We’re pleased to announce that the University of Leeds and Leeds University Union have successfully obtained SOS-UK Drug and Alcohol Impact accreditation for the second time following a two-day audit.  

This illustrates the commitment and diligence of both the university and the students’ union to embed a social norm of responsible alcohol consumption and change the conversation on drugs away from zero tolerance and towards reducing harm. With the recent guidance from Universities UK advocating for a sector-wide harm reduction approach to student drug use, the University of Leeds and Leeds University Union have demonstrated their implementation of these recommendations, showcasing the positive changes that have resulted.

Some highlights from the audit include:

• Communicating the university’s commitment to harm reduction: The partnership has delivered a new harm reduction campaign on campus, which was designed based on student feedback, and is bright and engaging.    

• Making sure that all staff are aware of the university’s approach to drugs: The partnership has made sure that staff understand a harm reduction approach, and taken this learning across the campus in the form of staff briefings and supported additional learning.

• Aligning university disciplinary procedures with harm reduction regarding drugs: The partnerships work to redevelop their approach to disciplinary processes, and materials used in them, has clearly put student mental health & wellbeing at the center of their work.  

• Building a strong relationship with the local drug and alcohol service (Forward Leeds): The development of this relationship has led to continued support for students on campus and provided opportunities for looking at new areas of work such as bringing naloxone onto campus.  

“The University of Leeds and Leeds University Union (LUU) are really pleased to be reaccredited under the Drug and Alcohol Impact scheme. It sends an important message about our ongoing commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our students. Collaboration is central to helping us successfully embed a harm reduction approach – this means working in partnership across the University and LUU, and with our students – to ensure that we meet the holistic needs of our students and provide quality information, support, and resources that will help to keep them safe.” (Chris Warrington, Director of Student Support and Experience, University of Leeds)

One student auditor said: “The Partnership’s Drug & Alcohol work demonstrates a unified approach that is realistic about student substance misuse. The Partnership’s harm reduction approach enables students and staff alike to access resources to produce the optimum university experience.”

Congratulations to all those involved in the Drug and Alcohol Impact Programme, a great achievement!  

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