Together ensuring the safer management and use of controlled drugs in the community
EVENTS & TRAINING
APCDLO BEST PRACTICE EVENT 2026
Thursday 1st & Friday 2nd of October 2026
CDLO FOUNDATION & REFRESHER TRAINING COURSE
14th - 16th April 2026
Inspiring change and improving knowledge
NEW FOR 2026
For the first time, the Association of Police Controlled Drug Liaison Officers (APCDLO) CDLO course will be delivered in both Northern and Southern UK locations.
This dual location delivery model is a trial for 2026, and will be reviewed ahead of future planning, so course delivery may revert to a single location model again in 2027.
Northern located Course – 14th - 16th of April 2026 in North Wales
Delivered by Appropriate Training & Consultancy Ltd, this course will take place in a scenic North Wales venue, and will cover:
- An introduction to the Health Act 2006
- Overview of the CDLO role
- Roles of the MHRA, GPhC and CQC
- Understanding pharmacy visits and inspections
- Identifying risk factors in healthcare professionals
- Health Act 2006 powers of entry and inspection (s.20)
- Health Act 2006 duty to co-operate (s.18)
- Performing the role of Authorised Witness
- Denaturing controlled drugs (practical session)
- Controlled drug destructions and registers
- Specialist input from Bangor University Pharmacy Lead (PhD / MPharm)
- Site visit to a Welsh Ambulance Trust paramedic station
- Pharmacies and police targeted inspections
- Pharmaceuticals, controlled drugs, OTC's, schedules and POM's
- Safe custody regulations and exemption certificates
- Case studies and practical experience sharing
- Role and expectations of an Accountable Officer (AO)
Southern located Course – 2026 (Date & Venue to be confirmed)
The Southern course will be delivered later in 2026 by Wendy McAllister and will provide very similar core content, learning outcomes and practical focus to the Northern course, ensuring national consistency for CDLO's while allowing for local operational context.
Whether you are new to the CDLO role or seeking a refresher, these courses offer essential updates, practical insight and shared learning, supporting CDLO's to remain informed, confident and effective within an evolving health and regulatory landscape.
Enquiries for the Northern located course to info@aptraining.co.uk or
Adrian Parsons FEWI
Enquiries for the Southern located course to wendymc9599@gmail.com or
Wendy McAllister
Inspiring change and improving knowledge
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Colleagues and Partners,
We are again, thrilled to announce that our 26th, annual best practice event, is taking place on the 1st & 2nd of October 2026.
With the conference agenda being developed, we wholeheartedly invite and encourage you to share any suggestions regarding topics or speakers that you would like to see featured, or individuals you can recommend for participation in the event.
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All inquiries related to bookings, event logistics, and expressions of interest will be expertly managed by our association's treasurer, Mr. Robin Pivett, who can be reached at Robin.Pivett@suffolk.police.uk.
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​We wish you continued safety and good health, and eagerly anticipate the participation of numerous members and partners in October 2026.
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Warm regards,
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APCDLO Events Team