What is this thing called workforce development? A Scottish perspective

Abstract

With the development and implementation of a National Workforce Development Statement (2010) for the alcohol and other drugs (AOD) workforce in Scotland, workforce development has become a growing interest for related professionals and sectors over the past 6 years. The Workforce Development Programme (WDP) at Scottish Drugs Forum (SDF) receives core funding from the Scottish Government Drugs Policy Unit (DPU) and has a remit to provide workforce development support for the AOD workforce at both a national and local level. This paper discusses the history of workforce development and provides a number of samples of our work in the area of workforce development in Scotland. The paper also discusses the challenges for workforce development within the AOD field in Scotland.

Keywords:

• Workforce development
• alcohol and other drug use
• Scotland

Declaration of interest

There are no conflicts of interest to report.

Notes

Notes

1. ADPs formerly known as Drug and Alcohol Teams (DAATs) and Alcohol and Drug Action Teams (ADATs).

2. CPPs are key public, private, community and voluntary representatives together with the aim of delivering better, more joined-up public services.

3. SOA is an agreement between a CPP and Scottish Government which sets the priority outcomes for each area, and how the CPP will work towards achieving them.

4. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely.

5. Stages of ROSC include Engagement, Preparation, Change, Completion and Re-Integration.

6. Work led by the DPU National Support Team.

7. Inclusive of academic programmes.

8. Roles included Addiction Workers, Addiction Support Workers, Bands 5 and 6 Nurses, Occupational Therapists and Social Workers.

9. A strategy might also include an in-depth competency framework for those working in the AOD field.