One Step Counselling and Therapies C.I.C.
HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY
Last Updated: July 29, 2025
INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE
At One Step Counselling and Therapies C.I.C, the health, safety, and wellbeing of our staff, service users, and visitors are paramount. This policy demonstrates our commitment to creating and maintaining a safe environment for all who engage with our services. We recognize our duty of care extends across all our activities, whether conducted indoors, outdoors, or online.
SCOPE OF POLICY
This policy encompasses all activities undertaken by One Step Counselling and Therapies C.I.C. It applies to our indoor and online counselling sessions, outdoor nature connection work, beach yoga activities, group workshops, online services, and administrative functions. Every person working with or for our organization, including employees, freelance practitioners, volunteers, and directors, must adhere to these health and safety guidelines.
LEGAL FRAMEWORK
Our health and safety practices align with current legislation, including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and associated regulations. We maintain compliance with all relevant statutory requirements and regularly review our procedures to ensure they meet or exceed legal standards.
MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
As Managing Director, Emma-Jane Lovell holds overall responsibility for health and safety within the organization. This includes ensuring adequate resources are allocated for safety measures, maintaining appropriate insurance coverage, and overseeing regular reviews of our safety procedures. The management team conducts thorough risk assessments for all activities and venues, implementing necessary control measures to minimize identified risks.
STAFF AND VOLUNTEER RESPONSIBILITIES
Everyone working within our organization shares responsibility for maintaining a safe environment. This includes identifying and reporting potential hazards, following established safety procedures, and participating in required training sessions. Staff members and volunteers must demonstrate an understanding of their role in maintaining safety and show commitment to implementing these practices in their daily work.
RISK ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES
We conduct comprehensive risk assessments for all our activities and venues. For indoor spaces, we evaluate factors such as access, fire safety, ventilation, and general maintenance needs, if this is not met by the venue providers. Our outdoor activity assessments consider weather conditions, terrain, emergency access, and specific activity-related risks. Beach yoga sessions receive particular attention regarding tide times, weather exposure, and emergency service access.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Our emergency response procedures cover various scenarios, including medical emergencies, fires, and severe weather conditions. We maintain fully stocked first aid kits at all venues and ensure trained first aiders are available during activities.
For fire safety, we have established clear evacuation procedures and maintain all necessary fire safety equipment. Regular checks ensure all emergency equipment remains in good working order and accessible when needed.
SPECIFIC ACTIVITY SAFETY MEASURES
Each type of activity we offer has specific safety considerations. For counselling sessions, we ensure private, secure spaces with appropriate furnishing and ventilation. Our outdoor activities include detailed weather monitoring and terrain assessment protocols. Beach yoga sessions incorporate tide time checking and participant capability awareness.
Online service delivery requires specific safety measures, including secure platform usage and clear protocols for managing technical difficulties or client distress during virtual sessions.
TRAINING AND COMPETENCE
We provide comprehensive safety training for all staff and volunteers. This includes general health and safety awareness, specific activity-related safety training, and regular updates on procedures and best practices. We maintain records of all training completed for the necessary staff and/or volunteers.
INCIDENT REPORTING AND INVESTIGATION
Any accidents, incidents, or near-misses must be reported promptly and documented thoroughly. We investigate all such occurrences to identify root causes and implement preventive measures. This information helps us continuously improve our safety procedures and prevent similar incidents in the future.
MONITORING AND REVIEW
Regular monitoring of our health and safety measures ensures their effectiveness. We conduct routine safety checks of all equipment and venues, maintain detailed records, and regularly review our procedures. Annual policy reviews incorporate feedback from staff, volunteers, and service users to ensure our safety measures remain relevant and effective.
DOCUMENTATION
All health and safety documentation is maintained securely. This includes risk assessments, incident reports, training records, and equipment maintenance logs. Regular reviews ensure all documentation remains current and accurate.
EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION FOR STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS
Emergency Services: 999
Managing Director (Emma-Jane Lovell) 07367273241
Local Emergency Department:999
Mental Health Crisis Team: 111 OPTION 2
This policy undergoes annual review to ensure it remains current and effective in maintaining the safety of all individuals involved with One Step Counselling and Therapies C.I.C.
Signed:
Emma-Jane Lovell
Managing Director
Date: 29/07/2025
Next Review Date: 29/07/2026