Safety

Link to Student Safety Page

Duty of Care

The law in the UK and similarly in other countries requires every person to act reasonably in respect of their actions or inactions. If you cause harm or damage of some sort to someone else and the legal system finds you be fully or even partly to blame, that individual may take action in the courts to recover some kind of compensation.

It is important for you and other committee members to understand the role that you play in providing opportunities for others and the responsibility that goes with that role.

The section below on safety identifies a number of simple things that you can do to act "reasonably"

The Students Union provides a number of resources and professional advise to help you ensure that what you do creates a safe and enjoyable environment in which to play and participate.

Trip Lists

The Union has a policy which requires all student activities operating off site informs the Student's Union of their trip details. Approval for off site travel is required and can be sought from a number of people (see transport)

The trip lists should be handed in to the University Security prior to departure and should contain details of participants, destination, time of departure and expected return to the University. If possible the trip list should also give contact details of the organisers.

Remember, you club/society should only be providing opportunities for current members who have paid their joining fee.

If your trip or activity does not comply with these guidelines, you should contact the Student Activity and Safety Adviser.

Download Trip List Form

Risk Assessments

All Clubs and societies are now required to complete a Risk assessment for their respective activity. Risk assessments are ongoing and should identify some of the hazards/risks or dangers assocaited with your different activitities and how your society intends to reduce those risks. It is an opportuntityfor you and your committee to raise awareness of the danger and risks of your activities to everyone involved, includingthe Students' Union you support your socitiety.

The risk assessment is the responsibility of the whole committee and should be completed each year. The Students' Union will provide training to assist in the responsibility and pro formas are available on request from the Student Union.

Failure to complete this requirement could result in the imposition of a fine or the suspension of all activities.

For further advice contact the Student Activities Co-Ordinator

Link to Student Safety Page

Download Blank Risk Assessment Form

Download Risk Assessment Hazard Checklist Form

Accident Reporting

In the event of an accident, as elected officers of the club or society you are required to inform the Union of any event. This can be done in the first instance by e-mail and if necessary you may be required to complete a formal accident report form.

Accident reports are required by law and can mean the difference between you going to prison (in the worst case scenario), being sued in the civil courts or being considered to have acted reasonably as required by your Duty of Care (See Above)

Insurance

The Union currently insures its members and their respective activities through Endsleigh Insurance Services. This Insurance covers any activity that has been approved or is considered to be a normal activity carried out by the membership of the Student's Union

It does however not automatically cover everything that you do and you are advised to seek advice if you intend to do something unusual or different to you everyday activities.

Insurance with regards to travelling and transport is dealt with in the Transport Section

For further information contact your relevant administrators, who will advise accordingly.

Duty of Care Statement