Health and Safety Policy for Volunteering

Statement of Policy

Provide, the student volunteering scheme at Queen Mary Students’ Union, considers that the health and safety of its volunteers, for whom it arranges opportunities, is of prime importance.

The Volunteer Coordinator will take Provide’s Health and Safety Measures, which comply with legislation, to all locations where volunteering takes place.

Implementation of Health and Safety Policy

Provide will:

• Ensure that Queen Mary Students’ Union, University of London, maintains insurance policies to cover its public liability and volunteers in all work locations.
• Remain informed about changes to health and safety legislation.
• Give a positive lead in promoting healthy and safe working environments and practices.
• Follow Approved Codes of Practice in meeting Health and Safety legislation.
• Consult the Queen Mary, University of London, Health and Safety department where appropriate, and when undertaking any projects on College grounds.
• Review this policy annually, or more frequently if there are concerns about its effectiveness.

Health and Safety Induction for Volunteers

Community Action Days and Volunteering Activity organised by Provide

Each volunteer will be given information about Health and Safety and the necessary information and instruction to ensure the safe performance of volunteering activities.

This information will give clear guidance about what volunteers must do to meet their responsibilities for their own health and safety, and those of others.

Placement Volunteering organised by local charities and organisations

The organisation/charity will undertake the role of Health and Safety inductions for Queen Mary students volunteering on their premises. A copy of the organisations Health and Safety policy is requested on registering with Provide.

Risk Assessment

Risk assessments will be carried out in all locations before volunteers commence their activities. This will be carried out by the Volunteer Coordinator or by Project Coordinators.

Project Coordinators or the Volunteer Coordinator will check that recommended actions to remove or minimise the recognised risks are implemented before the volunteering takes place.

Incident and Accident Report Forms

Incident and Accident Report Forms will be issued and completed when necessary. Volunteers will be encouraged to report any accidents and concerns about activities undertaken.

First Aid

First Aid facilities will be available at all volunteering locations.

Training will be given where it is necessary. Volunteers will be issued with details of their nearest First Aiders.