Alcohol, Drugs and Smoking Policy

Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking Policy

   1. Overview

Tigh a'Chomainn Camphill is committed to creating an environment where alcohol is consumed only within sensible limits and under certain circumstances within the Residential Service. Drinking alcohol during Day Service working hours or within Supported Living services is strictly prohibited. Tigh a'Chomainn Camphill operates a non-smoking policy in all its buildings, and in all vehicles. The production, possession and consumption of illegal drugs and substances are a criminal offence and as such their possession or use will not be tolerated. 

    2. What you need to know 

Alcohol
For those residents living in the residential community who wish to consume alcohol this must be clearly stated within their support plan and thoroughly risk assessed. In Supported Living, where there is deemed to be a risk, a risk assessment will be carried out. This should be done within the principles of choice for the individual but recognising that support may be required in terms of health education and making appropriate informed choices.
Within residential houses, alcohol is permitted on occasions (i.e. meals at Christmas, birthdays, outings to the pub, etc.) with the responsibility of its consumption on or off Tigh a'Chomainn Camphill premises being that of the designated manager organising the event. The consumption of alcohol by co-workers at an organised event/outing should be appropriate to the occasion and must not compromise the minimum level of staff required to provide care to residents. 
Unless as part of a previously authorised celebration co-workers must not consume alcohol whilst on duty, or attempt to work when under the influence of alcohol or its after effects.
The unauthorised consumption of alcohol whilst on duty or working under its influence or after effects will result in disciplinary action being taken. It is the duty of all co-workers to immediately report to a relevant manager any suspicions that a colleague may be working whilst under the influence of alcohol or its after effects.
For co-workers living in the community: Off duty consumption of alcohol must be kept within sensible limits due to fire procedures and possible care implications.
Whether on duty or off duty, it is not acceptable for any co-worker to drink-drive. 

Drugs
Co-workers found in possession of/or taking illegal drugs while at Tigh a'Chomainn Camphill will face disciplinary action, could be dismissed and may be liable to criminal prosecution by the police. Residents knowingly found in possession of or taking illegal drugs may be liable to termination of placement. It is the duty of all co-workers to immediately report any suspicions of drug use to either their manager who will then immediately initiate the appropriate action. 

Smoking
Co-workers may smoke outside the buildings. However, they are asked to refrain from smoking in front of residents and also to dispose of cigarette butts safely and responsibly. Smokers working in the day services and supported living are asked to keep smoking breaks to a minimum in order to maintain a fair situation, whereby non-smokers are not penalised through having less breaks. It is recommended that not more than 3-4 cigarette breaks are taken, and that consideration of staff-ratios and group dynamics is taken into account. Smokers must be respectful of smoking near residents’ homes in supported living and smoke out of the property boundary. 

    3. References

Data Protection Act 1998; The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (EU) 2016; Human Rights Act 1998; The Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001 (The Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care); Freedom of Information Act 2000; Codes of Practice