Background There is limited research in forensic mental health services about staff attitudes towards substance misuse or how improvements in training might affect these attitudes.

Aim To gather information for staff training plans linked to existing competency frameworks.

Method A questionnaire and appropriate assessment scales were applied across a large forensic mental health service to determine training needs and preferences.

Results Previous training improved staff attitude towards substance misusers significantly. Perceived importance of training on the subject of ‘managing family members’ varied significantly between care settings, and a significant correlation was found between more optimum attitude and perceived high need for training.

Conclusion The evidence obtained can influence further training.