CDAO (Controlled Drugs Accountable Officer)
This in-depth two-day course equips senior healthcare professionals with the legal knowledge, operational understanding, and leadership insight required to carry out the role of a Controlled Drugs Accountable Officer (CDAO). Delegates will explore the UK’s controlled drugs legislation, the responsibilities of the CDAO, and how to implement safe systems, audit trails, and investigations. Using real case studies, including the Shipman Inquiry and safeguarding reviews, the course promotes reflective practice and continuous professional development. It is ideal for staff in senior roles responsible for controlled drug governance.
| Course Number | Course Validity | Course Duration | Course Assessment | Course Accreditation | Course Approvals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | 1 Year | 12 Hours | Continuous | - | - |
- Introduction, CPD culture, and professional responsibilities
- The Shipman Inquiry and serious case reviews (e.g. Parkfields)
- Controlled Drugs legislation: history, structure, and enforcement
- Classes, schedules, and brand/generic drug recognition
- CD storage, administration, documentation, and disposal
- The role and nomination of the CDAO
- Self-assessment of local service procedures
- Delegation, leadership, and establishing SOPs
- SOP mapping to audit tools
- Destruction procedures and approved witnesses
- Training, auditing, and information sharing (DPA/GDPR)
- Safeguarding, human rights, and incident response
- Handling concerns, conducting investigations, and occurrence reports
- Review, consolidation, and evaluation
