1. Purpose of the Policy

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AMBIT Youth is committed to safeguarding the health, safety, and wellbeing of all staff, volunteers, children, young people, and visitors involved in our work across the UK. We recognise our duty of care under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and related legislation to provide a safe and supportive environment across all programmes, activities, and spaces we operate within.

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This policy sets out our approach to health and safety management, clarifies responsibilities, and promotes a culture of shared accountability and safe practice. The policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as required to ensure ongoing compliance with UK legislation, public health guidance, and organisational best practice.

 

2. Responsibilities for Health and Safety

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Organisational Responsibilities

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AMBIT Youth is responsible for:

• Taking all reasonably practicable steps to protect the health, safety, and welfare of staff, volunteers, children, young people, families, and visitors

• Identifying, assessing, and managing health and safety risks

• Ensuring safe access to and exit from all premises and activity spaces, including clear emergency procedures

• Providing and maintaining safe premises, equipment, and systems of work

• Supplying appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) where required

• Ensuring the safe handling, storage, and transport of materials and equipment

• Providing relevant health and safety training, including wellbeing and mental health awareness

• Encouraging open communication and reporting of health and safety concerns

• Responding appropriately to public health risks, including epidemics or pandemics

• Regularly monitoring, reviewing, and improving health and safety practices

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The Service Delivery Manager holds overall responsibility for health and safety compliance across AMBIT Youth.  The Site Leader holds day-to-day responsibility for implementing this policy within their designated setting.

 

Staff and Volunteer Responsibilities

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All staff and volunteers are required to:

• Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others

• Follow all health and safety policies, procedures, and guidance

• Use equipment and facilities safely and as instructed

• Maintain a clean, orderly, and hazard-free working environment

• Promptly report hazards, incidents, near misses, or equipment faults to the Site Leader or Service Delivery Manager

• Cooperate fully with any investigations following incidents or concerns

 

3. Use of Equipment

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All staff and volunteers must:

• Use equipment only in accordance with training and manufacturer instructions

• Carry out basic safety checks where required

• Immediately report any damaged, faulty, or unsafe equipment to the Site Leader

• Not attempt repairs unless authorised and appropriately trained

• Ensure safety equipment is not removed, altered, or misused

 

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4. Risk Assessments and Manual Handling

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• Risk assessments will be carried out regularly by the Service Delivery Manager or a designated competent person

• Site-specific risk assessments will be overseen by the Site Leader

• Staff and volunteers will be informed of identified risks and control measures

• Particular attention will be given to manual handling tasks to prevent injury

• PPE will be provided where risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means

• Training will be provided where necessary to minimise the risk of physical strain or injury

 

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5. Infectious Diseases and Public Health

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In the event of an infectious disease or public health risk:

• AMBIT Youth will follow guidance issued by UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), NHS, and local authorities

• Operational procedures may be adapted to reduce risk

• Staff and volunteers may be required to use PPE where appropriate

• Good hygiene practices, including regular handwashing and respiratory etiquette, are expected at all times

• Individuals who are unwell may be asked to refrain from attending activities

 

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6. Mental Health and Wellbeing

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AMBIT Youth recognises that mental health is a vital component of overall wellbeing and workplace safety. We are committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and psychologically safe working environment.

 

Staff and volunteers are encouraged to:

• Maintain healthy communication and peer support

• Take regular breaks and manage workloads responsibly

• Prioritise rest, hydration, and physical activity

• Speak openly about stress, anxiety, or burnout

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Anyone experiencing mental health or wellbeing concerns is encouraged to speak with the Service Delivery Manager or a designated wellbeing lead.

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7. Accidents, Incidents, and First Aid

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All accidents, injuries, incidents, and near misses must be reported as soon as possible.

Staff and volunteers must:

• Report incidents immediately to the Site Leader

• Record incidents accurately in the Accident Book

• Complete an incident report form as required

• Be aware of the location of first aid kits

• Know who the designated first aiders are

• Cooperate with any follow-up investigations

The Service Delivery Manager is responsible for ensuring that accident and incident records are maintained and reported in line with the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013, where applicable.

 

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8. Emergency Procedures and Fire Safety

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All staff and volunteers are expected to:

• Familiarise themselves with emergency procedures, evacuation routes, and assembly points

• Follow instructions given by fire wardens or the Site Leader

• Participate in fire drills (conducted at least once every 12 months)

• Keep exits, corridors, and safety signage clear at all times

• Inform the Site Leader if they require a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP)

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In the Event of a Fire:

• Activate the nearest fire alarm and call 999 if it is safe to do so

• Evacuate immediately without collecting personal belongings or using lifts

• Assemble at the designated point and remain there until it is safe to re-enter

 

The Service Delivery Manager is responsible for ensuring fire risk assessments are carried out in accordance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The Site Leader is responsible for ensuring fire safety arrangements are followed on site.

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Food Handling and Hygiene Policy

 

AMBIT Youth Ltd is committed to ensuring that all food provided, prepared, or distributed as part of its programmes is handled safely, hygienically, and responsibly, in accordance with UK food safety legislation and best practice.

This applies to all activities where food is provided, including snacks, meals, food parcels, and Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) provision.

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1. Legal Framework

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Food handling will comply with:

• Food Safety Act 1990

• Food Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013

• Food Standards Agency guidance

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2. Food Safety Responsibilities

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The Service Delivery Manager holds overall responsibility for food safety arrangements. Site Leaders are responsible for ensuring safe food handling practices are followed at delivery locations.

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3. Safe Food Handling Practices

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AMBIT Youth Ltd will:

• Source food only from reputable and approved suppliers

• Ensure food is stored correctly, observing use-by dates and temperature requirements

• Prevent cross-contamination by separating raw and ready-to-eat foods

• Maintain clean, hygienic food preparation and serving areas

• Ensure appropriate cleaning of equipment and surfaces before and after use

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4. Staff and Volunteer Responsibilities

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Staff and volunteers involved in food handling must:

• Maintain high standards of personal hygiene, including regular handwashing

• Not handle food if unwell or displaying symptoms of illness

• Follow food hygiene guidance provided by the organisation

• Use protective equipment such as gloves where appropriate

• Follow allergen management procedures strictly

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5. Allergies and Dietary Requirements

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• Dietary needs, allergies, and medical information will be collected from parents/carers in advance

• Allergen information will be clearly communicated to staff

• Reasonable adjustments will be made to accommodate dietary requirements

• Emergency procedures will be followed in the event of an allergic reaction

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6. Monitoring and Review

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Food handling practices will be reviewed regularly and as part of programme risk assessments. Any incidents or concerns will be recorded and acted upon immediately.

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Non-Compliance

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Failure to comply with this Health and Safety Policy or related procedures will be taken seriously and may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal, in line with AMBIT Youth’s disciplinary procedures.

 

Last Review Date: September 2025