Volunteer Health and Safety Procedure
Reach, Department of Student Services, London Metropolitan University
NB This procedure refers to individuals participating in volunteering activity on behalf of Reach. It does not replace but is complimentary to the existing
Student Services’ Health and Safety Statement
and other University Health and Safety Policies and Procedures, which must also me adhered to at all times. All volunteers will receive a copy of the University’s H&S guide, on request.
Before joining Reach, all external placement organisations must register on Reach online and provide evidence that appropriate health and safety (H&S) procedures are in place and that volunteers will be covered under their insurance policies. The placement organisation will be asked to sign a volunteer agreement, which includes a declaration of acceptance of its duty of care towards volunteers whilst on its premises.
The Reach team will make sure that a risk assessment of the volunteering activity/project has been carried out if deemed necessary. Any identified actions from the risk assessment will be implemented before volunteering activity is allowed to take place.
NB - if a volunteer has initiated the project, it is his/her responsibility to conduct the risk assessment (with support from the Reach team if required).
New volunteers will be required to register their details on Reach online, including details of any medical conditions they may have. The Reach team will ensure that these conditions are taken into account when placing volunteers on projects.
The volunteer will be made aware of and asked to read Reach’s Duty of Care Policy Statement, the Student Services’ and University’s Health & Safety policy and, if appropriate, the placement organisation’s policies.
The Volunteer will be expected to:
- Take reasonable care for their own H&S, and that of others who may be affected by what they do, or fail to do
- Cooperate with the organisation’s policies with regard to H&S requirements
- Not interfere with or misuse H&S equipment
- Report any faults or failings in H&S equipment or procedures
- Immediately inform Reach staff of any incidents
If applicable, the volunteer will be given specific Health & Safety training before participating in the project/activity.
Should an individual be involved in an accident/incident while participating in volunteering activity on behalf of Reach, Reach will complete an Accident/Incident Report Form and pass this to the appropriate person. If applicable, an insurance claim will be made on behalf of the volunteer.
If a group of individuals is engaged in a volunteering activity/project on behalf of Reach, a first aid kit will be supplied for these activities/projects, if deemed necessary.
In summary: Reach will do everything that is ‘reasonably practicable’ to ensure the health & safety of individuals while participating in volunteering activities/projects on behalf of Reach.