service, in confidence and with the informed consent of the student. Details of a confidential nature will normally only be discussed with the individual’s own doctor, other medical specialist, or other staff (e.g. student support staff) with the prior agreement of the individual.

6.2.3 The University and Students’ Union will work in partnership with relevant local drug and alcohol services, signposting students and promoting relevant harm reduction information from them when appropriate. Onward referrals for support will be made in partnership with students.

6.2.4 The University and Students’ Union recognise that students have a diversity of views and experiences regarding alcohol consumption and shall promote a culture of respect and consideration for this diversity by endeavouring to provide and promote activities and events which are welcoming for students that do not wish to consume
alcohol. 

6.3 Guidance on student behaviours and application of University regulations
6.3.1 No student should attend or attempt to attend a University activity including teaching sessions, placement, study or work having consumed alcohol or drugs likely to render them unfit or unsafe for such activities.

6.3.2 No student should attempt to produce, sell or supply alcohol or drugs to any other person on University premises or off-campus. The only exception to this is when an individual is licensed to produce, sell, or supply alcohol in areas which are licensed for such activities.

6.3.3 Suspected production of, offer of, sale of or giving to any person, any illegal substance, controlled drug or prescription drug shall be considered serious and referred for consideration under the University Conduct Regulations, Students should report any such suspected incidents to the University. The University reserves the right to report allegations of a crime to the police where it considers it necessary.

6.3.4 Possession and/or use of illegal drugs is prohibited on all University property and will usually result in an investigation under the conduct and/or fitness to practice regulations

6.3.5 Where possible the University will take a supportive and educational approach, however there may be circumstances where further action will be taken under other University regulations such as those relating to conduct, fitness to study and fitness to practise. Such circumstances may include when the behaviour or action is considered
to be serious, causing danger or major concern to others, the individual fails to comply with suggested treatment or the excessive alcohol and/or drug use is repeated. Wherever possible, the University will continue to offer support to the student.

6.3.6 Unauthorised consumption of alcohol on University premises is prohibited. Personal use of alcohol in University residential accommodation is permitted in students’ own accommodation and other designated areas.

6.3.7 Some programmes of study lead to a professional qualification/directly into a profession for which there are academic, behavioural and health requirements (set out by the University and by the relevant regulatory body/bodies) which must be met to ensure suitability to practise. For students on these programmes drug use, possession of an illegal substance and/or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol whilst attending teaching/placement/assessments may result in a concern being raised and investigated under the Fitness to Practise Regulations.

6.3.8 The immediate implications of consumption of alcohol to excess or drug use does not excuse poor academic performance or misconduct (on- or off-campus) and will not be accepted as a mitigating factor in the application of other University policies. However, they may be accepted in mitigation in relation to the penalties imposed where
it is clear and accepted that a student has a medical issue related to alcohol or drugs use.

6.3.9 Where the use of alcohol or drugs is having a serious detrimental impact on their studies, the Procedure on Support to Participate Fully in Studies and/or University Life (on the Grounds of Health and/or Safety) may be applied to identify appropriate supports for the student moving forward. This may include a referral to the University Occupational Health Service. 

6.3.10 Where students engage in University activity – including placement, project work, and volunteering – with external organisations, the University requires them to comply with any additional requirements of that organisation’s own policies relating to alcohol and drug use.

7. Responsibilities 

7.1 Students:

a. Are responsible for ensuring their own behaviour and performance remains appropriate whilst engaged in University activity and is not affected by alcohol or drug use. This includes students undertaking placements.
b. Who have any concerns about their use of drugs or alcohol should seek professional help at an early stage. Support can be accessed through their GP and students are also strongly encouraged to seek support through the Student Wellbeing Service for signposting and guidance.
c. Who have concerns that another student is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or that their performance is immediately impaired through consumption of alcohol or drugs whilst engaged in formal University activity should seek guidance from an appropriate member of University staff, such as their Head of School, where practically
possible. Students may additionally decide to speak directly with the individual, without putting themselves at risk, however this should be done sensitively. If such a student is attending a placement or other activity where they will be in contact with patients, vulnerable adults, children or may be working with hazardous equipment, action may need to be taken promptly. Students engaging in University activity with a third-party organisation should make themselves aware of relevant policies and procedures of that organisation.
d. Should inform their tutor/advisor of studies if they are taking prescribed medication which may affect their ability to study or work safely. The tutor/advisor of studies may seek further guidance from the Occupational Health Service.
e. Must comply with any policies relating to drugs or alcohol as set out by a placement provider.
f. Must comply with any policies relating to drugs or alcohol set out by Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies (PSRBs) related to their programmes of study.
g. Must make themselves aware of the law in relation to the purchase of and/or supply of alcohol to those under the age of 18, and the law in relation to purchase, supply and consumption of controlled substances.

7.2 Staff:

a. Should be aware of this policy and the appropriate responses to student alcohol and drug use.
b. Should ensure that students are aware of this policy and the supports available to them.
c. Should ensure that this policy is implemented fairly and equitably within their Faculty, School, or Professional Services area.
d. Should discuss with a student as soon as possible if their behaviour, performance or absence causes concern related to their alcohol or drug use.

e. Should ensure that when organising events where alcohol is served that non-alcoholic alternatives are openly available. Staff should put measures in place to limit excessive serving of alcohol to individuals at such events.
f. Should ensure, where relevant, there are systems for notification of third parties (e.g. healthcare trusts, regulatory bodies, the PSNI or next of kin) of their concerns relating to a student’s alcohol or drug misuse. This should only be necessary when they have reasonable grounds to believe the person may pose a safety risk to themselves or others or if there is a legal requirement to do so.

7.3   Professional Support Services including the Occupational Health Service (OHS):

a. Will provide information, through health promotion / wellbeing activities, to students on topics including harm reduction messaging associated with alcohol/drug use; alternatives to alcohol, and skills to enable individuals to cope with the social pressures to use alcohol or drugs. Activities will be informed by current, relevant research and
shaped by student voice.
b. Will, through the Student Wellbeing Service, provide individual students seeking support with relevant support, signposting, and guidance. 
c. Will assess students referred for a medical opinion on their fitness to participate fully in studies and/or University life. Reports will normally be provided to other University staff only with consent or in cases of patient safety (breach of confidentiality).
d. Will monitor progress and advise on the return of students back to study after treatment related to alcohol or drug use. 

8. Review

8.1 This policy will be reviewed in not more than 3 years by the University Wellbeing
Team or other delegated team.