ASCERT’s Training Manager Colin Robinson explains “This is a new and exciting development within our Training Service provision. We have been delivering training predominantly for practitioners within the statutory & voluntary sectors for many years, helping those who work with people affected by substance use to better support their clients and service users. However, our more recent work with trade unions brought us to the realisation that there was a gap in knowledge about drugs and alcohol and how to support employees who are experiencing challenges at work as a result of their substance misuse.”
Colin continued “We’ve liaised with several highly experienced Human Resources practitioners and managers who told us it is their experience that many employers find managing employee cases where drugs and/or alcohol feature, very difficult. Those in management and supervisory roles in business are generally not well versed in the causes, behaviours and symptoms of addiction, or equipped with the knowledge to support staff. Our research demonstrated in many instances that organisational policies on drugs and alcohol are not particularly well developed or robust because of this knowledge gap“
“Our new training provision for the HR sector will give managers an opportunity to learn about how alcohol and drugs can affect individual members of staff and how to support an employee whose use of substances is having a negative effect on their working life and that of those around them. Training can be tailored to each organisation taking into account the nature of the business and working environment. Education of staff can also be factored into our bespoke training package.”
HR Manager Ciara said “I have been an HR Manager for the majority of my working life having worked for ASCERT for over six years. At ASCERT, I worked with colleagues committed to supporting those needing help with substance and addiction. I realised that the issues presented by ASCERT’s clients are often present in the workplace and that HR professionals receive little or no training to enable them to deal with instances of drugs and alcohol misuse.”
“I am delighted to be involved in this initiative where my experience of working at ASCERT can help inform my fellow HR practitioners, equipping them and their management teams with the knowledge and expertise to handle employee cases around drugs and/or alcohol in an informed, professional and respectful way”
For further information and to book your bespoke training course, please contact the Training Department on 0800 254 5123 or email training@ascert.biz