11. Workers and Personal Responsibility

All workers should prioritise personal safety issues and work within the legal framework. When working within premises, or away from premises, or during escorted trips / residentials, the same expectations of professional conduct apply (see U&S Policy Appendix 5). Workers are expected to discuss personal health and safety issues with their Line Manager (Foster Carers should consult with their Supervising Social Worker).

Aside from contractual obligations workers can, and often do, provide role models for children and young people, and therefore must take responsibility for their position of influence. It is therefore not acceptable to use alcohol, tobacco or any other like substances in the company of children and young people.

Disclosure of previous involvement by workers in any substance use related activity may or may not underline educational messages; such disclosures should be carefully considered as to their appropriateness and suitability. Education is most effective when factually based and presented in a balanced way, which may or may not include personal experiences.

There are workers who will have previous spent convictions relating to substance misuse. Unfortunately this has, on occasion, prejudiced their professional liaison with other key services. In these circumstances their Line Manager should view this as a human rights issue and provide additional support and validation of their professionalism.

Workers may be having difficulty with regard to current personal use, or the substance use of another person. They are encouraged to seek support and advice on a confidential basis from Occupational Health or Counselling Services, available as web pages on the authorities Intranet Healthy Working section..

(See U&S Policy Appendix 8).