New 10-year plan to expand and improve the drug and alcohol workforce supported by BPS

The government has published its new ten-year drug and alcohol strategic workforce plan.

As part of the strategy, the recruitment and retention of psychologists is outlined as a key priority, with a recommendation that trainees on doctoral programmes are offered placements within drug and alcohol services, supporting existing psychologists in the workforce. 

Advice for the sector also includes forging links with universities to raise awareness of working in drug and alcohol treatment to potential new recruits. 

Dr Sarah Stacey, chair of the Division of Clinical Psychology's Faculty of Addictions, had a pivotal role on the Department for Health and Social Care's taskforce, which helped formulate the strategy. 

Welcoming its launch, Dr Stacey said:   

"We wholeheartedly welcome the publication of the 10-year drug and alcohol treatment and recovery workforce strategic plan. 

"The plan recognises the vital role that practitioner psychologists hold in multi-disciplinary teams, supporting workforce development through clinical leadership, supervision, and knowledge of relevant evidence. Psychologists and wider psychological professions also provide effective interventions that acknowledge the underpinning causes and contexts through which problematic drug and alcohol use and co-existing difficulties develop. 

"In addition to the forthcoming capability framework and workforce calculator, the plan provides a strong foundation for delivery of training, supervision and accreditation, building on the passion and commitment of the sector. 

"The focus on workforce wellbeing and career development supports the development of high quality, effective treatment and recovery services. We look forward to collaborating closely with Office for Health Improvement and Disparities and NHS England colleagues and welcome the commitment to addressing training, recruitment, development, and retention of psychologists in drug and alcohol services."