Student Drug including Alcohol Policy
This is version 1.0 of this policy which is owned by the Student Support and Experience Directorate.
University of Leeds Student Drugs including Alcohol Policy
Context
A Harm Reduction Approach
Legal Responsibilities
Student Responsibilities and Awareness
Possession and Individual Use
Supply and Intent to Supply
Off Campus Scenarios
Related Links
Context
1. The University of Leeds aims to empower and enable students and PGRs to take positive responsibility for their time at University, making the most of the opportunity of higher education and supporting students to reach their full potential.
2. The University of Leeds does not condone the use of drugs. We operate a policy of harm reduction that prioritises the welfare and wellbeing of our community, whilst paying due regard to the law. This recognises that some students will choose to use drugs during their time at University and responds in a way that is relevant, educative, and promotes safety and support.
3. This policy relates to the use of drugs that are controlled by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 and the unauthorised use and possession of prescription medicines regulated by the Medicines Act 1968, by students. [Staff employed by and working for the University of Leeds should refer to the staff policy on substance use alcohol and substance use.]
4. The scope of the outlined support and relevant procedures is not limited to the use of illegal drugs, and the policy also takes into account the potential impact of alcohol and prescription drug misuse on students and the wider community.
5. Universities UK Guidance was released in Summer 2024, in the report ‘Enabling Student Health and Success: Tackling Supply and Demand for Drugs and Improving Harm Reduction.’ This report shapes and informs our policy, and our broader harm reduction approach.
6. The University and Leeds University Union have committed to work in partnership to address student drug and alcohol use, participating in a national accreditation scheme to review and continually improve our approach through consultation with students and a range of internal and external stakeholders. The University and LUU achieved reaccreditation under the Drug and Alcohol Impact Programme in July 2024.
A Harm Reduction Approach
7. The University and LUU are committed to a harm reduction approach, which takes account of the risks of illegal drug use and alcohol and prescription drug misuse (hereafter ‘substance use’) for individual students, and the wider University community. The University and LUU work together to support students by providing relevant information, and access to specialist support and advice [detailed in 12 below.]
8. Understanding risks and trends is core to the development of our harm reduction priorities, student and staff communications, and interventions. We achieve this through accreditation programme as well as work with external partners including Forward Leeds and West Yorkshire Police.
9. Our support offer recognises that substance use can have a significant impact on the mental health and wellbeing of a person who is using drugs and alcohol, as well as those around them.
10. Our support offer recognises substance use can increase the risk of wrongful conduct, with serious implications for the mental health and wellbeing of those affected.
11. All support is confidential, unless there is a safeguarding concern or risk of harm to the student or others.
12. Support is available from a variety of services and teams and sometimes these teams will work together to best meet a student’s needs. For more information about any of these services visit the University Harm Reduction webpage.
- Forward Leeds work closely with LUU in providing advice and support for students who are affected by alcohol and drug use. This includes two confidential weekly drop-ins, and a variety of activity and support through the Forward Leeds on Campus Programme.
- Wellbeing appointments and counselling sessions are available for students whose mental health is impacted by alcohol and drug use, whether their own use or that of another person.
- Leeds University Union Advice provide support and signposting advice for students who are concerned about substance misuse. Drug testing kits are also available free of charge for collection from the LUU Advice office subject to stock levels.
- The Harassment and Misconduct Team support students who are victims of, or witness to, any incidents of misconduct related to substance misuse. This includes drink and needle spiking.
- Residence Life Wardens can help students living in University accommodation
connect to help and support. - Faculty and School Student Support colleagues can help students to understand and access specialist support.
13. In addition to the in-person support outlined under point 12, students have access to online and self-help resources which they can use to independently seek out relevant information and advice.
14. The SafeZone app is available for University of Leeds students to download, for use in an emergency on campus, or if they have any safety concerns.
Related University Policies and Codes of Conduct
15. The University’s Dignity and Mutual Respect Policy defines and prohibits various behaviours. It explains the need for everyone across the University to contribute to the creation of a culture of mutual respect and an environment in which everyone is treated with dignity.
16. Formal regulations outline codes of conduct and disciplinary regulations, highlighting the implications of illegal drug use and alcohol and prescription drug misuse, and criminal convictions, as well as typical sanctions. The most up to date versions of relevant procedures can be located via the Student Cases web pages and include:
- Student Regulations and Rules for Taught Students
- Code of Practice on Student Health and Conduct
- University of Leeds General University Disciplinary Regulations
Legal Responsibilities
17. Alcohol use by adults is not illegal and its consumption subject to the Licensing Act 1964 is permitted on University of Leeds premises.
18. Under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, it is a criminal offence for the University of Leeds to knowingly permit the use, production or supply of any controlled drugs on its premises. Under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016, it is an offence for The University of Leeds to knowingly permit the production, supply, import or export of any substance if it is likely to be used for its psychoactive effects and regardless of its potential for harm.
19. The University must operate in the context of national legislation and would be committing a criminal offence were it to knowingly permit the use, production or supply of any controlled drugs on its premises. Therefore the University cannot allow the possession, use or supply of controlled drugs or psychoactive substances on its premises.
20. The University is required by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to ensure as far as is reasonable, the health and safety of its employees, students and others at work.
Student Responsibilities and Awareness
21. Help, advice and support are available (as outlined in 12 above) for any student who is concerned about substance use, whether their own or that of a peer.
22. All students are bound by the terms and policies of the Student Contract.
23. Students are responsible for ensuring that they are familiar with policy and regulations around substance use, and the implications of non-compliance. The University commits to providing an up-to-date policy which is promoted and accessible to all students.
24. An especially serious view is taken of supply and distribution of controlled substances. ‘Supply and distribution’ includes the sharing of a personal supply of controlled substances with peers.
25. Students should be aware of the potential consequences of a drug conviction or a caution, and consider the possible impact on their continuation at University, or their eligibility or opportunities for future careers;
26. Students on programmes which are accredited or regulated by statutory bodies must familiarise themselves with the Code of Practice on Student Health and Conduct, and the potential consequences of substance misuse / criminal convictions. Students on these programmes who engage in illegal drug use or alcohol or prescription drug misuse could be referred to professionalism committees, or to Fitness to Practise / Health and Conduct processes.
27. Students who are engaged in online programmes and not living in the UK must take care to observe the laws of their country of residence. Support as outlined in 12 above is available to all students where support is available online, but legal ramifications in a local context may vary.
28. The University’s policy on substance use is not limited to behaviour on-campus, but also extends to off-campus activities that impact the University, its students, or staff.
29. All University accommodation contracts include disciplinary regulations concerning substance use. Students in university accommodation have a responsibility to familiarise themselves with relevant regulations and policy.
Response to Student Drug Use
Our response to student drug use recognises that every incident is individual, and will without exception include offers of relevant support to the student(s) involved. Our response must also acknowledge the impact of incidents related to drug use on the wider University community. Our response must pay due regard to the law.
Possession and Individual Use
30. Where a student is believed to be in possession of drugs for individual use, the University response will carefully consider individual case and context to ensure a response that is proportionate to the suspected offence. This will always include offers of and referral to appropriate support. Suspected illegal drugs will be confiscated by the appropriate means.
31. Considerations will include the scale of the offence; the class of drug; prior offences; involvement of third parties (especially any who are legal minors); considerations relating to addiction; student engagement with support.
a. Students who possess illegal substances for individual use in their place of residence are in breach of their Residences contract, and this will be dealt with considering individual case and context (30-31).
b. Where disciplinary action is carried out under the General University Disciplinary Regulations, typical sanctions are listed in the Regulations document.
a. Students who possess illegal substances for individual use at the University are in breach of the Student Contract, and this will be dealt with considering individual case and context (30-31).
b. It is recognised that Postgraduate Researchers often hold staff roles, and as such PGRs will be considered under the relevant policy and regulations depending on status. Where a staff role is held by an individual, staff conduct processes will be
followed.
c. Where disciplinary action is carried out under the General University Disciplinary Regulations, typical sanctions are listed in the Regulations document.
34. Inclusion of support information
a. Offers of specialist support and appropriate referrals are made following detailed consideration of the individual case.
35. Involvement of the police
a. The University cannot allow the possession, use, or supply of controlled drugs or psychoactive substances on its premises and may involve West Yorkshire Police in any case where students are suspected to be in breach of regulations / contractual obligations.
Supply and Intent to Supply
36. The University takes a particularly serious view of anyone involved in the supply of drugs [This is not limited to sale. ‘Supply’ and ‘distribution’ include sharing a personal supply of drugs with friends or peers.]. Engaging in such activities is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action and police involvement.
37. Residences discipline
a. West Yorkshire Police will be informed in cases where there is reasonable belief that a student is involved in supply of drugs, or intends to supply drugs.
b. Where disciplinary action is carried out under the General University Disciplinary Regulations, typical sanctions are listed in the Regulations document.
38. University discipline
a. West Yorkshire Police will be informed in cases where there is reason to believe that a student or PGR is involved supply of drugs, or intends to supply drugs.
b. It is recognised that Postgraduate Researchers often hold staff roles, and as such PGRs will be considered under the relevant policy and regulations depending on status. Where a staff role is held by an individual, staff conduct processes will be followed.
c. Where disciplinary action is carried out under the General University Disciplinary Regulations, typical sanctions are listed in the Regulations document.
39. Inclusion of support information
a. Offers of specialist support and appropriate referrals are made following detailed consideration of the individual case.
Off Campus Scenarios
40. The University's policy on illegal drugs extends to off-campus activities that could bring the University into disrepute and impact its students or staff.
41. Where student involvement in illegal drug activities off university premises affects the welfare of the University community, disciplinary action may be taken, and students may be reported to the police.
42.Students involved in illegal drug activity off-campus will be offered specialist support and appropriate referrals when the University becomes aware of such activity.
43. If the university becomes aware that a student has been arrested or charged with criminal offences relating to the use or supply of drugs, this will be managed by through the General University Disciplinary process.
44. If the university becomes aware that a PGR holding a staff role has been arrested or charged with criminal offences relating to the use or supply of drugs, this will be managed through the relevant HR process.
45. Response to reports of antisocial behaviour in this context will be managed by the General University Disciplinary process.
46. Students in privately rented accommodation should be aware that their landlords must similarly operate in the context of national legislation, and under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 would be committing a criminal offence were they to knowingly permit the use, production or supply of controlled drugs on their premises.
Related Links
Student Contract
Student Cases
Harm Reduction
Community Rules
Leeds University Union Advice
Residence Contract
Drug and Alcohol Impact (National Accreditation Scheme)