Volunteering is a fantastic experience. Whether you are helping run a local sports club, church, or youth group, it can bring great satisfaction while also contributing to your personal development and well-being. It allows you to step outside of your daily job and make a difference in the lives of others.
However, running any organisation comes with challenges, and voluntary organisations are no exception. Common difficulties include raising funds and recruiting enough people to support the cause.
If your organisation is fortunate enough to have its own premises, additional responsibilities come into play, such as maintaining the building, ensuring it complies with safety regulations, and managing these tasks with limited funds.
Recent high-profile incidents have highlighted the need for all organisations to regularly review and update their health and safety policies. The voluntary sector is no exception. Insurance companies may require proof that your organisation has an up-to-date Fire Risk Assessment for its premises. Additionally, it is important to maintain a COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) file. Volunteers, with good intentions, may bring in cleaning products like bleach, not realising the potential risks if these substances fall into the wrong hands.
A thorough risk assessment of the premises helps identify necessary safety measures. Regular checks should include:
- Emergency lights – Conduct a “flick test” monthly and a full soak test for three hours annually.
- Fire extinguishers – Check visually to ensure they have not been used, and arrange for annual servicing.
- Fire doors – Ensure they are unobstructed, undamaged, and close automatically.
- Fire alarm system – Test regularly to confirm proper operation and schedule professional servicing.
All safety checks must be documented to verify that they have been completed at the required intervals.
Organisations must also designate responsible individuals, such as trustees or committee chairs. Many volunteers may not realise they are taking on legal responsibilities when they agree to help.
Stephen Haymes, Manager of Braid Wood Scout Campsite and Director of The 50plus Organisation, shared his experience:
“We never took health and safety seriously at the campsite. Whenever the subject came up, people would shrug and say, ‘No one is interested, so why bother?’ But now, we have to take it seriously. It’s a challenge to stay on top of everything and change the perception that health and safety regulations only apply to others.”
Ensuring proper safety measures and compliance can be overwhelming, but with proper planning and commitment, voluntary organisations can create a secure and effective environment for everyone involved.
The 50plus Organisation
Telephone: 01295 235 588
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.the50plus.co.uk
