Framework RUISHE

national guidance for institutions

The Framework for Response to the Use of Illicit Substances within Higher Education

The Framework for Responses to the Use of Illicit Substances within Higher Education (Framework RUISHE) was developed by a Rapid Response Group, which included Gardaí, academics, students, and first responders within institutions. This group was convened in 2019 by the Department of Higher Education (now DFERIS) to devise an action plan to deal with drug and substance use within higher education institutions.

The Four Core Actions of the Framework RUISHE

These core actions are recommended for Higher Education Institutions to reduce the number of students who decide to use drugs, and to reduce the harm experienced by students who have chosen to use drugs.

Each higher education institution should develop a Drug and Alcohol Policy specific to the HEI.

Each higher education institution should develop and implement a Drug and Alcohol Action Plan specific to the HEI and their students.

Each higher education institution should assign to a Senior Officer of the HEI the responsibility for leading the development of the Policy and the implementation of the Action Plan.

Each higher education institution should facilitate student engagement with the collection of national level data on drug use in HEIs.

An additional 12 recommendations under four themes are also proposed:

HEIs should complete a formal evaluation of the effectiveness of their own Drugs and Alcohol Action Plan at least once every three years.

HEIs should provide drug, substance, alcohol and tobacco-free student accommodation and on-campus alcohol-free social spaces.

HEIs should allocate space on the HEI campus for support groups working with those struggling with drug and alcohol abuse.

HEIs should provide and actively promote to students an on-line educational, screening and brief intervention tool.

Safety issues in the context of intoxicants such as drugs and alcohol should be considered while planning all large-scale student events.

HEIs should develop and implement a Student Community Support system.

HEIs should hold an annual meeting with local stakeholders.

HEIs should develop partnerships with relevant local community groups.

Drugs and Alcohol counselling services should be available to students in the HEI.

HEIs should develop a visible and accessible referral pathway for addiction assessment and treatment services for students .

HEIs should provide interventions that target higher risk groups.

HEIs should provide training for staff and students in how to deliver brief intervention and advice.

Dedicated support in Framework RUISHE Implementation

ESHEILD provides guidance to Higher Education Institutions in implementation of the core actions of the Framework RUISHE.

Support for Institutions Read the Framework RUISHE

Dedicated support in Framework RUISHE Implementation

ESHEILD provides guidance to Higher Education Institutions in implementation of the core actions of the Framework RUISHE.

Support for Institutions Read the Framework RUISHE

Contact

Crow’s Nest, UCC, Victoria Cross, Cork, T12 HXW4
info@esheild.ie

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