Health & safety

All organisations have a responsibility to look after the health and safety of their staff, volunteers and people accessing their services. Ultimately, this responsibility sits with the management board of a voluntary organisation, but it can be delegated to a member of staff or a volunteer.

Health and safety means planning to prevent any risk, and responding if something does go wrong. The kinds of things you might need to consider include:

• Making sure premises and physical spaces are safe
• Making sure equipment is in good working order
• Having a risk assessment process
• Making sure staff and volunteers are trained and aware of their responsibilities
• Having the right facilities in place, like access to sinks and toilets
• Looking after people's mental health and wellbeing.

More information

For more information and support see the Health and Safety Executive website. They provide a wide range of information on what health and safety is and what you need to do. They also have example risk assessments, policies and information.

Other sources of support

Healthy Working Lives provides free health and safety advice for organisations in Scotland, including free workplace visits and a free helpline 0800 019 2211.

Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector (GCVS) provide a subscription-based Health and Safety Service for third sector organisations across Scotland.

SCVO's HR & employment support service provides support to people managing organisations, including information on regulations, working with staff representatives and health and wellbeing.

SCVO's templates