NUS launch new Responsible Drinking Accreditation

The NUS has launched a new pilot programme that seeks to create a social norm of responsible alcohol consumption by students.

With funding from the Home Office, and working with seven pilot universities and one control, the NUS aim to develop a new accreditation mark for responsible consumption, underpinned by social change theory.

During the pilot year we will be working with the following eight institutions:

1. Swansea University
2. Manchester Metropolitan University
3. University of Brighton
4. Royal Holloway, University of London
5. Loughborough University
6. University of Nottingham
7. Liverpool John Moores University
8. University of Central Lancashire (control)

The draft criteria is available which is being adopted by the pilot Universities is available on the NUS website a link to which can be found here. Although the scheme is currently limited to the pilot institutions the criteria gives a clear picture of the strategy being employed. Using a system awarding points for prescribed behaviour the criteria requires a score of 90/177 to qualify for accreditation. 54/177 points arise from Mandatory baseline criteria which all participants must achieve. There for a qualifying score is obtained by complying with the 54 mandatory criteria and minimum of a further 36 optional points (as specified in the published spread sheet).

Commenting upon the launch of the new scheme

Crime Prevention Minister Norman Baker said:

"The NUS Alcohol Impact project, backed by the Home Office, will help participating universities to encourage responsible drinking leading to safer and more productive places to study and live." "Accreditation should become a badge of honour for universities, and another factor which helps promote their world class teaching and research to prospective domestic and international students."

NUS Vice-President (Welfare) Colum McGuire said:

"The project is an extremely positive one that has the welfare of students at its core, with a range of benefits from reducing crime and disorder, to improving student health and academic outcomes, and enhancing partnerships within local communities."
"We will also aim to encourage responsible retailing and the provision of a broader range of activities as well as effective support services on campus, and by doing so make universities more welcoming for those who do not drink."