Buddies Clubs & Services

Policy on Risk Assessment
An assessment should be carried out:
a)  Of risks to children/young people/adult, staff and others affected by Buddies Clubs activities
b)  As part of all activity planning where outcomes are doubtful or where
Concerns are raised
c)  If a dangerous event happens

Risk assessment should be carried out by staff member who is completing assessment form. Discussion with senior management or Board members may also be required.
Assessment should identify measures to minimise risks. When these are agreed they should be conveyed to all staff (and children/young people/adult where appropriate) and a record kept.  When an assessment ceases to be valid or circumstances change significantly, the assessment must be reviewed.

Child/young person/adult-based assessment is done as part of all activity planning where:
a)  Outcomes are doubtful
b)  Concerns have been raised (i.e. behavior)
c)  A new activity is planned

Environment-based assessment is done where:
a)  Potentially dangerous equipment or substances are used
b)  Concerns have been raised
c)  New equipment or locations are used, e.g. play equipment, outings to zoos etc.; chances for children/young people/adult to wander; staffing ratios needed etc.

Staff-based assessment is done where:
a)  Staff member’s ability to work may be affected by physical or mental state
(e.g. pregnancy, bereavement)
	
Dangerous occurrence:  after such an event an assessment has to be done to show the causes and what steps can be taken to avoid repetition

All Buddies Clubs staff should expect to be involved in identifying risk and the measures needed to minimise them.  They should also know what risks have been assessed and the steps already taken.