Training and Education
In our opinion, the education, awareness and training program is the most important part in the success or failure of any Drugs and Alcohol Policy.
Training and education is necessary and, in some cases, is required by regulations for Drug Free Workplace Programs. It is important that the employees understand the benefits and procedures of the new Policy, as well as their rights and responsibilities.
An employer must not take an employee's knowledge for granted. You are introducing a key Policy into your company structure, one that could ultimately lead to severe disciplinary action and, if things are missed, injuries or possibly death. It is therefore the employer's responsibility to suitably equip managers and supervisors etc with the correct knowledge and skills to carry out the requirements of the Policy.
How can they be expected to do this, if they are unclear themselves?
At ScreenSafe UK, we deliver a number or courses designed for all levels. Whether for business, organisation, healthcare or education - we have a course for you! We are also highly experienced at putting together bespoke training and education packages to meet both specific requirements and budget. Courses range from the traditional "classroom" with one of our qualified trainer/assessors to high-tech "e-learning" packages.
Training helps to eliminate employee drug and alcohol use in the workplace and it protects employers from potential claims of wrongful dismissal. It enables employers and employees to take responsible action.
The following extracts are taken from Drugscope. DrugScope is the UK's leading independent centre of information and expertise on drugs:
A useful definition of drug education is the acquisition of knowledge, understanding and skills and exploration of attitudes and values which facilitate (young) people to be able to make informed decisions about their own, and other people's, use of drugs.
Education not propaganda
It is important to distinguish between educational approaches and propaganda, as the two often get mixed up.
Educational approach:
An educational approach focuses on provision of accurate and balanced information. It accepts that there are different views about drug use and encourages (young) people to explore a range of views, to develop their own opinions and also to challenge stereotypes. In terms of skill development, an educational approach helps (young) people develop a range of relevant personal and social skills so they can make their own, informed decisions about their own, and other people's, drug use.
Propaganda:
In contrast, approaches that exaggerate dangers, limit discussion, perpetuate stereotypes and 'tell' young people what to think and do - can be more accurately described as propaganda rather than education. Propaganda discourages the development of informed decision making. It also increases the likelihood of (young) people feeling that drug education is irrelevant, that they are being patronised and that they are not being told the truth or given a balanced picture.
In the past many drug education programmes targeted at (young) people have been more in the realms of propaganda. In contrast, to be effective drug education should be firmly based on educational principles.
This approach is also true when we are looking at employees and the workplace situation. For training to be successful and relevant, it is also very important that suitably qualified persons with in-depth experience and knowledge of the subject deliver such training and education.
Training can be delivered by our highly experienced and qualified trainers/assessors 24/7/365 at your premises, a 3rd party venue or at our Stafford based training facility. We utilise a realistic, firm and fair approach (and at times humorous!) achieving the training objective, delivering factual, practical, honest and real information in an enthusiastically professional manner.
If you have any further questions or you wish to discuss your specific training needs then please contact our friendly and professional customer service team on 08450 505590 or via email (enquiries@screensafeuk.co.uk). All enquiries are strictly confidential.
