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Gavin Gibson  
#1 Posted : 18 January 2016 15:36:54(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Gavin Gibson

Question: I have been asked to provide safety related advice to the Board of Governors of a local school. As I am permanently employed, I do not have professional indemnity insurance. As I understand it, I would not be covered by the school's vicarious liability as there is no contract. How do I provide advice, without being at risk? The only option I can see is to advise on requirements, but not to carry them out, eg you need to do a fire risk assessment, but not complete the actual assessment. Any thoughts?
Invictus  
#2 Posted : 18 January 2016 15:39:43(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Invictus

Just say no I am not insured to give advice.
paulw71  
#3 Posted : 18 January 2016 15:51:38(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
paulw71

Invictus wrote:
Just say no I am not insured to give advice.
I would also add that I am not a charity so unless the school would like to reciprocate the favour by popping round to my house and providing some free extra tutoring for my children after school they can forget it. See how much they like doing stuff for free.
achrn  
#4 Posted : 18 January 2016 16:57:55(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
achrn

paulw71 wrote:
Invictus wrote:
Just say no I am not insured to give advice.
I would also add that I am not a charity so unless the school would like to reciprocate the favour by popping round to my house and providing some free extra tutoring for my children after school they can forget it. See how much they like doing stuff for free.
Although it should be noted that poster says it's the governors that want the advice, and actually all the governors are doing it for free - governors are not paid. The argument 'you wouldn't do anything for free' fails to stand up in this case. I also observe that many teachers of my acquaintance do run assorted extra-curricular activities for free (they are not paid for out-of-hours clubs) and I am very grateful for the many things my daughters teachers do do for free - teh older one does school band, rockclimbing club and an astronomy club, and teh younger one does a choir, a drama club, and a craft club (knitting, sewing, etc). All these thinsg are outside school hours and for free. When I was a governor (doing it for free), we had a standing resolution re-stated each year that governors would not be held individually liable for their work as governors, and while I can't remember the exact wording it did make mention about including where the individual offered advice which was within their professional expertise. So if you are willing to help the school and the governors, but are concerned about liability, I would ask them what arrangement are in place. The concern about liability shoudl not come as a surprise to them. I must admit that I was never 100% confident that the resolution would actually provide a great deal of protection if anything go to court - it might deflect a civil liability, but I was dubious that it would withstand HSE if they wanted to pursue a case of individual negligence, say.
Bigmac1  
#5 Posted : 18 January 2016 17:28:45(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Bigmac1

Try telling that to the judge, do you think he or she will be sympathetic?
achrn wrote:
paulw71 wrote:
Invictus wrote:
Just say no I am not insured to give advice.
I would also add that I am not a charity so unless the school would like to reciprocate the favour by popping round to my house and providing some free extra tutoring for my children after school they can forget it. See how much they like doing stuff for free.
Although it should be noted that poster says it's the governors that want the advice, and actually all the governors are doing it for free - governors are not paid. The argument 'you wouldn't do anything for free' fails to stand up in this case. I also observe that many teachers of my acquaintance do run assorted extra-curricular activities for free (they are not paid for out-of-hours clubs) and I am very grateful for the many things my daughters teachers do do for free - teh older one does school band, rockclimbing club and an astronomy club, and teh younger one does a choir, a drama club, and a craft club (knitting, sewing, etc). All these thinsg are outside school hours and for free. When I was a governor (doing it for free), we had a standing resolution re-stated each year that governors would not be held individually liable for their work as governors, and while I can't remember the exact wording it did make mention about including where the individual offered advice which was within their professional expertise. So if you are willing to help the school and the governors, but are concerned about liability, I would ask them what arrangement are in place. The concern about liability shoudl not come as a surprise to them. I must admit that I was never 100% confident that the resolution would actually provide a great deal of protection if anything go to court - it might deflect a civil liability, but I was dubious that it would withstand HSE if they wanted to pursue a case of individual negligence, say.
RayRapp  
#6 Posted : 18 January 2016 20:42:39(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
RayRapp

Unlike some of my colleagues I do not have any issues with providing general h&s advice free of charge for a worthy cause. I have done so with my golf club, snooker club and a few other bits and pieces. If I have written anything then I have not put my name to it - simples. Let's not be too mean spirited chaps.
achrn  
#7 Posted : 19 January 2016 08:21:35(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
achrn

Bigmac1 wrote:
Try telling that to the judge, do you think he or she will be sympathetic?
Which bit of "I must admit that I was never 100% confident that the resolution would actually provide a great deal of protection if anything go to court" do I need to explain more clearly? However, yes I do think they will be sympathetic. If it's a criminal case whether or not you have PI won't be relevant anyway, and if it's a civil case then I think the court will be sympathetic to a situation where the person in question was acting in a voluntary role with good intentions. It's depressing just how mean-spirited the majority of the responses in this thread are. There are periodic threads where people sound off about bonkers decisions made in the name of health and safety (including specifically with reference to schools). Here's an opportunity to influence that for the better - but the general consensus is to tell them to get lost. I guess if it really is just a job to you, and you see absolutely no benefit in actually making any else's lives better (healthier, safer), then it's a perfectly rational view to hold, but I find it rather depressing none-the-less.
paulw71  
#8 Posted : 19 January 2016 09:08:04(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
paulw71

achrn wrote:
paulw71 wrote:
Invictus wrote:
Just say no I am not insured to give advice.
I would also add that I am not a charity so unless the school would like to reciprocate the favour by popping round to my house and providing some free extra tutoring for my children after school they can forget it. See how much they like doing stuff for free.
Although it should be noted that poster says it's the governors that want the advice, and actually all the governors are doing it for free - governors are not paid. The argument 'you wouldn't do anything for free' fails to stand up in this case. I also observe that many teachers of my acquaintance do run assorted extra-curricular activities for free (they are not paid for out-of-hours clubs) and I am very grateful for the many things my daughters teachers do do for free - teh older one does school band, rockclimbing club and an astronomy club, and teh younger one does a choir, a drama club, and a craft club (knitting, sewing, etc). All these thinsg are outside school hours and for free. When I was a governor (doing it for free), we had a standing resolution re-stated each year that governors would not be held individually liable for their work as governors, and while I can't remember the exact wording it did make mention about including where the individual offered advice which was within their professional expertise. So if you are willing to help the school and the governors, but are concerned about liability, I would ask them what arrangement are in place. The concern about liability shoudl not come as a surprise to them. I must admit that I was never 100% confident that the resolution would actually provide a great deal of protection if anything go to court - it might deflect a civil liability, but I was dubious that it would withstand HSE if they wanted to pursue a case of individual negligence, say.
Thats fair enough. My experiences with my childrens former school have been less positive than your own which naturally influences my own position on the matter.
pl53  
#9 Posted : 19 January 2016 09:23:16(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
pl53

Blimey, self righteousness is reaching new heights on here today. Yes it is a job, it's not a vocation. In this instance we are talking about decisions or advice that may affect the safety of children so no I don't think the courts would be very sympathetic if advice given proved to be negligent and resulted in, or contributed to, harm to said children. You might wish they would to support your argument but in all likelihood they wouldn't.
ptaylor14  
#10 Posted : 19 January 2016 11:15:05(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
ptaylor14

Gavin Gibson wrote:
Question: I have been asked to provide safety related advice to the Board of Governors of a local school. As I am permanently employed, I do not have professional indemnity insurance. As I understand it, I would not be covered by the school's vicarious liability as there is no contract. How do I provide advice, without being at risk? The only option I can see is to advise on requirements, but not to carry them out, eg you need to do a fire risk assessment, but not complete the actual assessment. Any thoughts?
You can be appointed as an advisory governor using the schools insurance much the same as the rest of the governing body. For example the "real" governors make a decision that goes pear shaped then an individual governor cannot be held responsible. You need to be careful as most schools are still linked to LA`s in regard to safety even schools that have academy status get a LA inspection/audit
Martin Rudd  
#11 Posted : 19 January 2016 12:02:34(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Martin Rudd

Not in my LA unless the academies pay a fee for the service! They can go to anyone they like for H&S & Fire matters. This is entirely a matter for the governors and if it goes wrong the governors as an employers carry the can, not the LA! The LA has no reason or duty to inspect or advise on H&S if they are not the employer. I think you will find a good number of academies are "hostile" to the LA and want nothing to do with the LA not o mention the academy chains operating schools across several LAs.
ptaylor14  
#12 Posted : 19 January 2016 13:02:31(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
ptaylor14

Martin Rudd wrote:
Not in my LA unless the academies pay a fee for the service! They can go to anyone they like for H&S & Fire matters. This is entirely a matter for the governors and if it goes wrong the governors as an employers carry the can, not the LA! The LA has no reason or duty to inspect or advise on H&S if they are not the employer. I think you will find a good number of academies are "hostile" to the LA and want nothing to do with the LA not o mention the academy chains operating schools across several LAs.
Your quite right but some schools/academies buy into a safety provision others do not. This does not detract from the fact that the individual (OP) could still be an appointed governor it was merely a caveat to advising the governors
achrn  
#13 Posted : 19 January 2016 15:18:19(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
achrn

PL53 wrote:
Blimey, self righteousness is reaching new heights on here today. Yes it is a job, it's not a vocation. In this instance we are talking about decisions or advice that may affect the safety of children so no I don't think the courts would be very sympathetic if advice given proved to be negligent and resulted in, or contributed to, harm to said children. You might wish they would to support your argument but in all likelihood they wouldn't.
So it's better the governors get no advice? This is how we end up with 'bonkers conkers' bans. As I said - depressing.
pl53  
#14 Posted : 19 January 2016 15:23:28(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
pl53

No, it's better that they get advice from people who are experienced in the safe running of extra-curricular activities, school trips etc etc etc
RayRapp  
#15 Posted : 19 January 2016 21:13:52(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
RayRapp

Really, giving someone some basic h&s advice about schools is within the competency of most h&s practitioners. To suggest anything else is churlish. The next step is to suggest that giving advice on these forums will lead to a plethora of claims for negligent advice. I feel it would also be remiss not to mention all this nonsense about a potential claim. Do people really believe a qualified h&s practitioner would be found negligent by a court for providing some advice to the best of their ability, free of charge, to an organisation which clearly has little in the way of h&s support? I think it's time to start smelling the coffee.
SNS  
#16 Posted : 19 January 2016 23:02:17(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
SNS

Committees and suchlike can get protection by becoming 'federated' pay a membership fee - 1 pound per year was ours - and that would be the limit of your liability, unless 'on a frolic'. The governors should be aware of the process - we used it in Rugby refereeing societies and clubs. A solicitor is needed to do the set up but it doesn't cost a fortune. PL Insurance isn't that dear as an alternative - benefits of IOSH membership through Hiscox. Or as mentioned above get appointed as a specialist governor adviser and use the school cover - but check ... Positive and helpful, thats what we are :)
stevie40  
#17 Posted : 20 January 2016 11:17:12(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
stevie40

I used to survey academy and private schools for a previous employer (insurer) and the arrangements in some were shocking to say the least. As insurers, and following the management regs, our preference was always to see the competence in house - a trained member of staff reporting to the head of the academy. Next you would get the services of a paid external consultant and there are many who specialise in and understand the risks faced by schools. Smaller schools often used a governor who had a H&S qualification. Subject to checking the documentation systems this was often an acceptable solution. Advice from a fried of a governor/s as the OP seems to be proposing. I would be very uneasy about this not least because of the lack of a formal relationship / knowledge of the school. Also, I often find that organisations pay less heed to freely given advice than that which they have paid for. Strange quirk of human nature. Schools do present a wide variety of risks including asbestos (common in CLASP structures), legionella, ground workers etc as well as the child related risks such as assault, supervision for trips, safeguarding etc. PS: I mention safeguarding - many abuse allegations turn out to be false or malicious. If the school has failed to support the accused during the investigation period, they can face a claim for stress, reputational damage and even loss of career. It really is an absolute minefield and I would seriously think long and hard before getting involved.
sadlass  
#18 Posted : 20 January 2016 11:48:49(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
sadlass

I'm with Ray on this. Where did all this PI stuff come from I wonder - oh yes, insurers. The governors can browse the HSE website (without insurance!), perhaps together, looking over your shoulder, to get the gist and how to navigate the Education sector pages. I have just read one of their Research Reports from last year on how few schools use the HSE information (although they say they get info from the LA SAs). RR1062 "Health and safety in schools - exploring the perceptions of HSE’s communications to promote and support sensible risk management". There is loads of stuff to get them going and give a degree of direction. However, fire safety is not included on HSE of course, although there is the Home Office guidance for that. I would take the stance of 'critical friend' rather than direct 'teller'. The governors take the strategic overview, and if they show interest and curiosity on H&S, this will motivate the Head and Burser / Office Manager to get it together. If it turns into more, then it's time to suggest a consultancy arrangement.
pl53  
#19 Posted : 20 January 2016 11:59:36(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
pl53

Giving basic H&S advice is one thing, but advice on how to manage kids safely on a school trip -- I don't think so. So where does the basic stuff end and the specialism begin. How basic does the basic stuff have to be, and when does it just become common sense? Nothing churlish in that.
aud  
#20 Posted : 20 January 2016 12:23:27(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
aud

School governors are not usually involved in the nitty gritty of school activities. Their question should be "are trips and visits managed?". Then review the response. The poster was being asked to advise a governor not the school.
achrn  
#21 Posted : 20 January 2016 14:44:14(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
achrn

PL53 wrote:
Giving basic H&S advice is one thing, but advice on how to manage kids safely on a school trip -- I don't think so. So where does the basic stuff end and the specialism begin. How basic does the basic stuff have to be, and when does it just become common sense? Nothing churlish in that.
But no-one (except PL53, I think) has suggested this is about providing specific advice on how to manage kids safely on a school trip. The original question was about "safety related advice to the Board of Governors" The governors don't arrange the management of kids on a school trip, so it's patently not about that. But suddenly there's postings suggesting the person will be offering negligent advice and getting locked up. Further, when I suggest that a H&S professional should be able to offer useful advice to the governors and that this is an opportunity to do some good, then I'm accused (by you, PL53) of "self righteousness is reaching new heights". It IS churlish to say you won't even contemplate doing anything at all to help (which is what has been said - "Just say no", "I am not a charity") just because if you were to offer negligent advice outside your expertise you'd be liable. The easy solution to that problem would be to not offer negligent advice or stray outside your area of knowledge. The attitude (happily, now being balanced by some other responses) was depressing. If we who know what we're talking about won't talk about Health and Safety, then there will continue to be conkers bans and other silly nonsense. I also wonder why this board exists if it's utterly unreasonable to either hope for or offer advice without being paid for it.
Invictus  
#22 Posted : 20 January 2016 14:52:39(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Invictus

I don't think it is Churlish not to offer advice, some people don't want to be involved, they don't want to offer advice and that is up to them. Why just because our profession, if they wanted a awall building they wouldn't expect to get it for nothing even if one of the parents was a bricklayer. So why should they expect our expertise for nothing, we all have the right to do what we want some will give advise others won't, I won't say were I stand, no doupt some on here will make thier own minds up.
paulw71  
#23 Posted : 20 January 2016 14:57:22(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
paulw71

Invictus wrote:
I don't think it is Churlish not to offer advice, some people don't want to be involved, they don't want to offer advice and that is up to them. Why just because our profession, if they wanted a awall building they wouldn't expect to get it for nothing even if one of the parents was a bricklayer. So why should they expect our expertise for nothing, we all have the right to do what we want some will give advise others won't, I won't say were I stand, no doupt some on here will make thier own minds up.
Hear hear.
HSE_Steve  
#24 Posted : 20 January 2016 15:34:55(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
HSE_Steve

I'm also very suprised about some of the responses posted to the original request. To the posters who are saying they wouldn't give their expertise for no return, why do they post on this board? I'd personally offer advice to anyone who thought I could help, but given the choice between helping a voluntary board of governors, or helping other paid professionals on here (if I had to choose), I'd sooner help the governors. Also this talk of going up in front of a judge, is that really going to happen? I'm sure the Daily Mail had an article about people not wanting to clear snow in case they became liable, surely this is no different and just reinforces the stereotype of the pedantic clip board safety 'officer'.
Invictus  
#25 Posted : 20 January 2016 15:39:40(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Invictus

HSE_Steve wrote:
I'm also very suprised about some of the responses posted to the original request. To the posters who are saying they wouldn't give their expertise for no return, why do they post on this board? I'd personally offer advice to anyone who thought I could help, but given the choice between helping a voluntary board of governors, or helping other paid professionals on here (if I had to choose), I'd sooner help the governors. Also this talk of going up in front of a judge, is that really going to happen? I'm sure the Daily Mail had an article about people not wanting to clear snow in case they became liable, surely this is no different and just reinforces the stereotype of the pedantic clip board safety 'officer'. Everyone to thier own. If it is a simple request all well and good if it is a request that may take time, then is that not up to people. And I will choose to post on here or any other professional website or give advice out freely, thank you
paulw71  
#26 Posted : 20 January 2016 15:45:40(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
paulw71

Invictus wrote:
HSE_Steve wrote:
I'm also very suprised about some of the responses posted to the original request. To the posters who are saying they wouldn't give their expertise for no return, why do they post on this board? I'd personally offer advice to anyone who thought I could help, but given the choice between helping a voluntary board of governors, or helping other paid professionals on here (if I had to choose), I'd sooner help the governors. Also this talk of going up in front of a judge, is that really going to happen? I'm sure the Daily Mail had an article about people not wanting to clear snow in case they became liable, surely this is no different and just reinforces the stereotype of the pedantic clip board safety 'officer'. Everyone to thier own. If it is a simple request all well and good if it is a request that may take time, then is that not up to people. And I will choose to post on here or any other professional website or give advice out freely, thank you
30-15
achrn  
#27 Posted : 21 January 2016 12:57:54(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
achrn

Invictus wrote:
I don't think it is Churlish not to offer advice, some people don't want to be involved, they don't want to offer advice and that is up to them.
It's not that it's churlish to not provide advice, it's churlish to say you won't even contemplate doing anything at all to help (which is what has been said - "Just say no", "I am not a charity", "See how much they like doing stuff for free"). It's not churlish to decide you can't help, or don't have the time to help. It is churlish to imply that someone is trying it on, when the someone in question is themselves undertaking a voluntary, unpaid role (that is, yes they are "doing stuff for free"). It is churlish to make up spurious justifications about nuances of expertise that may well be irrelevant. I don't think anyone has claimed that any H&S professional is under any obligation to help or offer the advice - what has been said is that some of the responses and justifications have been churlish.
paulw71  
#28 Posted : 21 January 2016 13:30:53(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
paulw71

achrn wrote:
Invictus wrote:
I don't think it is Churlish not to offer advice, some people don't want to be involved, they don't want to offer advice and that is up to them.
It's not that it's churlish to not provide advice, it's churlish to say you won't even contemplate doing anything at all to help (which is what has been said - "Just say no", "I am not a charity", "See how much they like doing stuff for free"). It's not churlish to decide you can't help, or don't have the time to help. It is churlish to imply that someone is trying it on, when the someone in question is themselves undertaking a voluntary, unpaid role (that is, yes they are "doing stuff for free"). It is churlish to make up spurious justifications about nuances of expertise that may well be irrelevant. I don't think anyone has claimed that any H&S professional is under any obligation to help or offer the advice - what has been said is that some of the responses and justifications have been churlish.
Sanctimonious waffle.
HSE_Steve  
#29 Posted : 21 January 2016 15:12:29(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
HSE_Steve

'30 - 15', and 'Sanctimonious Waffle', thanks PaulW71 thats added a lot to the debate To get back to somewhere close to the original point, very good timing for me as I have recently joined a board of governors and am about to carry out a health and safety audit with other members. Its an environment I'm not hugely familiar with so I'll only be commenting on the infrastructure etc, nothing to do with the children. If anyone can expand upon the following list it'd be appreciated; Electrical Testing (Portable and Fixed) Legionella Ladders First Aid Gym Equipment inspections Fire Evacuation equipment, detection, procedure etc Groundskeeping equipment Chemicals Waste Collection, vehicle movements thanks Steve
RayRapp  
#30 Posted : 21 January 2016 15:22:34(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
RayRapp

Steve Off the top of my head: Contractor Management/Procurement Incident reporting and investigation (RIDDOR) Asbestos Management COSHH
C4roline  
#31 Posted : 21 January 2016 15:32:14(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
C4roline

Please don't forget you may also need to consider SEN children and those with Medical or additional needs what general controls are in place. Playground Equipment Selection of resources Security and Safeguarding should be well covered already in a school but does impact on H+S I work a lot with children in my safety role!
paulw71  
#32 Posted : 21 January 2016 15:46:03(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
paulw71

HSE_Steve wrote:
'30 - 15', and 'Sanctimonious Waffle', thanks PaulW71 thats added a lot to the debate To get back to somewhere close to the original point, very good timing for me as I have recently joined a board of governors and am about to carry out a health and safety audit with other members. Its an environment I'm not hugely familiar with so I'll only be commenting on the infrastructure etc, nothing to do with the children. If anyone can expand upon the following list it'd be appreciated; Electrical Testing (Portable and Fixed) Legionella Ladders First Aid Gym Equipment inspections Fire Evacuation equipment, detection, procedure etc Groundskeeping equipment Chemicals Waste Collection, vehicle movements thanks Steve
Yes Steve. In fact it adds nearly as much to the "debate" as someone repeating how surprised they are by some of the responses and how churlish they find them and how much it depresses them that some people wont do some things for free. Thanks Paul
HSE_Steve  
#33 Posted : 21 January 2016 16:07:28(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
HSE_Steve

Thanks C4roline and RayRapp, I'll ask them what they have in place for RIDDOR and contractor management etc - I need to find out a bit more about how H&S is managed in the school, obviously the head is ultimately responsible but I'm not sure how much they do themselves, and whats done by external (I assume council) resource. C4roline, what did you mean by 'selection of resources' exactly? Procurement? As for safeguarding, I know the school take it seriously but its something I personally know very little about so until I find out some more I'll take a backseat. cheers
aud  
#34 Posted : 21 January 2016 18:54:47(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
aud

HSE Steve In the main, schools are low risk. But they do have pretty much all life's hazards, from minibuses to radiation, which together with their precious cargo, make H&S quite a mixture. Ask first where/how they get their H&S assistance? You are right - Head's responsibility. Then ask how each component of their safety policy (may be an LA one?) is allocated, implemented and monitored. That might just be enough. Be strategic - by all means formulate a master 'problem' checklist (don't forget fire etc), but keep it in your back pocket and let the school paid staff tell / explain the system to you. If they can't . . . My risk priorities: Asbestos management which goes hand in hand with contractors . . .; Visits & trips but there may be an EVA or they use an online record system eg. Evolve. Fire Vehicle movements & control. But what do they see as priorities? There could be a tendency, if you tackle by topic / hazard as these lists are, that you will find everything directed to the site manager (or caretaker). Even contractor selection. I suggest looking at risk from an occupational and then location perspective, as most of the ladder, chemical, building maintenance, security and equipment checks are carried out or overseen by the site manager / caretaker. Don't forget the cooks / cleaners, these may be outsourced. There is a rake of guidance on the HSE educational site, including a newish classroom checklist. Note that safeguarding, special needs, medicinal and other support is not HSW. The guidance for these is elsewhere. However, be curious as to whether these bring in additional risk such as lifts, hoists & slings (LOLER) etc. RIDDOR - read the HSE EDIS1 note. Schools over-report. They are also over-panicked by civil claims or the fear of them. Relax, enjoy the experience, you are 'giving something back'.
Invictus  
#35 Posted : 22 January 2016 07:48:49(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Invictus

What about risk assessments for working in and out of the classroom, field trips etc. I don't want to appear 'churlish' by not offering free advice.
HSE_Steve  
#36 Posted : 22 January 2016 08:39:35(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
HSE_Steve

Thanks Aud, appreciate the comments regarding letting them tell me what they do, I have to keep reminding myself that a Governors role is to challenge, not to manage it themselves. My gut feeling is that their biggest risk is vehicle movements, there is a lot of congestion around the area and one small driveway to get onto the premises, very little in the way of real segregation other than a painted pedestrian way which is largely ignored. I'll have a good look at the HSE site. Thanks Steve
HSSnail  
#37 Posted : 22 January 2016 08:57:30(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
HSSnail

Steve I was the Vice chair of a School governing body for 10 years, and surprise surprise they made me Governor with Overview of Health and Safety! It can be very rewarding (but not in a financial sense!) and challenging there is some good advice already given and I wont add to the list. What I would say is be very clear about the role of the governors. Schools have changed beyond all recognition over the years. Is your school still LA controlled or are you a free school, an academy etc? If its LA then your correct the governors role is to challenge not manage (but some authorities try to hide this). With some of the newer models the role is very much a managerial role. I was asked to be on the governing body of a new academy that was starting and when I looked at the responsibilities and legal implications I would not touch it with a barge pole! The HSE used to do a good document on the different implication of school management systems not sure if its still published. Good luck and enjoy the experience
achrn  
#38 Posted : 22 January 2016 09:35:43(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
achrn

aud wrote:
RIDDOR - read the HSE EDIS1 note. Schools over-report. They are also over-panicked by civil claims or the fear of them.
Lots already said, and I've got nothing much to add, except on this topic - the school where I was a governor (LA primary school) did indeed over-report and generate paperwork for every minor injury to any child, but when there was an injury to a member of staff (a slip and fall by one of the cooks) it was initially not considered as thoroughly as it should have been (in my opinion) So remember it's not just about the kids, it's also a workplace for the staff, and I think the governor challenge role covers that too.
bob youel  
#39 Posted : 24 January 2016 09:08:22(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
bob youel

The subject of schools has been discussed many times on this site so read them as well as this posting to obtain even more info and guidance Also consider how many H&S bods have been fined for giving info and then consider how many governors have been properly repremanded for anything and that should give U something to think about. Additionally, in my view, giving things away for free has ruined the 'profession' noting that in my 17 years of working with schools of all types in noted that they paid for advice and work from professionals so why is H&S any different
mssy  
#40 Posted : 24 January 2016 21:37:14(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
mssy

Wow! This has been a rather heated thread for rather a simple question!! I have carried out fire risk assessments for free to charities that I support - some reasonably high risk in terms of fire and do so now even though I am no longer self employed with PI insurance. But Schools are a very special case; Education carries a higher risk of litigation that almost anywhere else, including healthcare. We trust Schools with out most valuable possessions and expect them to take 100% care of the 100% of the time. As a result, my view is that the average person in the street would be far more likely to rush to litigation if an event occurred that threatened the safety of little Jonny or Josephine. I have carried out significant professional work on educational premises and was given piece of mind that my expensive PI insurance is there to look after me if something went wrong. As I say, I do the odd freebee now, but I wouldn't do so for a School without the appropriate cover
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