LloydysWorld CIC Drug & Alcohol Policy

LloydysWorld CIC Drug & Alcohol Policy

1. Policy Statement

LloydysWorld CIC is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and professional environment for volunteers, staff, beneficiaries, and partner organisations. The misuse of alcohol, illegal drugs, or unsafe use of medication can impair judgement, coordination, and behaviour, creating risks within our workspace, community settings, and outreach activities.

LloydysWorld CIC operates a zero-tolerance approach to working, volunteering, or representing the organisation while impaired by alcohol or drugs.

2. Purpose of This Policy

This policy aims to:

       Protect the safety and wellbeing of volunteers, staff, beneficiaries, and visitors.

       Ensure a safe working environment within our workshop, donation areas, and community distribution activities.

       Maintain trust with partner organisations including probation services, housing providers, charities, and community groups.

       Prevent alcohol and drug misuse within any LloydysWorld CIC activity.

       Provide clear procedures for reporting concerns and managing incidents.

       Uphold our responsibilities as a registered Community Interest Company.

3. Scope

This policy applies to:

       All volunteers and staff.

       Directors and members.

       Anyone representing LloydysWorld CIC at events, outreach sessions, or partnership activities.

       Anyone working within our premises or handling donations, clothing parcels, or community support packs.

Compliance with this policy is a condition of involvement with LloydysWorld CIC.

4. Responsibilities

All individuals must:

       Attend LloydysWorld CIC activities fit, sober, and able to participate safely.

       Refrain from consuming alcohol or illegal drugs while volunteering, working, or representing the organisation.

       Not possess, distribute, or use illegal substances on LloydysWorld CIC premises or during activities.

       Inform the organisation if prescribed medication may affect their ability to work safely.

       Report any concerns relating to impairment or unsafe behaviour.

5. Alcohol

Individuals must not:

       Consume alcohol during volunteering or work sessions.

       Attend LloydysWorld CIC premises or activities under the influence of alcohol.

       Handle donations, machinery, tools, or clothing preparation equipment while impaired.

Anyone suspected of being under the influence may be asked to leave immediately and may be suspended pending review.

6. Illegal Drugs

Strictly prohibited:

       Use, possession, supply, or distribution of illegal drugs.

       Attending any LloydysWorld CIC activity under the influence of illegal substances.

Breaches may result in removal from volunteering, termination of involvement, and referral to appropriate authorities if required.

7. Prescription & Over the Counter Medication

Some medications may affect alertness, coordination, or judgement.

Individuals must:

       Follow medical guidance.

       Check whether medication may impair safe participation.

       Inform LloydysWorld CIC if medication could affect their ability to work safely.

       Not engage in activities such as sorting, repairing, ironing, or handling equipment if impaired.

8. Fitness for Duty

A person may be considered unfit for duty if there is reasonable evidence of impairment due to:

       Alcohol

       Illegal drugs

       Medication

       Fatigue

       Illness

       Any condition affecting safe participation

LloydysWorld CIC reserves the right to remove individuals from activities if concerns arise.

9. Reporting Concerns

Individuals must report:

       Any drug/alcohol-related incidents occurring during CIC activities.

       Any concerns about another volunteer or staff member’s fitness.

       Any medical conditions affecting safe participation.

Reports will be handled sensitively and confidentially where possible.

10. Support & Welfare

LloydysWorld CIC recognises that alcohol or drug dependency can be a health issue.

We encourage individuals to seek support before any safety incident occurs. Support may include signposting to:

       GP services

       Recovery programmes

       Local charities

       Partner organisations

Safety obligations still apply, and support does not prevent necessary action.

11. Disciplinary or Corrective Action

Depending on severity, action may include:

       Temporary removal from activities

       Formal review meeting

       Termination of volunteering or involvement

       Referral to partner organisations or authorities where appropriate

12. Serious Misconduct

The following constitute serious misconduct:

       Attending LloydysWorld CIC activities under the influence of alcohol or drugs

       Possessing or supplying illegal substances

       Endangering others due to impairment

       Refusing to leave when asked due to safety concerns

       Failing to disclose relevant safety-related information

Serious misconduct may result in immediate removal from the organisation.

13. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or when required to ensure compliance with legislation, best practice, and LloydysWorld CIC operational needs.

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