Southwell House Youth Project
Summary Risk Assessment and Management information for groups of young people attending Southwell House Youth Project, revised October 2006
The purpose of this information sheet is to provide for the leaders of groups attending the centre information needed to satisfy them of the safety of young people committed to our care, or using our premises. Much more detailed information is available in our health and safety policy.
Frequency of Risk Assessment
Risk assessments are revised when ‘you suspect that your assessment is no longer valid, or there has been a significant change’. As well as reviewing risks consequent upon any change in our ways of working, we review the whole of our risk assessment each year. These revisions include a review of fire risks and of substances hazardous to health.
Responsibilities of adults accompanying groups coming to Southwell House.
Adults accompanying groups to Southwell House remain in charge of them. This should be kept in mind when calculating the number of accompanying adults, their gender, their age and experience, and their code of practice relating to such matters as adult leaders leaving the premises, consuming alcohol, etc. Accompanying adults are reminded that some Southwell House policies specified on the booking form apply to them: including policies on consumption of alcohol, child protection matters, etc. In particular, accompanying adults retain responsibility for their young people during the night.
During the time young people are working with Southwell House staff our staff accept responsibility for their welfare, their supervision, and for all matters relating to competent supervision. Accompanying adults must make sure that our staff are informed of any matters relating to the group or any individuals which our staff would need to know to care for the young people properly and safely.
Note that on some programmes supervising staff are not required to come with the young people. In such cases they are welcome to visit at any time. When the programme is over, we will assume that the travel arrangements that applied when the school or other staff sent the young people will be satisfactory when we return the young people.
In special circumstances we may agree to escort groups of young people to or from a programme.
General level of risk
None of the activities normally run within Southwell House programmes pose any notable level of risk. There have been no major accidents, and records of minor injuries and past experience do not suggest that there are any notable hazards for people staying or working here. The same applies to programmes run by our staff off-site, though in such a situation we cannot be responsible for hazards associated with working in premises we are not familiar with or responsible for.
Where occasional specially designed activities seem likely to involve greater risks, these are assessed, and appropriate provision made for controlling the risk, dealing with foreseeable accidents, or modifying the activity, before it is carried out. So there are separate policies covering groups of young people travelling outside our premises, and for overseas travel.
Insurance
Southwell house carries all the normal insurance policies, including public liability insurance.
Medical treatment
Most programme team staff are first aid qualified, and this is regularly renewed. There is a hospital close by.
Some specific risks and action taken to reduce the risk.
| Potential risk or concern | Current action or policy |
| House security | House entrances giving on to the street are kept locked at all times (though exit is always possible). Access is controlled by staff, though leaders of groups can have a front door key. Doors to the garden may be open during the day, but all parts of the house are visited each night by a member of staff to ensure that all outside doors are locked shut. Everyone in Southwell House signs in and out, and numbers are checked at meal times. |
| General hazards in the house | A careful health and safety policy is in force, and is known to all staff. Continuing care is exercised to ensure that hazards are dealt with if they arise. |
| Fire safety. | The centre has a regularly tested fire alarm system. Fire extinguishers are refilled as soon as they are used, and are inspected every year. Every visitor to Southwell House is briefed on fire drills, fire exits, and the procedures for signing in and out. Exits are clearly marked and illuminated. Staff are carefully trained in fire drill procedures. |
| Hazardous substances | We believe that hazardous substances are not accessible to visitors to the centre. Any in use by staff are properly controlled and are not accessible to young people or visitors. The use of alcohol and drugs is not permitted to young people. Smoking is restricted to two areas, expect when young people are present, when it is banned entirely. |
| Poisonous fumes. | Boilers and all gas appliances are tested annually, and any required repairs carried out. |
| Food and meal times | Kitchen staff are trained in food handling and hygiene. Pest control and environmental health officers visit regularly. Non-kitchen staff who help with the serving of meals are required to wash their hands and wear suitable aprons. Great care is taken in the control of ingredients likely to provoke allergic reactions. Specified diets are carefully adhered to. |
| Machinery and electrical appliances. | Young people do not have any access to any hazardous machinery. Electrical appliances are regularly inspected and tested. |
| Sleeping accommodation | Males and females under eighteen years of age sleep on separate floors. Staff do not share rooms with young people. Reference should be made to the project’s child protection policy, which also gives policies relating to adults permitted to sleep in the same wing as young people. |
| Repair work and maintenance | Contractors and our own staff are required to take care that visitors are not put at risk by their work, and to take all necessary safety precautions for themselves. |
| Vehicles | Are only permitted in the car park. Deliveries are to a side door, and large vehicles do not use the front car park. |
| Toilets and showers | These are kept clean and well maintained. There are plenty of toilets and showers for the number of young people we take. There is one toilet for every three resident people, and one shower per six. Male/female toilets and showers are reallocated to cater for single sex groups. |
| First aid | There are a number of first aid kits on the premises, and there is a kit in the car, and a portable one for trips out. Most programme team workers are qualified first aiders, and are regularly re-trained. |
| Staff working with children | Care is taken to ensure that all Southwell House Staff and any working with us as volunteers, or on work experience, are safe. Our child protection policies follow those laid down by the Catholic Office for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults. Our child protection policy indicates which adults are permitted to sleep in the residential wing when young people are present. |
There are a number of other policies relating to aspects of health and safety. Please ask for copies if you need them, or download them from this website. See the index page on the main website for such policies which are listed under Risk Management Policies.
Southwell House Youth Project
39 Fitzjohn Avenue
LONDON
NW3 5JT
020 7435 8534
admin@southwellhouse.com
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