Alcohol Academy bid put forward following consultation findings

Ranzetta Consulting/Alcohol Policy UK would like to expressly thank all those who contributed to and supported the recent consultation on proposals to develop an Alcohol Academy for local coordinators and leads. The AERC funded scoping exercise was carried out to explore the need for a network of alcohol coordinators/local alcohol leads and also the potential need for a training and knowledge exchange. Over 64 consultation responses were received, the majority from local alcohol coordinators and leads within local authorities or PCTs. Responses were also received from key regional and national alcohol leads including the Government Office, Department of Health (DoH), Home Office and other government departments. Additionally feedback was received from a number of leading academics and other key organisations such as Alcohol Concern and the Institute for Alcohol Studies.

Findings

A detailed questionnaire was completed by alcohol coordinators and leads across the country providing insight into the roles, structures, needs and exsiting resources currently available. 92% of alcohol coordinators and leads stated they would value a network as proposed and 83% believed an alcohol acadmey was a good idea. However the research revealed a number of existing groups, forums and resources currently available and that in a number of areas strong networking groups were already in place. However most felt that further development of a formal networking structure and academy could work to enhance and support regional and national alcohol work.

In response to the findings, a bid has been submitted to the AERC to develop an academy that will deliver on the following recommendations:

1.      That the academy delivers events and support that is tailored to local coordinators’ needs, as identified by them

For example the research found that key needs for existing coordinators/leads include:

• Training relating to commissioning skills
• Training relating to strategic approaches to alcohol delivery
• Training relating to project management skills and partnership working
• Support in translating the implications and application of national policy and guidance at local levels
• The management of multiple agendas
• The delivery of both health and crime and disorder agendas
• Networking and peer support events where structures are not in place
• Support in delivering actions such as workforce alcohol training, managing partnerships, building effective links into related agendas etc.

2.      That the academy has four objectives

1. The dissemination and sharing of accessible, relevant information through  the Alcohol Policy UK portal and an email discussion list
2. The development of coordinators’ skills and knowledge through tailored seminars delivered across the country
3. Support for other initiatives that aim to network professionals in the field and share best practice, including HubCAPP and the DoH’s Virtual Learning Centre
4. The promotion of “what works” in alcohol harm reduction by hosting coordinator-led projects and facilitating better evaluation of initiatives

3.      That the academy does not duplicate any existing projects or initiatives but is developed with full regard to regional and national activity

The academy will be developed with full consideration of/discussion with the following:

• Existing coordinator networks and forums
• Regional alcohol leads, strategic meetings and forums   
• National alcohol leads, strategic meetings and forums
• Key organisations such as Alcohol Concern and the Institute of Alcohol Studies
• Key projects and initiatives including HuBCAPP, Daily Dose, Drug and Alcohol Findings etc
• The academy will ensure that the delivery of any work or seminar does not duplicate existing or planned work and that is responding to a need that is recognised and supported by alcohol coordinators/leads

4.      That the academy runs as a not for profit organisation

The academy will be run on a not-for-profit  basis so that there is minimal cost to coordinators or their organisations.

We would once again like to thank all those who responded to the questionnaire, those who attended the scoping seminar, the IAS for providing the venue and the AERC for the funding.

The full report is available here: Scoping project for an alcohol academy report.

Comments

[Don Shenker]

Dear all at alcoholpolicy.net,

In these times of competition for funding between vol org's its refreshing to see you've been transparent with this bid.

We wish you luck and look forward to working with you if successful. Further support for alcohol co-ordinators and leads is essential and AC is keen to play its part in providing that support in collaboration with others.

Don Shenker (CEO, Alcohol Concern)