Health & Safety Policy
Version: 3.0
Effective Date: 18 February 2026
Next Review Date: February 2027
Document Owner: CEO
Approved By: Board of Directors
Review Frequency: Annually
1. Policy Statement
SVH Inc. CIC is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all directors, staff, volunteers, contractors, participants, clients and members of the public who engage with our activities.
We recognise our responsibility to take reasonable steps to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of those involved in our services, events, workshops, training sessions and community activities.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all activities organised, delivered or managed by SVH Inc. CIC, including in-person events, online activities, community projects, workshops, training sessions and partnership activities.
3. Our Commitment
SVH Inc. CIC will:
-
Comply with relevant health and safety legislation and good practice.
-
Identify and manage risks associated with our activities.
-
Undertake risk assessments where appropriate.
-
Provide suitable information and guidance to those participating in our activities.
-
Work with venues, contractors, suppliers and delivery partners to promote safe environments.
-
Review incidents and take action to reduce future risks.
-
Promote a culture where health and safety is everyone’s responsibility.
-
Maintain appropriate insurance cover for our activities.
4. Responsibilities
SVH Inc. CIC is responsible for:
-
Considering health and safety when planning activities and events.
-
Implementing reasonable measures to reduce identified risks.
-
Recording and reviewing incidents involving staff, volunteers, participants and members of the public where appropriate.
-
Taking appropriate action where hazards or concerns are identified.
All individuals participating in SVH Inc. CIC activities are expected to:
-
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others.
-
Follow instructions, guidance and venue rules.
-
Use equipment and facilities responsibly.
-
Report hazards, accidents, incidents or concerns promptly.
-
Behave responsibly and respectfully.
5. Accidents, Incidents and Emergencies
Any accident, injury, illness, near miss or health and safety concern occurring during an SVH Inc. CIC activity should be reported to the event lead or CEO as soon as possible.
Where appropriate, incidents will be recorded, reviewed and investigated to help improve future safety arrangements.
Where appropriate, first aid arrangements will be considered as part of event and activity planning.
In the event of a serious incident, injury, medical emergency or immediate danger, emergency services should be contacted immediately by calling 999.
6. Risk Assessments
SVH Inc. CIC will undertake risk assessments where appropriate for events, workshops, training sessions and community activities to identify hazards and implement suitable control measures.
Particular consideration will be given to:
-
Venue safety
-
Accessibility requirements
-
Weather conditions
-
Food safety, food hygiene and allergies
-
Manual handling activities
-
Equipment use
-
Electrical equipment safety, including ensuring that equipment owned or supplied by SVH Inc. CIC is safe to use and that external contractors, venues and suppliers are responsible for the safety and maintenance of their own equipment
-
Public spaces and outdoor environments
-
Slips, trips and falls
-
Fire safety and emergency procedures
Participants are responsible for informing organisers of any known medical conditions, allergies, accessibility requirements or other circumstances that may affect their participation.
Dietary Requirements and Allergies
SVH Inc. CIC will seek to identify and consider relevant dietary requirements, allergies and accessibility needs where food or refreshments are provided as part of an event or activity.
Participants are responsible for informing organisers of any dietary requirements, allergies, medical conditions or accessibility needs that may affect their participation.
While reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate requirements, SVH Inc. CIC cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment.
First Aid
Where appropriate, suitable first aid arrangements and access to a stocked first aid kit will be available at SVH Inc. CIC events and activities. The level of provision will be proportionate to the nature, size and risks associated with the activity.
7. Review
The CEO and Board of Directors are responsible for monitoring the implementation of this policy.
This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if required by changes in legislation, organisational activities or best practice guidance.
