Standards and Development for The Council Partners Charitable Trust.

Austin Warner, who was the clinical director of Addiction Services, has worked in drug rehabilitation in Connecticut, Virginia, and North Carolina.

And the former drug addict said: "This opportunity to work with The Council Partners Charitable Trust will allow me to continue to give back that which was so graciously given to me, while making a significant difference in the fight against substance use and abuse in Bermuda.'' Mr. Warner, who was educated in the US where he completed his degree in rehabilitation counselling, also explained that Council Partners will be looking at such things as programme access, quality improvement, effectiveness, efficiency, cost and consumer satisfaction.

"One of the exciting aspects of this position for me is that I will get to work directly with Focus Counselling Services to provide clinical support and programme development,'' he said. "This will ensure that I remain actively involved and current in the field.'' Council Partners' chairman Brian Duperreault said programme evaluation had been a priority for the Trust since the organisation conducted research last year with key donors and community members who identified the need to establish international standards.

Mr. Duperreault, who also heads up the National Drug Commission's evaluation committee, said they had decided to begin the evaluation process with the Trust agencies.

The Trust governs the finances and programmes of five registered Bermudian charities involved in alcohol and drug abuse treatment, education, prevention and rehabilitation.

The new position will allow Mr. Warner to work with each of the Trust agencies to develop standards and help them achieve and maintain international accreditation.

"This new position will ensure that Bermuda residents who come in contact with The Council Partners Charitable Trust programmes receive the highest quality of services possible,'' Mr. Duperreault said.

"...We are honoured to have Mr. Austin Warner head up this project. Mr.

Warner possesses a rare blend of warmth, enthusiasm, compassion and knowledge.

"As a leader, he is both respectful and inspirational. I cannot think of a better individual to lead us towards achieving the highest quality programmes and services possible.'' Mr. Warner, who is married to Ruby Warner and has three children, will assume his new post on February 9.

APPOINTMENT APP DRUGS DGS