Planning and delivering safe sessions
On this page you will find the YAC Health and Safety Toolkit. It is split into different topics. Each topic provides an overview, with additional guidance and resources to provide more information where applicable.
As each branch and Leader’s experience is different, we have provided overview guidance plus additional resources and templates (to be used where relevant) to cover this breadth as much as possible.
The basics that all branches should have in place are:
- Session plans and risk assessments
- A minimum of 2 YAC Leaders present at each session, plus additional adult support as required
- First Aid provision
- Knowing what to do in an emergency
Additional guidance should be used where it is relevant to your branch’s activities.
Please Note: that where you already have good processes and documentation in place, or if you are an affiliated branch working under the auspices of another organisation (e.g. a museum) then you are not required to use the templates provided. However, we ask that you review these with the toolkit in mind to ensure that you have everything covered and up to date.
If you require additional support with any of the following topics please email yac@yac-uk.org
We have created a training video, which discusses the contents of the toolkit, how it should be used and also provides a brief introduction to health and safety.
What should be in your branch’s Health and Safety Folder?
Every YAC Branch is different, and so your branch’s Health and Safety Folder should reflect this and bring all your planning into a cohesive and accessible format. In this section we set out what you should cover and provide useful templates to get you started.Health and Safety Induction
When a new volunteer is approved to join your branch you must undertake a basic health and safety induction. It is also important that current leaders are kept informed of any changes/updates to current guidance and practice. In this section we set out how to undertake a basic induction and provide the required resources.
Guidance and Templates
In this section we provide guidance around food safety, chemical and hazardous materials, venue and risk benefits assessments, plus emergency procedures.
You will also find guidance on the following:
- Session registers and membership and volunteer forms
- Activity and session plans
- Record keeping
- Behaviour management
- Individual support plans