The Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Recovery Workforce Capability Framework aims to revolutionise the treatment and recovery sector, adapting it to the evolving needs of society. Rooted in the insights from Professor Dame Carol Black’s Independent Review of Drugs, the framework addresses the gaps left by the outdated Drug and Alcohol National Occupational Standards (DANOS). This article dives into the purpose, scope, and application of this critical framework designed for a multidisciplinary workforce.

What Is the Capability Framework?

At its core, the framework aims to create a consistent, high-quality workforce adept at delivering effective drug and alcohol treatment and recovery services. Spanning a decade (2024–2034), the strategy aligns with the broader national transformation goals for the sector. Moving beyond outdated standards, it modernises competencies for 15 specific roles, each vital to the sector, while fostering consistency across organisations.

The framework targets several goals:

• Standardising Core Skills – It ensures a uniform level of expertise and behaviour across roles.
• Building Career Pathways – Supports clear career progression and personalised development plans.
• Meeting Diverse Needs – Structures teams to address complex, co-occurring issues often faced by those seeking help.
• Aiding Workforce Planning – Identifies skills gaps and aligns resources to ensure evidence-based services.

Where Does It Apply?

The framework covers settings such as local authority-commissioned services, community and inpatient treatment centres, residential rehabilitation, and Lived Experience Recovery Organisations (LEROs). By focusing on services funded by grants like the Public Health Grant and Supplemental Substance Misuse Treatment and Recovery Grant, the framework creates a comprehensive ecosystem for treatment professionals.

Key Roles Addressed

The framework identifies and defines capabilities for 11 core roles while providing descriptors for 4 additional ones. Some of the key roles include:

• Drug and Alcohol Workers – Responsible for delivering evidence-based care such as harm reduction and psychosocial interventions.
• Family Support Workers – Addressing the needs of families affected by substance misuse, these specialists provide trauma-informed care.
• Children and Young People’s Workers – Focused on adolescents ages 12-17, their duties range from comprehensive assessments to liaising with educational institutions.
• Drug and Alcohol Peer Support Workers (PSWs) – Using their lived experiences, they provide empathetic, community-focused support.
• Commissioners and Regulated Professionals – Such as nurses, pharmacists, psychologists, and social workers who lead service planning and governance.

These profiles promote multidisciplinary collaboration, reflecting the interconnected challenges often experienced by vulnerable service users.

Principles That Shape the Framework

1. Trauma-Informed Care

Substance misuse often stems from deep-rooted trauma. This framework champions empathetic, non-judgemental therapeutic relationships to minimise re-traumatisation.

2. Recovery-Oriented Approach

Acknowledging that recovery is not linear, this principle asks professionals to foster individual strengths, community belonging, and achievable recovery goals.

3. Evidence-Based Practice

Aligned with clinical guidelines and best practices, the framework ensures that all interventions rest on robust evidence.

4. Multidisciplinary Collaboration

Many individuals face co-occurring needs, such as mental health issues and housing instability. The framework encourages close coordination between professionals (e.g., nurses, social workers) and external agencies, ensuring holistic, seamless care.

5. Person-Centred Approaches

Acknowledging the diverse goals and challenges of each individual, the approach includes service users in decision-making for tailored recovery plans.

6. Therapeutic Optimism

Workers are encouraged to actively believe in their clients’ potential for meaningful change, an attitude proven to improve outcomes.

7. Challenging Stigma

By addressing biases and inequities, the framework seeks to break down barriers to treatment caused by stigma surrounding drug and alcohol use.

8. Staff Wellbeing

Acknowledging the emotional load of this work, organisations are urged to provide safe, supportive environments for workers, which, in turn, improves client outcomes.

Supporting Implementation

Realising the potential of this framework depends on accessible resources and careful application. Here are key tools to guide adaptation:

• Existing Resources – Guidelines like the UK clinical guidelines on drug misuse and NICE recommendations ensure evidence-based practices.
• Coming Soon – A workforce calculator will provide tailored recommendations based on regional needs, ensuring that the right professionals are in place to serve local populations.

Additionally, the emphasis on reflective practice and supervision supports ongoing development, ensuring workers have the guidance and skills they need to succeed.

Building Towards an Inclusive Future

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) play fundamental roles in the successful realisation of this framework. By dismantling systemic barriers and biases, the sector is better positioned to deliver equitable care. Services must consider the unique needs of groups such as ethnic minority communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people involved in the criminal justice system.

An inclusive approach also extends to workers, ensuring that the unique expertise of peer support workers and those from diverse backgrounds is recognised and nurtured.

Why This Framework Matters

This framework represents a seismic shift in how drug and alcohol recovery services are designed and delivered across England. By providing clear capabilities for roles and aligning them with clinical needs, it addresses long-standing inconsistencies in the sector. Furthermore, its alignment with the Independent Review of Drugs ensures it is both forward-thinking and steeped in research-backed insights.

The integration of trauma-informed care, recovery-oriented goals, targeted resources for families, and dedicated support for vulnerable communities make this a holistic guide to workforce transformation.

For commissioners and service providers, adopting this framework will not only close skills gaps but also enhance the sector’s credibility and standing. For practitioners, it offers greater clarity, structure, and career opportunities while prioritising personal development and wellbeing.

Moving Forward

As the drug and alcohol treatment landscape evolves, this Capability Framework provides a roadmap for creating a skilled, balanced workforce capable of tackling the challenges of substance misuse. For service commissioners, professionals, and policymakers, the framework is both a necessity and an opportunity.

To learn more, visit the official NHS England Capability Framework resource page.

Reference: DB Recovery Resources