Hello All,

I am one of the safety advisors in the Met Police. We currently run a scheme called the Volunteer Police Cadets. In essence this is where we have young people who join a cadet unit attached to an operational police unit and take part in various youth activities – similar to other youth groups – e.g. sports, outdoor events, community assistance, etc. At the moment police officers/ staff (paid) run the various cadet units and all aspects of health & safety are supported by me and out team. (Risk assessments, accident investigation, etc.)

The intention now is for the Volunteer Police Cadets to become a charity.

At the moment it is unclear how that will work – but I was wondering if anyone out there currently supported youth groups in terms of health & safety as part of their paid role – rather than voluntary? One of the options being discussed is that we would support both MPS staff involved with the charity and also support the charity – in essence supporting two organisations. Obviously we need to know lines of command, controlling mind, etc – so it would be interesting to hear other people’s experiences.

Keith P.