Drugs and Alcohol Policy Template UK
Drugs & Alcohol Policy Template (UK)
Approx. 5 pages · 9 sectionsBranded PDF + editable WordLast reviewed:
What is a drugs & alcohol policy and who needs one?
A drugs and alcohol policy sets out your rules on alcohol, illegal drugs and medication at work, any testing you carry out, the support available and how breaches are handled. It is particularly important for drivers and safety-critical roles, and buyers of site-based and transport work commonly ask for it.
Sets out expectations, prescribed medication, testing where adopted, support for employees and the disciplinary approach.
Why buyers ask for this
Buyers commonly ask for a drugs and alcohol policy where work is safety-critical, involves driving or takes place on their sites, because impaired workers put staff, the public and the contract at risk.
Who needs it
Employers with drivers, operatives or safety-critical roles, and anyone asked for one in a tender.
Where it comes up in a PQQ, SQ or PSQ
Under the Procurement Act 2023, supplier selection uses the Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ) plus each buyer's own conditions of participation and quality questions. Typical questions this policy supports:
- "Do you have a drugs and alcohol policy, including testing arrangements?"
- Site rules questions for construction, rail and utility contracts
- Health and safety questions on fitness for work for drivers and operatives
- – Commonly requested for safety-critical, driving and site-based work
What's inside
The full drugs & alcohol policy runs to about 5 pages (including the branded cover and document control page) across 9 sections:
- Introduction
- Purpose and Scope
- Aims
- Responsibilities
- Alcohol & drugs policy continued
- Rules
- Help and Support
- Confidentiality
- Employee assistance programme
Key points covered
- Purpose and scope
- Rules on alcohol, drugs and medication
- Testing (where adopted)
- Support and referral
- Disciplinary approach
- Confidentiality
Every document carries your logo, company name, version number, approval signatory and next review date, in branded PDF plus editable Word.
UK legislation, standards and guidance it references
Excerpt preview
[Your Company Ltd] is committed to promoting the health, safety, and wellbeing of its workforce and the public. The misuse of drugs or alcohol can impair an individual’s ability to perform effectively, placing themselves, colleagues, clients, and the company at risk. This policy reflects our duty of care to support employees who may be experiencing substance misuse problems, while also maintaining clear expectations…
Get your drugs & alcohol policy in minutes
£19.99 per policy, or £199 for all 39 policies. One-off payment.
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How to adapt it
- Read every section and remove anything that doesn’t reflect how your organisation actually works.
- Complete the bracketed [ADAPT] prompts with your own arrangements, people and data.
- Have the policy approved and signed by a director or equivalent, and communicate it to staff.
- Keep evidence that you follow it, and review it by the date shown.
Drugs & Alcohol Policy FAQs
Can I test employees for drugs and alcohol?
Testing should be justified, proportionate, clearly set out in the policy and contract, and carried out with consent. The template includes optional testing provisions to adapt or remove.
Does the policy cover prescribed medication?
Yes. It asks staff to tell a manager if medication could affect their ability to work safely, so adjustments can be made.
What support should the policy offer?
It should encourage employees to seek help for dependency, explain confidential support routes such as occupational health or an employee assistance programme, and treat voluntary disclosure differently from misconduct.
How much does the Drugs & Alcohol Policy template cost?
£19.99 per policy, or £199 for all 39 policies. It is a one-off payment with no subscription, and you download branded PDF and editable Word files straight away.
General information, not legal advice. Requirements differ between buyers and change over time; always check the tender documents.