CDAO Mastery

 A structured programme for Controlled Drug Accountable Officers and senior leaders responsible for controlled drug governance. 

The role of the Controlled Drug Accountable Officer (CDAO) carries statutory responsibility and significant organisational risk. It requires more than an understanding of legislation – it demands judgement, systems thinking, and the ability to respond confidently when things go wrong. 

CDAO Mastery is designed to develop that capability. 

Grounded in real-world experience across healthcare systems, the programme provides a clear, practical framework for managing controlled drugs safely, effectively, and in line with regulatory expectations. 

Speakers 

CDAO Mastery is led by faculty combining current NHS leadership, regional CDAO governance, and criminal investigation experience. 

Kandarp Thakkar

Chief Pharmacist and Clinical Director with over 20 years of NHS executive leadership across medicines governance, transformation and system integration. Kandarp brings a structured, systems-level view of accountability and risk, shaped by two decades of frontline and board-level pharmacy leadership. 

Jon Hayhurst

Chief Pharmacist, London Region, and former Regional Controlled Drug Accountable Officer for the South West. Jon brings direct regional CDAO governance experience alongside current NHS leadership practice, giving participants a grounded, practitioner’s view of the role’s day-to-day realities. 

Wendy McAllister

Former Controlled Drug Liaison Officer, Metropolitan Police. Wendy offers a rare and authoritative perspective on diversion, criminal investigation and the law enforcement dimension of controlled drug governance — insight no other CDAO course is likely to offer.  

What the course covers 

The programme takes a structured approach across the full scope of the CDAO role: 

• The legal and regulatory framework underpinning controlled drugs 

• The responsibilities and expectations of the CDAO and wider system partners 

• Building and assuring safe systems for controlled drug management 

• Managing incidents, investigations, and escalation (including when to involve the police) 

• Working effectively across Local Intelligence Networks and partner organisations 

• Strengthening organisational culture, including speaking up and accountability 

• Developing a proactive approach to governance, audit, and continuous improvement 

The content reflects both statutory requirements and the practical realities of implementation.  

How it is delivered 

CDAO Mastery is delivered as an interactive, case-based programme, built around real scenarios rather than theory. 

Participants work through diversion, prescribing concerns, and system failures drawn from practice, so learning is directly applicable to day-to-day decision-making. 

The faculty brings combined expertise across NHS leadership, controlled drug governance, and criminal investigation, offering multiple perspectives on complex situations.  

Course outcomes vs organisational benefits 

For participants 

Participants leave with a clear, structured understanding of the CDAO role and how to operate effectively within it. This includes: 

• Confidence in applying legislation in complex, real-world scenarios 

• A practical approach to managing incidents, concerns, and investigations 

• Improved ability to interpret risk and make proportionate decisions 

• Greater clarity on working across networks, regulators, and partner organisations 

• Strengthened leadership capability in high-risk and sensitive situations

For organisations 

The impact extends beyond the individual. Organisations benefit from: 

• More robust controlled drug governance and assurance processes 

• Improved incident management and escalation, reducing organisational risk 

• Greater consistency in how controlled drug issues are identified and handled 

• Stronger compliance with regulatory expectations, including CQC requirements 

• A more open, accountable culture around patient safety and speaking up 

The outcome is not just knowledge acquisition, but more reliable and defensible decision-making across the organisation. 

 Who this is for 

• Controlled Drug Accountable Officers 

• Deputy CDAOs and governance leads 

• Chief Pharmacists and senior pharmacy leaders 

• Medical, nursing, and operational leaders with responsibility for controlled drugs 

• Organisations seeking to strengthen compliance, assurance, and patient safety 

 Delivery format 

CDAO Mastery is delivered fully online. 

The programme is designed to be interactive, with a balance of structured teaching, case-based discussion, and participant input. This allows delegates to engage with real scenarios while maintaining the flexibility of remote access. 

All sessions are delivered live, enabling direct interaction with faculty and peer discussion across organisations. 

 Cost 

£499 per participant 

A 50% discount is available for the charitable sector. 

This includes full access to the programme, supporting materials, and CPD certification on completion. 

 The approach 

This is not a theoretical course — it is built on the principle that safe management of controlled drugs depends on clear systems, informed judgement, and confident leadership—particularly in high-risk or uncertain situations. 

The focus throughout is on practical application, structured thinking, and supporting participants to operate effectively within complex healthcare environments.