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Local Government / Authorities / Councils

As an approved APSE (Association of Public Service Excellence) partner, ScreenSafe UK is highly experienced with the many issues surrounding councils and local government / authorities.

As one of the largest employers in the UK, local authorities have such a widespread level of employees involved in many different areas of employment. From office workers (usually low safety risk) to refuse/waste/recycling (extremely high safety risk) the policy should be fair and equitable, but accurately tackling the key issues.

ScreenSafe UK can help local authorities identify their immediate needs and by working together, can reduce harm while maximising ever decreasing budgets.

It is a fact that in times of recession, more people turn to drink and/or drugs than previously. It is often used as a coping mechanism. With cuts in public spending and personnel, people are being asked to do more than ever - for less money. It is likely that this extra pressure will lead to a rise in drug and alcohol use. By introducing and managing a substance abuse policy and providing pathways to assistance for employees, employers can pro-actively tackle these issues.

It is better to "catch" (prevent from falling) employees, rather than to "catch" (find out after an incident) employees. ScreenSafe UK services promote an environment of assistance and prevention to help stay off chaotic accidents and incidents due to drug and alcohol misuse.

We can help you formulate best practice and encourage smooth implementation through communication with key stakeholders. We work responsibly with unions to ensure all their members obtain the right to work in a safe environment by minimizing harm to all. By being actively involved with working parties we can deliver key strategies drawing on our experience working with other local authorities and the private sector. By doing this, we can help you keep costs down to a minimum promoting economies of scale by working "together" rather than by "re-inventing the wheel" each time.

A robust drugs and alcohol policy, together with education, training and an active screening programme is an investment. It is spending money to save money. Continued absenteeism, low productivity, high risk employees, increased accidents and incidents (and compensation) and failure to deal with drug and alcohol issues responsibly and in a legally defensible manner lead to massive costs both hidden and obvious. The cost of a tribunal due to a "confused" dismissal or "inappropriate" actions following an accident or incident alone can run into tens of thousands of pounds. Worse still, what is the cost of a life? To put the correct procedures and policy in place will cost many times less.

APSE, in conjunction with ScreenSafe UK, provide a new Masterclass on issues related to alcohol and drug abuse that police, fire and local authorities are facing.

These events are highly interactive, working sessions that examine the relevant issues around policies, safeguards, testing and legislation that local authorities need to consider.

These sessions cover:

  • Drugs - background and statistics
  • Alcohol abuse - the big picture
  • Cultural changes and usage
  • Related legislation
  • Duties and responsibilities for local authorities
  • Safeguarding employees
  • Testing - what are the issues?
  • Long term effects
  • Local authority action and response

These sessions are relevant to all those involved in the management of staff across an authority. The issues discussed will impact on those both at corporate and operational level within local authorities and public bodies.

Delegates are encouraged to share their current strategies, working methods and local issues as part of the interactive sessions throughout the Masterclass, enabling knowledge to pass between parties.

Masterclasses are run periodically throughout the UK, but can also be delivered directly where numbers are sufficient.

Please contact us for more information on how we can assist your organisation and how we can add real value to your processes.

Please do not hesitate to contact Customer Services on 08450 505590 or via email (enquiries@screensafeuk.co.uk) if you require any further help or assistance.

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