UCL Harm Reduction Strategy and Action Plan

UCL has approved a harm reduction approach to drugs and alcohol which has replaced the previous zero-tolerance approach.

UCL Harm Reduction Statement

UCL and the UCL Students’ Union are committed to the safety and wellbeing of our students.

We do not condone the use of illegal drugs or the misuse of prescription drugs, but we do understand that some students may choose to use or try them during their time at university. We also understand that a zero-tolerance stance is harmful and damaging as it prevents students reaching out for help or resources as they may fear being punished.

Should our students choose to engage in any risky behaviours, awareness of the dangers is paramount to making informed choices. Education and support offer students the opportunity to greatly reduce the risk of short and long-term harm and this approach encourages safe and confidential disclosure of concerns around substance use. Therefore, we believe a harm reduction stance, as part of a broader strategy around the wellbeing of students at university, is in the best interests of our student body.

Drug and excessive alcohol use is a complex issue and often a sign that a student is experiencing other problems such as poor mental, physical or social health. This issue can impact all students, whether directly or indirectly, and so the policy addresses the ‘whole’ university. It combines education, early intervention, specialist support and treatment approaches within a single strategy to benefit all students.

We emphasise making positive life choices and informed decisions to help every student succeed at UCL.

Introduction

Whilst UCL does not condone the use of illegal drugs or the misuse of prescription drugs, we acknowledge that some students may choose to use or try them during their time at university. Should our students choose to engage in any risky behaviours, awareness of the dangers is paramount to making informed choices. Education and support offer students the opportunity to greatly reduce the risk of long-term harm. Therefore, UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services and the Student Union believe a harm reduction stance as part of a broader strategy around the wellbeing of students at university, is in the best interests of our student body.

Drug use is a complex issue and often a sign that a student is experiencing other problems such as poor mental, physical or social health. This issue impacts all students, and so the new strategy will address the ‘whole’ university. The policy will combine prevention, harm reduction, early intervention and treatment approaches within a single strategy to benefit all students.

Universities UK have recently (November 2024) published a report Enabling student health and success to help universities understand and address student drug use. With student safety and wellbeing as its starting point, the report approaches the issue as a public health matter, looking at how to minimise harm by tackling supply, reducing demand and improving support.

It is important to note that the move to a harm reduction model, and the redevelopment of disciplinary procedures, will not condone antisocial or criminal behaviour. The harm reduction policy is focused on improving the wellbeing of students struggling with personal drug use. It is not proposed to change the code of conduct regarding incidents where students, or members of the public, have been harmed or endangered by the distribution of drugs by a student. All cases of misconduct will continue to be addressed. Any student found to be involved in the supply or distribution of illegal or non-prescribed drugs will be referred to the Metropolitan Police for consideration of criminal prosecution. This conforms to the approach of HEIs who have lead the change to a harm reduction strategy.

Implementation

UCL and the Students' Union have entered into partnership with Students Organising for Sustainability (SoS-UK) and become a participant in their Drug and Alcohol Impact Programme. This provides a framework of 51 criteria for us to work through together towards accreditation. Student Support and Wellbeing Services are taking the lead for UCL and will require extensive input from the Steering Group, which is composed of stakeholders from across UCL and the SU, many of whom are students. The members of this group provid a solid foundation to ensure there are connections with relevant departments and colleagues with knowledge and expertise. Many of the actions will need careful and informed planning and will not necessarily be quick to implement.

Some key criteria are listed below:

In order to research drug and alcohol use amongst our student body, in 2024 we participated for the first time in the SoS-UK drug and alcohol survey. We recieved 581 responses from our students and are currently conducting an analysis of this data.
We have created a new section of our website Support for alcohol, drugs, unwanted or addictive behaviours, which details the support available for students from both within and external to UCL.
We will redevelop disciplinary procedures to increase support for students, developing harm reduction policies orientated towards student education and support rather than sanctions.
We will create comprehensive training for staff in student-facing roles to offer a space for confidential support, resources, and direct referrals to specialist support.
We will provide drug testing kits so that they are available for students.
We will incorporate Harm Reduction messaging and information into our Welcome and Induction communications and events.
We will host SSWS (Student Support and Wellbeing Services) and SU events on drug awareness throughout the academic year. There is also the potential to invite external partners to give talks on substance abuse and expand into Student Health and Wellbeing Community of Practice webinars.