About First Cohort

A smarter, fairer and more practical approach to workplace drug and alcohol testing, training and support.

We Do Things Differently

Many providers stop at testing, reporting results and moving on.

We believe businesses need more than that. They need practical systems, confident leadership and a fair process that protects the organisation while supporting people where appropriate.

That is why we built the Better Testing Pathway.

Why We Exist

Substance misuse can affect safety, productivity and morale. But poor handling can create just as much risk.

Our mission is to help organisations prevent issues early, respond properly and build safer, stronger workplace cultures.

What Makes Us Different/The Better Testing Pathway

✔ Support-first where appropriate
✔ Practical business protection
✔ Clear policies and procedures
✔ Training that builds confidence
✔ Professional guidance when issues arise

Practical Experience. Real-World Advice.

We support businesses of all sizes with audits, policy development, training, testing systems and ongoing consultancy.

Every recommendation is designed to be workable, proportionate and commercially realistic.

Why Businesses Work With Us

✔ Practical real-world guidance
✔ UK-focused workplace expertise
✔ Support-first Better Testing approach
✔ Clear systems that work in practice

Who We Support

We work with organisations of all sizes, particularly where safety, consistency and sound decision-making matter most.

Including manufacturing, logistics, engineering, construction, healthcare and other operational workplaces.

This helps buyers self-identify.

Ready to strengthen your workplace approach?

Speak with us about practical testing, training and consultancy support.

Meet the Founder

Dave Bainbridge – Founder of First Cohort

Dave Bainbridge founded First Cohort to challenge outdated thinking around workplace drug and alcohol testing.

After seeing too many organisations rely on reactive systems, unclear policies and approaches that solved little, he built a consultancy focused on something better: practical protection for businesses, fair treatment for people and processes that stand up when it matters most.

Today, Dave works with organisations that want more than box-ticking compliance. He helps leaders build stronger policies, smarter testing systems and confident decision-making across their workforce.

Known for his straight-talking, practical approach, Dave’s focus is simple: reduce risk, improve standards and create safer, more productive workplaces.

Through the Better Testing Pathway, he continues to help businesses move from outdated reaction to modern prevention.

✔ Workplace testing strategy specialist
✔ Policy, process and training advisor
✔ Better Testing Pathway creator
✔ Practical support for UK employers