Health & Safety Policy

Policy Statement

Our Special Angels SEND CIC is committed to providing a safe, healthy and secure environment for all children, young people, vulnerable adults, families, volunteers, staff, trustees and visitors who participate in our activities, events and community projects.

We recognise our responsibility to take reasonable steps to protect the health, safety and welfare of everyone involved in our work and are committed to promoting a positive culture of safety across all areas of the organisation.

Health and safety is everyone's responsibility.

Purpose

This policy aims to:

• Protect the health, safety and welfare of all participants.

• Prevent accidents, injuries and ill health.

• Ensure risks are identified and managed appropriately.

• Promote safe working practices.

• Comply with relevant health and safety legislation.

• Support a safe and inclusive environment for all.

Scope

This policy applies to:

• Directors and Trustees

• Employees

• Volunteers

• Contractors

• Beneficiaries

• Parents and Carers

• Visitors

The policy applies to all activities undertaken by Our Special Angels SEND CIC including:

• Community projects

• Parent support groups

• Coffee mornings

• Family activities

• Training sessions

• Workshops

• Volunteer programmes

• Community events

• Outreach activities

• Online activities where applicable

Responsibilities

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is responsible for:

• Ensuring appropriate health and safety arrangements are in place.

• Monitoring compliance with this policy.

• Reviewing health and safety matters regularly.

• Supporting a culture of safety throughout the organisation.

Staff and Volunteers

Staff and volunteers are responsible for:

• Taking reasonable care of themselves and others.

• Following health and safety procedures.

• Reporting hazards, accidents and concerns.

• Cooperating with measures put in place to maintain safety.

• Using equipment safely and appropriately.

Safe Venues

Before activities take place, reasonable checks will be made to ensure venues are suitable and safe.

Consideration will be given to:

• Accessibility

• Emergency exits

• Fire safety arrangements

• Toilet facilities

• Lighting and ventilation

• General condition of the premises

Risk Assessments

Risk assessments will be completed where appropriate before activities, events or projects take place.

Risk assessments will identify:

• Potential hazards

• Individuals who may be affected

• Existing control measures

• Additional actions required

Further guidance is contained within the CIC Risk Assessment Policy and Procedure.

Fire Safety

Where activities are delivered in person:

• Emergency exits will be identified.

• Participants will be informed of evacuation arrangements where appropriate.

• Fire hazards will be reported immediately.

• Emergency services will be contacted where necessary.

First Aid

The CIC will ensure appropriate first aid arrangements are in place for activities where required.

This may include:

• Access to a first aid kit.

• Access to a trained first aider where appropriate.

• Emergency contact details.

• Contacting emergency services when required.

Accidents and Incidents

All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported promptly.

Records will include:

• Date and time.

• Details of the incident.

• Individuals involved.

• Action taken.

• Any follow-up required.

Records will be stored securely in accordance with the Data Protection and GDPR Policy.

Safeguarding

Health and safety arrangements work alongside the Safeguarding Policy.

Any concerns relating to abuse, neglect, exploitation, harm or welfare must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Lone Working

Where staff or volunteers work alone, reasonable steps will be taken to reduce risk.

This may include:

• Maintaining regular communication.

• Sharing location details where appropriate.

• Avoiding unnecessary risks.

• Following lone working guidance.

Manual Handling

Staff and volunteers should avoid lifting or moving heavy objects unless trained and authorised to do so.

Assistance should be sought where required.

Online Activities

Where activities take place online, reasonable steps will be taken to:

• Protect personal information.

• Maintain appropriate behaviour.

• Promote safeguarding.

• Ensure secure use of digital platforms.

Reporting Hazards

All staff and volunteers must report:

• Unsafe conditions.

• Damaged equipment.

• Potential hazards.

• Health and safety concerns.

Appropriate action will be taken to address issues promptly.

Monitoring and Review

The Board of Directors will review this policy annually and following any significant incident or change in legislation.

Approved By: Board of Directors

Date: 29/05/2026