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Health & Safety Policy

General Policy Statement:

 

NOVA is fully committed to safeguarding the health, safety, and wellbeing of all children, staff, visitors, and contractors participating in our activities. We strictly adhere to the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. Our approach balances effective risk management, ensuring safety while enabling engaging and enriching activities.

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1. Roles and Responsibilities:

  • QHSE Representative (Dan Allen, NEBOSH & IOSH Qualified): Responsible for advising on health and safety matters, conducting risk assessments, ensuring compliance with legislation, and liaising with external health and safety advisers as required.
     

  • Directors (Ben Silver and Dan Allen): Responsible for implementing the health and safety policy, ensuring regular risk assessments, and maintaining compliance with current legislation.
     

  • Staff & Representatives: Must adhere to NOVA’s health and safety procedures, take reasonable care of themselves and participants, cooperate fully with management, and promptly report any hazards or concerns.
     

2. Risk Management:

Risk assessments will be carried out regularly and documented clearly. Appropriate control measures proportionate to identified risks will be implemented and reviewed regularly, especially following any changes or incidents. Participants will be provided opportunities to safely engage in activities, workshops, and external trips.

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3. Health and Safety Arrangements:

  • Infection Control Measures: Procedures aligned with UK Health Security Agency guidelines.
     

  • Site Inspections: Regular documented inspections conducted by the leadership team.
     

  • Training: Staff will receive regular training in risk assessment, first aid, emergency response, and safeguarding procedures.
     

  • Accident Reporting: Clear systems for recording and reporting accidents and incidents in compliance with RIDDOR (2013).
     

  • Educational and Activity Visits: All visits and external activities planned and managed according to best practice guidelines provided by CLEAPSS and the Outdoor Education Advisers’ Panel.
     

  • Emergency Procedures: Clearly detailed and regularly reviewed procedures covering fire, severe weather, public health incidents, criminal threats, and other emergencies.
     

  • First Aid and Occupational Health: Appropriately trained first aid staff and accessible first aid procedures clearly communicated to all staff.
     

4. COVID-19 and Public Health:

COVID-19 risks are managed proportionately alongside other health risks, with control measures regularly updated according to current public health advice. Risk assessments are treated as dynamic documents.

 
5. Leadership Commitment:

Health and safety are integral to NOVA’s values, actively promoted by leadership. Leaders are trained to uphold safety standards consistently throughout all activities.

 
6. Communication and Reporting:

Regular staff briefings, consultation with staff, transparent reporting of safety performance, and provision for employees to raise concerns directly to leadership.

 

7. Training and Competency:

All staff will receive relevant training aligned with their roles, including specialist training for higher-risk activities.

 

8. Monitoring and Review:

The effectiveness of this policy and associated procedures will be monitored continuously and reviewed annually, or sooner following significant changes or incidents.

 

9. Legal Compliance:

NOVA will remain informed of all legal obligations related to health and safety, ensuring comprehensive compliance.

This policy demonstrates our commitment to creating a safe environment where sensible and proportionate risk management enables children to thrive and develop important life skills.

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