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Drugs and Alcohol Workforce Knowledge and Skills Framework - gov.scot.

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Drugs and Alcohol Workforce Knowledge and Skills Framework - gov.scot.

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1. Introduction

The Scottish Drug Death Taskforce's 'Changing Lives' report recommended that the Scottish Government should 'define key competencies' for workers who support people who use substances. This Drugs and Alcohol Workforce Knowledge and Skills Framework (the 'Framework') serves as the response to that recommendation.

The Framework describes the practice-specific knowledge and skills required by those whose primary role is to support people affected by substance use. These are focused on embedding care, compassion and empathy in service delivery. As recommended by the Scottish Drug Deaths Taskforce the knowledge and skills required are arranged according to five themes:

1. Delivering Family-Inclusive Care

2. Tackling Stigma

3. Providing Harm-Reduction Advice

4. Taking A Human Rights-Based Approach

5. Practising Trauma-Informed Care

The Framework serves as a guide for practitioners, commissioners, managers and service providers to understand the knowledge and skills required by the drugs and alcohol workforce, in addition to any professional or clinical standards. The Framework is not mandatory and does not affect the rights and duties of employees and employers.

The Framework does not replace existing standards, i.e. Health and Care Professions Council's 'Standards of Proficiency', Nursing and Midwifery Council's 'Standards of Proficiency for Registered Nurses', Scottish Social Services Council's 'Code for Social Service Workers', etc.

The Framework allows practitioners to demonstrate how they meet existing standards within their scope of practice, i.e. the activities that a person is permitted to perform as a registered health professional.

The Framework will assist in the effective implementation of the 'Charter of Rights for People Affected by Substance Use' by supporting duty bearers to understand the role they have in enabling people to realise their rights, and in how policies and practices should be implemented.

Knowledge and Skills

The Framework describes the practice-specific knowledge and skills required by those whose primary role is to support people affected by substance use.

Knowledge: knowledge is the understanding of information, facts, principles and theories. Knowledge may be acquired through experience, education, and training. Knowledge allows people to make informed decisions, solve problems, and to apply critical thinking skills within their job role.

Skills: skills are the practical and technical abilities required to perform specific tasks within a job role. These are usually gained through experience, practice, or training.

Framework Levels

The Framework reflects the range of roles that practitioners may have in relation to providing support to people who use substances. The Framework is incremental meaning that, for example, staff operating at enhanced level would also be expected to possess the knowledge and skills at skilled and informed levels.

The framework defines one set of knowledge and skills, across four distinct levels:
Informed
The 'Informed' level specifies the baseline practice-specific knowledge and skills every worker in the drugs and alcohol sector should be developing upon entering employment.
Skilled
The 'skilled' level specifies the practice-specific knowledge and skills expected of practitioners who have direct or substantial contact and responsibility for people affected by substance use, and who are responsible for direct care or treatment of people affected by substance use. The 'skilled' level would typically apply to those in roles where there is responsibility for planning and delivery of support, care, or treatment.
Enhanced
The 'enhanced' level specifies the practice-specific knowledge and skills expected of anyone who has frequent contact with people affected by substance use. The 'enhanced' levels would typically apply to those in more advanced roles, such as supervisory or managerial positions.
Specialist
The 'specialist' level specifies the practice-specific knowledge and skills expected of leaders or those delivering specialist care to those affected by substance use. The 'specialist' levels apply to those in roles where the postholder is leading, guiding, supporting, or educating colleagues; and to those influencing the strategic direction of an organisation.

Using the Knowledge and Skills Framework

Who are the Drugs and Alcohol Workforce?

The drugs and alcohol workforce is complex to define. It spans a range of employers (including NHS, third sector, health and social care partnerships, and local authorities) across Scotland. Many different organisations and individuals work with people who use drugs and alcohol. The wider workforce can include those in social work, hospitals, community pharmacy, general practices, education, health, police, and the community.

For the purposes of the Framework, when we refer to 'the drugs and alcohol workforce' we mean all those, regardless of sector, who identify drugs and alcohol treatment as being the primary part of their role.

Knowledge and Skills

Commissioners can use the Framework to inform the minimum expected knowledge and skills required of the workforce delivering commissioned services, and in turn assist in planning, agreeing, and monitoring the delivery of services.

Managers will be able to use the Framework to develop job descriptions to ensure consistent standards of knowledge and skills within the workplace.

Practitioners will be able to use the Framework to identify the knowledge and skills required for working in the drugs and alcohol sector, alongside any necessary professional standards.

Recruitment

Managers can use the Framework to develop clear and consistent job descriptions. This can help ensure that, across the sector, applicants are assessed against matching criteria, ensuring greater consistency in recruitment processes.

Practitioners can use the Framework to understand the knowledge and skills that employers will require them to evidence and develop.

Performance Management

Managers can use the Framework to support improved performance management. The Framework can be used to assess an employee's knowledge and skills.

Practitioners can use the Framework to assist in setting personal objectives and development needs. Practitioners can use the Framework to reflect on their practice and evidence how they meet professional standards.

Training & Development

Managers can use the Framework to identify induction and future training development activities.

Practitioners can use the Framework to identify the knowledge and skills required to further develop their careers.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Drugs and alcohol workforce: knowledge and skills framework

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This Framework sets out to practitioners, commissioners, managers and service providers the knowledge and skills required by the drugs and alcohol workforce to support the consistent delivery of high-quality services.

# data[].attributes.headline
Drugs and Alcohol Workforce Knowledge and Skills Framework - gov.scot.

# data[].attributes.subject
Drugs and Alcohol Workforce Knowledge and Skills Framework - gov.scot.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
1. Introduction

The Scottish Drug Death Taskforce's 'Changing Lives' report recommended that the Scottish Government should 'define key competencies' for workers who support people who use substances. This Drugs and Alcohol Workforce Knowledge and Skills Framework (the 'Framework') serves as the response to that recommendation.

The Framework describes the practice-specific knowledge and skills required by those whose primary role is to support people affected by substance use. These are focused on embedding care, compassion and empathy in service delivery. As recommended by the Scottish Drug Deaths Taskforce the knowledge and skills required are arranged according to five themes:

1. Delivering Family-Inclusive Care

2. Tackling Stigma

3. Providing Harm-Reduction Advice

4. Taking A Human Rights-Based Approach

5. Practising Trauma-Informed Care

The Framework serves as a guide for practitioners, commissioners, managers and service providers to understand the knowledge and skills required by the drugs and alcohol workforce, in addition to any professional or clinical standards. The Framework is not mandatory and does not affect the rights and duties of employees and employers.

The Framework does not replace existing standards, i.e. Health and Care Professions Council's 'Standards of Proficiency', Nursing and Midwifery Council's 'Standards of Proficiency for Registered Nurses', Scottish Social Services Council's 'Code for Social Service Workers', etc.

The Framework allows practitioners to demonstrate how they meet existing standards within their scope of practice, i.e. the activities that a person is permitted to perform as a registered health professional.

The Framework will assist in the effective implementation of the 'Charter of Rights for People Affected by Substance Use' by supporting duty bearers to understand the role they have in enabling people to realise their rights, and in how policies and practices should be implemented.

Knowledge and Skills

The Framework describes the practice-specific knowledge and skills required by those whose primary role is to support people affected by substance use.

Knowledge: knowledge is the understanding of information, facts, principles and theories. Knowledge may be acquired through experience, education, and training. Knowledge allows people to make informed decisions, solve problems, and to apply critical thinking skills within their job role.

Skills: skills are the practical and technical abilities required to perform specific tasks within a job role. These are usually gained through experience, practice, or training.

Framework Levels

The Framework reflects the range of roles that practitioners may have in relation to providing support to people who use substances. The Framework is incremental meaning that, for example, staff operating at enhanced level would also be expected to possess the knowledge and skills at skilled and informed levels.

The framework defines one set of knowledge and skills, across four distinct levels:
Informed
The 'Informed' level specifies the baseline practice-specific knowledge and skills every worker in the drugs and alcohol sector should be developing upon entering employment.
Skilled
The 'skilled' level specifies the practice-specific knowledge and skills expected of practitioners who have direct or substantial contact and responsibility for people affected by substance use, and who are responsible for direct care or treatment of people affected by substance use. The 'skilled' level would typically apply to those in roles where there is responsibility for planning and delivery of support, care, or treatment.
Enhanced
The 'enhanced' level specifies the practice-specific knowledge and skills expected of anyone who has frequent contact with people affected by substance use. The 'enhanced' levels would typically apply to those in more advanced roles, such as supervisory or managerial positions.
Specialist
The 'specialist' level specifies the practice-specific knowledge and skills expected of leaders or those delivering specialist care to those affected by substance use. The 'specialist' levels apply to those in roles where the postholder is leading, guiding, supporting, or educating colleagues; and to those influencing the strategic direction of an organisation.

Using the Knowledge and Skills Framework

Who are the Drugs and Alcohol Workforce?

The drugs and alcohol workforce is complex to define. It spans a range of employers (including NHS, third sector, health and social care partnerships, and local authorities) across Scotland. Many different organisations and individuals work with people who use drugs and alcohol. The wider workforce can include those in social work, hospitals, community pharmacy, general practices, education, health, police, and the community.

For the purposes of the Framework, when we refer to 'the drugs and alcohol workforce' we mean all those, regardless of sector, who identify drugs and alcohol treatment as being the primary part of their role.

Knowledge and Skills

Commissioners can use the Framework to inform the minimum expected knowledge and skills required of the workforce delivering commissioned services, and in turn assist in planning, agreeing, and monitoring the delivery of services.

Managers will be able to use the Framework to develop job descriptions to ensure consistent standards of knowledge and skills within the workplace.

Practitioners will be able to use the Framework to identify the knowledge and skills required for working in the drugs and alcohol sector, alongside any necessary professional standards.

Recruitment

Managers can use the Framework to develop clear and consistent job descriptions. This can help ensure that, across the sector, applicants are assessed against matching criteria, ensuring greater consistency in recruitment processes.

Practitioners can use the Framework to understand the knowledge and skills that employers will require them to evidence and develop.

Performance Management

Managers can use the Framework to support improved performance management. The Framework can be used to assess an employee's knowledge and skills.

Practitioners can use the Framework to assist in setting personal objectives and development needs. Practitioners can use the Framework to reflect on their practice and evidence how they meet professional standards.

Training & Development

Managers can use the Framework to identify induction and future training development activities.

Practitioners can use the Framework to identify the knowledge and skills required to further develop their careers.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Drugs and alcohol workforce: knowledge and skills framework

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This Framework sets out to practitioners, commissioners, managers and service providers the knowledge and skills required by the drugs and alcohol workforce to support the consistent delivery of high-quality services.

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Alcohol and Drug Use Trauma Companion Pack

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Alcohol and Drug Use Trauma Companion Pack

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Trauma, Identity and Loss Learning Exchange Event - June 2024

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Whatever's on your mind, we're here - Togetherall

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Need urgent help? Contact one of these crisis support services

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Foreword

Foreword from people with lived and living experience of substance use

The road to reducing drug related deaths is rocky and twisting but is one we must persevere on if we are to go any way towards making Scotland a safe and happy place to live for everybody. All lives are precious, all children should expect to be nurtured and feel safe. All parents should expect their children to live long productive lives. As members of the Scottish Drug Death Taskforce with lived experience we have a responsibility to ensure that every avenue is explored, that the range of options is wide and daring and that people have options available at the right time, whatever the circumstances.

We have all seen drug deaths continue to rise within our communities. We believe it is vital we adapt and evolve our current systems using compassion, kindness, respect and dignity. For families, with years of experience of supporting their loved ones, removing barriers and ensuring equality of access, choice and support across all treatment and care in all areas of Scotland is essential.

By using our collective past experiences of what we know isn't working we can become thought leaders and identify new methods and systems in order to better, not only support people with drug and alcohol issues and their families, but also work with communities to become more open and inclusive to supporting vulnerable people experiencing these issues.

Our priority is to place vulnerable people at the centre of our services and the importance of treating individuals with dignity and respect, being non-judgemental in all of our approaches, and the majority of the time we are successful. However, we must continue to encourage and motivate people when they are ready to access the help and support they need.

It is vital to move towards a national approach, to ensure a consistent service will be offered and available to access around Scotland. These Standards have a significant part to play in helping vulnerable people affected by substance use. It is worth considering, if you or a loved one had to engage with any service in desperate need of help and support, how would you wish, indeed expect, yourself or that person to be treated?

Optimising the use of Medication Assisted Treatment ( MAT) will ensure that people have immediate access to the treatment they need with a range of options and the right to make informed choices. If an individual chooses this option within a robust Recovery Oriented System of Care ( ROSC) they should expect to receive good quality, person centred care, immediately (if required) with supports into other services and opportunities for challenge and growth.

We support the implementation of the MAT Standards across our nation as an integral part in challenging all services to strive for excellence and provide high quality care no matter where you are in the country. It is vital that feedback from people in services and their loved ones contributes to learning. We recognise the ongoing investment and look forwards to supporting implementation and improvement plans.

Becky Wood, Allan Houston, Colin Hutcheon

Foreword from the Drugs Deaths Taskforce

This report recognises that we have reached a moment in time, where meaningful reform can no longer simply be talked about, but must be delivered at pace. In that knowledge, we believe that these Standards represent the most significant intervention in our battle against rising drug related harms and deaths.

They have been developed by a diverse group, including those who will deliver care and those who will benefit from that care. The intense period of consultation, was strengthened by the active contributions of individuals and families with experience of problematic drug use. We would like to thank everyone who contributed, for helping to make these Standards a reality.

The Standards are challenging, ambitious and need bold leadership to implement. The MAT Programme Team will continue to work with all partners to scale up implementation across Scotland.

Leadership and participation from people with experience of problematic drug use will be central to this phase and a key way to measure success will be the experiences of people and families that use services.

Effective implementation of the Standards will help to reduce drug related harm, including premature death, but this needs to be supported by sustained funding, workforce development, system change and culture change.

Demonstrable commitment from senior leaders in NHS boards, Local Authorities and Health and Social Care Partnerships will be critical and we welcome the Scottish Government leadership in this respect.

We are excited about working with all partners in this critical journey to improve and save lives through safe, effective, accessible and person centred care.
Professor Catriona Matheson
Chair of the Drug Deaths Taskforce
Dr Duncan McCormick
Chair of the MAT Standards Subgroup

Foreword from the Chief Medical, Pharmaceutical, Nursing and Social Work Officers of Scotland

Supporting individuals, families and communities to reduce drug harm and drug deaths and ensuring people receive high quality treatment and care is a key priority.

The First Minister, in a statement to Parliament in January 2021, announced a National Mission to reduce drug deaths and harms, with a Minister for Drugs Policy appointed to lead this work of national importance.

We fully support the priorities of the National Mission and recognise that problem drug use is often multi-faceted and a symptom of a more intricate set of issues. The complex problems that people and their families face, must be recognised and tackled.

The Drugs Death Taskforce has been instrumental in driving several projects to reduce drugs based harm, one of which has been the development of Medication Assisted Treatment ( MAT) Standards.

The Standards focus on how treatment is offered. They will reinforce a rights-based approach by ensuring individuals have choice in their treatment and are empowered to access the right support for where they are in their recovery journey.

We very much welcome the publication of the Standards and fully endorse the Minister's expectation of ensuring the Standards are fully embedded across the country by April 2022. Local ownership to embed these Standards into everyday practice is essential. Health and Social Care Partnerships, Alcohol and Drug Partnerships and Community Planning Forums will be instrumental in their delivery and drive for improvement in the quality of support and care to meet each person's individualised needs.

The publication of the Standards is an important milestone in tackling the reduction of drugs death and harm to embed Standards and treatment which are inclusive for all.

Dr Gregor Smith - Chief Medical Officer
Amanda Croft - Chief Nursing Officer
Alison Strath - Interim Chief Pharmaceutical Officer
Iona Colvin - Chief Social Work Officer

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Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) standards: access, choice, support

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MAT standards are evidence based and aim to enable the consistent delivery of safe, accessible, high-quality drug treatment across Scotland; relevant to people & families accessing or in need of services, and health & social care staff responsible for delivery of recovery oriented systems of care.

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Lancet Research in Drug Deaths in Scotland

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Lancet Research in Drug Deaths in Scotland

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Glasgow Caledonian University | Scotland, UK

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The Substance Use research group aims to understand the social context of substance use and develop interventions to reduce harm.

In line with Glasgow Caledonian University's mission to serve the Common Good and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we seek to improve good health and wellbeing, reduce inequalities and contribute to gender equality. Our research aims to improve the health of disadvantaged groups (for example, heavy drinkers living in deprived areas, older drinkers, people who inject drugs, and families affected by substance use). Another major focus is understanding men's and women's relationships with alcohol across the life course, highlighting the increase in alcohol marketing aimed at women (via the #dontpinkmydrink social media campaign) and exploring how we can improve alcohol services for LGBTQ+ people. We have received funding from ESRC, NIHR, CSO, SHAAP, Alcohol Research UK and the Big Lottery.

The Substance Use group work closely with the third sector (for example, Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems, Alcohol Focus Scotland, Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol & Drugs, Institute for Alcohol Studies) engages with practitioners, policymakers, and the public through blogs and social media (@SubMisuseGcu has > 2900 followers), media coverage, invitations to contribute to expert groups, and presenting at public events and the Scottish Parliament.

Read about our #dontpinkmydrink social media campaign which highlights stereotypical and cynical marketing of alcohol to women.

Contact information

Research Group Lead

Email: Carol.emslie@gcu.ac.uk

Latest news

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Find out more

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Our alcohol and drug research in the Substance Use group aims to understand the social context of substance use and develop interventions to reduce harm.

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Since the start of this year, the DRNS team have been working to update the mapping of Scottish research activities that relate to substance use and/or people who use drugs.

The initial mapping was published in 2016 with DRNS continuing to make updates in 2018 and 2020. The next update from 2023 is now available to view.

We acknowledge that, while this incorporates a considerable amount of work, there may be missing projects and outputs.'

If you are aware of work that is missing or any errors, please do send these to admin@drns.ac.uk. Access the mapping here.

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Developing research to inform policy and practice The Drugs Research Network for Scotland (DRNS) aims to develop collaborative research across disciplines, organisations and countries to generate high-quality evidence that will inform developments in policy and practice. How We Support Join Now Join our mailing list for

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Vicky Pattison confronts her relationship with alcohol and speaks out about the devastating impact that addiction and alcohol has had on those around her

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Training package produced for GP practice staff, aiming to;

provide a basic understanding of substance use

provide a background to the substance use within Scotland and in particular
Dundee

provide information to help avoid stigma and discrimination and support staff to
promote inclusivity

provide a basic understanding of trauma informed practice

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Stigma and Trauma Informed training package for GP Practice staff

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"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

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LGBTQ and Substance Use – E-learning module (free, available all the time)

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LGBTQ and Substance Use – E-learning module (free, available all the time)

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LGBTQI+ people have experienced various layers of stigma for years. This has had a profound impact on their health.

Do you know what specific health inequalities affect LGBTQI+ people? Can you recognise the barriers they face when looking for support with substance use issues?

This course will take you through a short journey of LGBTQI+ history showing you how key events affect the community to this day. You will be given insight into how substances are used in the LGBTQI+ community. By the end, you will be equipped with techniques to make your service more inclusive.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Recognise how alcohol and other drugs are used in the LGBTQI+ community

Describe key moments in LGBTQI+ history

Identify health inequalities that effect LGBTQI+ people

Recall the layers of stigma that LGBTQI+ people might experience

Recognise barriers LGBTQI+ people have in accessing services

Various audiences will benefit from the e-learning, including; people who come into contact with people who use drugs, GPs, nurses, teachers, police, housing workers, social workers, mental health workers, and the general public.

Event Properties

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LGBTQI+ people have experienced various layers of stigma for years. This has had a profound impact on their health. Do you know what specific health inequalities affect LGBTQI+ people? Can you...

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Amazon.com: Trauma and Recovery: 9780465061716: Herman, Judith Lewis: Books

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What’s Happening on the Streets with Benzos?

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What’s Happening on the Streets with Benzos?

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Did you know benzodiazepines (benzos) were implicated in over 70% of Scotland's drug-related deaths? Benzos are widely used in Scotland, and this has a significant impact on people and their communities.

Scottish Drugs Forum has put together this thought-provoking course that covers the effects of benzos and harm reduction techniques. We will also tell you about the most recent street benzo trends.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Recall the current and emerging trends including street and unlicensed benzodiazepines

Identify the physical and psychological effects of benzodiazepines

Understand harm reduction techniques for people who use benzodiazepines

Event Properties

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what’s happening on the streets with benzos

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What's happening on the streets with benzos?

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Did you know benzodiazepines (benzos) were implicated in over 70% of Scotland's drug-related deaths? Benzos are widely used in Scotland, and this has a significant impact on people and their...

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Dundee Alcohol and Drug Partnership Strategic Framework

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New Drugs, New Trends? A Worker's Toolkit for NPS.

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New Drugs, New Trends? A Worker's Toolkit for NPS.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
New Drugs, New Trends? A Worker’s Toolkit for NPS.

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Have you been in contact with someone who uses New Psychoactive Substances (NPS)? This course has been designed to give you an overview of NPS and how to support people who use NPS. By the end of…