SMMGP has reassured members of the Federation of Drug and Alcohol Professionals (FDAP) that they will be fully supported throughout their takeover of the sector’s professional body, which came into effect on 1 February.
In a statement, Dr Steve Brinksman said there would be ‘as little disruption as possible during this period of transition’.
Dr Brinksman, who makes up the SMMGP management team alongside Kate Halliday and Elsa Browne (and is also DDN’s Post-its from Practice columnist) added: ‘We look forward to including FDAP members in our exciting plans this year to provide online continuing professional development (CPD).’
Plans include regular webinars and podcasts, alongside the full membership and accreditation services previously enjoyed by members.
Dr Steve Brinksman’s letter to FDAP members is in full below.
Dear FDAP member,
Welcome to FDAP members
SMMGP is a long-standing training, education and support network in the drugs and alcohol field. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of practice in drug and alcohol treatment and act as the voice of our membership on education, training, research and clinical standards.
SMMGP started out over 20 years ago when general practice became more involved in drug treatment. Over time, with changes in the drug and alcohol treatment field, the people in our 6000-strong network now include GPs, counsellors, psychologists, psychiatrists, drug and alcohol workers, nurses, pharmacists and people who are in treatment.
SMMGP will take over the membership and accreditation function of FDAP from the 1st February. Our aim is for there to be as little disruption as possible for FDAP members during this period of transition. This means:
- The FDAP membership scheme is under new management with SMMGP, trading as Federation of Drug and Alcohol Practitioners. (The familiar FDAP logo will remain, and the website will not change significantly).
- Existing FDAP membership will be transferred to SMMGP with members being invoiced on the date that their membership is due for renewal, as before. There is no need to reapply. SMMGP will adopt and uphold the FDAP Code of Conduct.
- The new FDAP will adopt the accreditation process and provide the full accreditation service previously offered to members of the Federation of Drug and Alcohol Professionals, including NCAC accreditation.
Please note that SMMGP (trading as Federation of Drug and Alcohol Practitioners) will not be responsible for issues, or complaints against a Federation of Drug and Alcohol Professionals member or Affiliate Member, or any FDAP business prior to the 1st February 2017.
We look forward to including FDAP members in our exciting plans this year to provide online continuing professional development (CPD). We will support continuing professional development by providing regular web-based learning including webinars and podcasts covering up-to-date psychosocial, clinical and policy issues.
All that remains now is to introduce you to the SMMGP management team:
Dr Steve Brinksman, our Clinical Lead, is a GP in Birmingham, Kate Halliday, Programme Lead, PGCE (FEHE) DipSW Social Work, Masters in Social Work. Elsa Browne has provided Operational Support since 2009.
SMMGP Board Trustees include Andre Geel, Consultant Clinical Psychologist (C.Psychol, CSci, AFBPsS); April Wareham, Independent Consultant/Trainer and Expert by Experience; Jim Barnard, Regional Drug Service Manager, Dip SW. We will be appointing new members to the SMMGP Board with experience to support the FDAP work.
Please ask if you have any questions, please write to us on: fdap@smmgp.org.uk
Dr Steve Brinksman, GP and Clinical Lead