Our Policies

Wandering Emotions CIC Health and Safety policy

1. Statement of intent

Wandering Emotions CIC, (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Company’) is committed to creating and sustaining a safe and healthy environment for all our volunteers and users, as well as for individuals who may be directly impacted by our activities, including the public at our events.

2. Responsibility

a. The board of directors holds ultimate accountability for safety at all the Company events.

b. A designated volunteer will oversee safety for each specific event or activity.

c. Appointed safety leads are documented on relevant risk assessments.

d. All volunteers are informed of the appointed safety person for each event.

e. All volunteers will receive up-to-date safeguarding training.

Volunteers are expected to:

a. Collaborate on safety initiatives: Share observations and suggestions to improve safety practices at all the Company activities.

b. Preserve safety measures

c. Exercise caution for personal and others’ wellbeing: Take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. This includes both physical safety (e.g. safe lifting, fire safety) and emotional wellbeing (e.g., maintaining respectful communication, being mindful of signs of distress in themselves or others). Volunteers should be aware of their own emotional state and that of others, and seek support or alert a supervisor if they or someone else appears overwhelmed, stressed, or at risk of harm.

d. Promptly report safety issues to appropriate personnel: Immediately report any hazards, accidents, near misses, or concerns—whether physical or emotional—to the designated Health and Safety Officer or Volunteer Lead. All incidents should be recorded in the Accident Report Book or Incident Log. Volunteers should also report if they notice a colleague or participant experiencing emotional distress, so that appropriate support can be provided.

Additional Wellbeing Responsibilities:

• Attend regular check-ins with directors to discuss any concerns about workload, stress, or emotional wellbeing.
• Engage in open communication and support a culture where everyone feels comfortable raising safety or wellbeing concerns without fear of reprisal.

Safeguarding

The Company is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all individuals who engage with our services. As part of this commitment, all volunteers are required to complete up-to-date safeguarding training appropriate to their role. This training will cover how to recognise, respond to, and report safeguarding concerns involving children, young people, or adults at risk.

• Safeguarding training will be provided to all volunteers during their induction and updated regularly to reflect changes in legislation, best practice, and organisational procedures.
• Volunteers must complete refresher training at intervals determined by the organisation or when their roles or safeguarding risks change.
• The Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for ensuring all volunteers access and complete the required safeguarding training and for maintaining training records.
• Volunteers are expected to apply their safeguarding knowledge in practice and report any concerns promptly in line with organisational procedures.

This policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure safeguarding training remains effective, relevant, and in line with current standards.

3. General arrangements

a. Certified first aid personnel will attend each walk.

b. Volunteer participation requires prior completion of any necessary background screening. Volunteer competency to provide wellbeing activities is verified, with appropriate training offered as needed.

c. Our organisation maintains comprehensive public liability coverage.

d. Necessary information, guidance, and oversight are provided to support safe operations.

e. Youth and family wellbeing are at the core of our organisational mission.

f. Detailed child protection measures are outlined in our dedicated safeguarding policy.

g. As walks take place in local parks, public toilets and water facilities can be accessed during each event.

4. Risk assessment

a. Activity planners conduct thorough safety evaluations for each event.

b. Event organisers coordinate with lead personnel to address identified risks.

c. Fire safety protocols are communicated to all event staff and volunteers.

d. Safety briefings cover specific precautions outlined in event risk assessments.

e. Volunteers receive tailored safety information relevant to their roles.

f. Ongoing communication ensures all team members are aware of potential hazards.

g. Regular updates to safety procedures based on activity-specific assessments.

h. There will be a clear chain of responsibility established for implementing safety measures.

5. First aid and accidents

a. The First Aid Kit for Wandering Emotions walks will be brought to the session by the Lead Volunteer. Contents of the First Aid Kit will be checked prior to each walk by the Lead Volunteer.

b. Every Lead Volunteer will have up to date first aid training.

c. All accidents are to be recorded in the Accident Book.

6. Reviewing Policy

This policy and procedures are reviewed every two years, or sooner if guidance or circumstances change.

Approved by the Board of Directors:

Abbie Chay Date: 22/10/2024
Madison Renwick Date: 22/10/2024
Joan Crowley Date: 22/10/2024

Reviewed: 12 February, 2026.

Next Review: 12 February 2028.