Health & Safety Policy
1. Purpose
We are committed to providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all staff, volunteers and members. Our aim is to prevent accidents, protect wellbeing, and ensure that every member, volunteer, and staff member feels safe.
We will:
- Identify and manage risks
- Provide appropriate supervision
- Train staff and volunteers as appropriate
- Maintain safe equipment and facilities
- Respond quickly and effectively to incidents
2. Responsibilities
- The Trustees have overall responsibility for health and safety
- The Youth Worker in Charge is responsible during sessions and trips
Staff & Volunteers
All staff and volunteers must:
- Follow safety procedures
- Report hazards or concerns to the Youth Worker in Charge immediately
- Supervise members appropriately
- Complete required training (safeguarding, first aid, etc.)
Designated First Aider (Youth Support Worker in Charge)
Responsible for:
- First aid provision
- Maintaining first aid supplies
- Recording accidents
Safeguarding Lead (Youth Support Worker in Charge)
Responsible for:
- Child protection concerns
- Ensuring staff and volunteers understand safeguarding procedures
3. Arrangements (How We Keep People Safe)
Risk Assessments
We carry out risk assessments for:
- All activities and trips
- The premises
- Members Leaving Premises
- Individual members who may need personalised support plans
- Young Persons at Work
- Pregnancy
Risk assessments are reviewed regularly and updated when activities change.
Supervision
- Staff-to-member ratios are adjusted based on individual needs
- Members with higher support needs receive additional supervision
- No young person is left alone in unsafe areas (eg kitchen, outdoors)
Fire Safety
- Fire exits kept clear
- Staff trained in evacuation procedures
- Personal evacuation plans created for members who need assistance
- Fire drills carried out regularly
Supporting Members with Special Needs
We ensure:
- Clear communication (visual aids, simple instructions, calm tone)
- Sensory‑friendly spaces where possible
- Awareness of triggers, behaviours, and calming strategies
- Respect for mobility, medical, or communication needs
- Personal care is carried out safely and with dignity
First Aid & Medical Needs
- At least one trained first aider is present at every session
- Medication is stored securely and administered only by authorised staff
- Medical information for each member is kept up to date
- All accidents are recorded and parents/carers informed
Food Safety
- Hot food kept at 63°C or above
- Cold food kept at 8°C or below
- Allergies and dietary needs clearly recorded and followed
- Staff and volunteer awareness of safe food handling
Hygiene
- Handwashing encouraged before eating
- Safe disposal of waste
Activities & Equipment
- Equipment checked visually before use
- Activities adapted to suit individual abilities
- Hazardous materials (scissors, glue guns, kitchen tools) used under supervision
Accidents & Incidents
- All incidents recorded in the accident book
- Parents/carers informed promptly
- Serious incidents reported to the appropriate authorities if required
Trips
- Separate risk assessments completed
- Adequate staffing ratios
- Emergency contact details always carried on each vehicle
- Home contact has details of emergency contacts for all participants
- Transport arrangements checked for safety and accessibility
4. Emergency Procedures
In an emergency:
- Staff and volunteers remain calm
- Parents/carers/emergency contacts contacted as soon as appropriate
- Emergency services called when necessary