Health and Safety Policy

Walsall Community Active Projects CIC

Company number 17051741

Health and Safety Policy

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1. Statement of Intent

Walsall Community Active Projects CIC is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for everyone involved in our activities, including staff, volunteers, participants, visitors and members of the public. We will do everything reasonably practicable to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property.

This policy applies to all our sites, sessions and activities, including sports, alternative education, mentoring, mental health support, youth club sessions and community events across Walsall and the wider West Midlands.

2. Legal Framework

We comply with all relevant health and safety legislation, including:

• The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
• The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
• The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR)
• The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH)
• The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
• The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
• The First Aid at Work Regulations 1981

3. Responsibilities

Board of Directors

• Provide strategic oversight of health and safety
• Ensure adequate resources are made available
• Review this policy annually

Founder and Senior Staff

• Implement this policy day to day
• Ensure risk assessments are completed and reviewed
• Provide health and safety information, training and supervision
• Investigate accidents and near-misses

All Staff and Volunteers

• Take reasonable care of their own health and safety, and that of others affected by their work
• Follow safe working procedures and use any equipment provided correctly
• Report hazards, accidents, near-misses and concerns without delay
• Attend health and safety training as required

Participants and Visitors

• Follow reasonable instructions given by staff and volunteers
• Respect site rules and signage
• Report any hazards or incidents to staff

4. Risk Assessment

We carry out written risk assessments for all activities, sites and equipment we use. Risk assessments will:

• Identify hazards and who may be harmed
• Evaluate the level of risk and existing controls
• Set out additional controls needed
• Be reviewed at least annually, or sooner if circumstances change

Specific risk assessments are required for sports and physical activity sessions, off-site trips, lone working, and any session involving young people at risk of harm. Detailed procedures are set out in our Risk Assessment Policy.

5. Accident and Incident Reporting

All accidents, injuries and near-misses must be recorded in our accident book on the day they occur. Records will include:

• Date, time and location
• Name and contact details of the injured person
• Description of what happened
• First aid or treatment given
• Name of the person reporting and any witnesses

Serious injuries, dangerous occurrences and certain work-related illnesses will be reported to the Health and Safety Executive under RIDDOR within the required timescales.

6. First Aid

We will ensure that:

• A trained first aider is present at every session
• A suitable, well-stocked first aid kit is available at every site and on off-site trips
• First aid arrangements are included in every risk assessment
• Participants with known medical conditions are identified through enrolment and consent forms
• Emergency contact details are held for every participant and easily accessible to lead staff

7. Fire Safety

At each site we use, we will:

• Confirm the location of fire exits, alarm points and assembly areas before sessions begin
• Ensure staff and volunteers know the fire evacuation procedure
• Brief participants on emergency arrangements at the start of activities where appropriate
• Carry out a fire risk assessment for any premises we manage ourselves
• Cooperate fully with the fire safety arrangements of any partner premises we use

8. Premises and Equipment

Before using any venue, we will:

• Visit the site and complete a venue risk assessment
• Confirm public liability insurance arrangements with the venue holder
• Check that the venue is suitable for the intended activity and number of participants

All equipment used in sessions will be inspected before use and stored safely. Faulty equipment will be removed from use immediately and either repaired or replaced.

9. Off-Site Activities and Trips

All trips and off-site activities require:

• A written risk assessment specific to the trip
• Parental consent for participants under 18 and adults who require support
• Appropriate ratios of staff to participants
• A nominated trip leader
• Emergency contact arrangements and an emergency plan

10. Sport and Physical Activity

Given the importance of sport and physical activity in our work, we will:

• Use coaches with appropriate qualifications and current safeguarding and first aid training
• Follow national governing body guidance for each sport offered
• Carry out warm-ups and cool-downs appropriate to the group
• Provide drinking water and breaks during sessions
• Have a clear concussion and head injury procedure for contact sports

11. Mental Health and Wellbeing of Staff

We recognise that staff and volunteer wellbeing is part of health and safety. We will:

• Provide regular supervision and debriefing, particularly after difficult sessions
• Promote a supportive working culture
• Signpost staff to confidential support where needed
• Take all reports of work-related stress, bullying or harassment seriously

12. Training

Health and safety training is included in induction for all new staff and volunteers. Refresher training will be provided as needed, and specialist training (such as first aid, fire warden and manual handling) will be provided for those whose roles require it.

13. Insurance

We hold appropriate insurance for our activities, including public liability, employers' liability and any specific cover required by partner organisations or funders. Insurance documents are available on request.

14. Monitoring and Review

We monitor health and safety through:

• Regular checks of premises and equipment
• Review of accident and incident records
• Annual review of risk assessments
• Annual review of this policy

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Policy Review

This policy was adopted on 14 February 2026 and will be reviewed annually, with the next scheduled review in February 2027. It will also be reviewed earlier if there are significant changes in legislation, guidance, or our activities.

All staff, volunteers and trustees will be made aware of any updates and asked to confirm they have read and understood the revised version.

Signed on behalf of the Board