Misuse of substances policy
Introduction
Multiverse has a responsibility to uphold the law. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires the provider to do what is reasonable to protect the health and safety of staff, apprentices and visitors. All apprentices have a legal responsibility to take care of their own safety and that of others.
Multiverse aims to balance respect for the privacy and freedom of individual apprentices with the imperatives of compliance with the law and maintenance of a safe, productive and legal environment in the best interests of its apprentices.
Misuse of substances:
- Is used here to describe the possession, possession with intent to supply, use, trade, distribution, selling, offering for sale and purchase of substances such as alcohol, controlled drugs, and psychoactive substances, and the use of study drugs and other prescription drugs that have not been legally obtained or used in a manner or for a purpose other than as prescribed, that may adversely affects an apprentices health, work, study or social activity.
- Applies to apprentices on Multiverse premises or elsewhere on Multiverse business or study activities.
Multiverse:
- In no way condones the misuse of substances and will balance disciplinary action with appropriate support for apprentices who misuse them.
- Aims to facilitate the early identification of misuse and to encourage apprentices to seek advice, help and assistance voluntarily before their studies are adversely affected.
- Is committed to supporting apprentices through educational, counselling and disciplinary approaches.
Multiverse reserves the right to amend any provision of this procedure subsequent to appropriate consultation.
Alcohol
Multiverse recognises that the majority of apprentices are adults and are therefore legally entitled to consume alcohol.
Alcohol use is permitted on Multiverse premises with prior permission from a member of the Operations Team and subject to the Licensing Act 2003.
Multiverse does not condone the excessive use of alcohol on its premises and apprentices who are found to be behaving inappropriately under the influence of alcohol may be subject to disciplinary action under the Apprentice Code of Conduct.
Controlled drugs
It is an offence under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 for the occupier of premises or persons concerned in the management of premises to allow the supply, use or production of drugs to take place on those premises.
The term ‘controlled drugs’ covers a wide range of substances, but the best known are cannabis, cocaine, and heroin, together with the many derivatives or hybrids of these drugs.
Any person found on Multiverse premises who is not an apprentice and who is found or suspected to be involved with illegal drugs will be subject to an immediate lifetime ban from Multiverse.
Any apprentice who invites someone on to Multiverse premises who is found or involved with controlled drugs may also be subject to disciplinary action under the Code of Conduct.
Psychoactive Substances
The Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 made ‘legal highs’, which mimic the effects of traditional drugs that are controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, illegal. Information on psychoactive substances can be found here.
Multiverse does not condone the use of any psychoactive substances on its premises including laughing gas (NOS).
Study drugs
Multiverse does not condone the use of study drugs. A study drug in this context refers to the use of substances or non-prescribed prescription medications that are used for cognitive enhancement and endurance. These may take the form of stimulants used to treat conditions such as narcolepsy or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Duty of care
If an apprentice or member of staff is concerned about another apprentice’s welfare they should encourage them to seek advice from the Safeguarding Team or their Coach. If this proves difficult, the person with that concerning information should seek advice themselves, in confidence, from the Safeguarding Team. If Multiverse feels it is necessary to intercept and involve either other members of staff or external professionals, the individual providing the information will remain anonymous.
All concerns or disclosures should be raised as soon as possible with the Safeguarding Team, in a confidential and professional manner. Those raising a concern or disclosure should provide evidence to illustrate their concern or disclosure. The evidence may include reports about situations which have arisen, or which show a decline in the Apprentices health and wellbeing, or there is a belief that the Apprentice is at risk of harm to themselves or others.
Apprentices who contravene legislation may be subject to disciplinary action. Multiverse may report incidents to the Police, which may result in criminal proceedings. Disciplinary action may also have implications for an apprentices future at Multiverse, on future employment, and professional registration where applicable.
Monitoring, review and evaluation
The Apprentice Support team shall report to Senior Leadership Team statistical information relating to apprentice misuse of substance cases on an annual basis. It shall be the responsibility of the Senior Leadership Team to monitor the data and make recommendations as appropriate.