Health & Safety Policy

Edu Give CIC

1. Policy Statement

Edu Give CIC is committed to ensuring, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare of all employees, volunteers, learners, visitors, and members of the public affected by our activities.

We recognise our duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and associated UK regulations. We will take all reasonable steps to prevent accidents, injuries, and risks to health by maintaining safe premises, systems of work, and equipment.

The overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the Board of Directors, with day-to-day management delegated to the Health & Safety Officer.

2. Objectives

Edu Give CIC will:

• Provide and maintain safe equipment, working practices, and facilities.

• Identify and assess health & safety risks and implement effective control measures.

• Ensure staff, volunteers, and learners are trained and competent in health & safety matters.

• Promote a positive culture of responsibility, reporting, and continuous improvement.

• Ensure emergency procedures, including fire safety and first aid, are in place and regularly reviewed.

3. Legal Framework

This policy is guided by the following UK legislation:

• Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

• Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992

• Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998

• Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013

• Fire Safety Order 2005

4. Responsibilities

Board of Directors

• Ensure overall compliance with health & safety legislation.

• Review the policy annually and allocate adequate resources.

Health & Safety Officer (designated manager/staff)

• Implement this policy and act as the first point of contact.

• Carry out risk assessments and maintain health & safety records.

• Report accidents under RIDDOR when required.

• Ensure fire drills, equipment checks, and first aid provisions are in place.

Staff & Volunteers

• Take reasonable care of their own health & safety and that of others.

• Use equipment correctly and report hazards immediately.

• Cooperate with health & safety procedures and attend training.

Learners & Visitors

• Follow safety instructions provided.

• Report hazards or incidents to staff.

5. Arrangements

a. Risk Assessments

• Conducted regularly for all premises, activities, events, and equipment.

• Control measures implemented and reviewed.

b. Training

• Induction training includes fire safety, first aid awareness, safeguarding, and emergency procedures.

• Specialist training provided where necessary (e.g., manual handling, lone working, IT equipment safety).

c. Accident & Incident Reporting

• All accidents, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be recorded in the Accident Book.

• Serious incidents will be reported to the HSE under RIDDOR.

d. Fire Safety

• Fire risk assessments carried out annually.

• Fire exits clearly marked and kept unobstructed.

• Fire drills held at least twice yearly.

• Extinguishers inspected and serviced annually.

e. First Aid

• Trained First Aiders appointed.

• First Aid kits maintained at all premises and during off-site activities.

• Emergency contact details available on site.

f. Equipment & Premises

• All equipment inspected and maintained regularly.

• Electrical equipment PAT tested.

• Safe use of IT and digital equipment promoted (ergonomics, breaks, etc.).

g. Lone Working

• Staff and volunteers working alone must follow safe working procedures.

• Contact protocols in place for out-of-hours activities.

h. Events & Community Activities

• Event-specific risk assessments carried out.

• Safeguarding considerations included where children/vulnerable adults are present.

• Adequate supervision, signage, and emergency plans in place.

6. Monitoring & Review

• Health & safety performance monitored regularly.

• Policy reviewed annually or after significant incidents/changes in legislation.

• Staff and volunteer feedback considered in updates.

7. Communication

This policy will be:

• Shared with all staff and volunteers at induction.

• Displayed at all Edu Give CIC premises.

• Available on request to learners, visitors, and partners.

8. Approval

Approved by: Board of Directors, Edu Give CIC
Date: 12/12/2024
Review Due: 12/12/2025

Name: Mohena Chowdhury
Title: HR / Community Outreach