Handsam Reminders
In the hustle and bustle of other responsibilities, you may have overlooked some articles from Compliance Matters Issue 35. Below are some of the things making the news in the world of compliance in summer 2022.
HSE Announces Inspections of Asbestos Management in Schools
The Heath and Safety Executive (HSE) has announced it will be conducting school inspections of asbestos management from September 2022. These inspections will assess how leaders are managing the risks from this harmful building material. According to a 2018 survey conducted by the Department for Education, the substance is present on more than 8 in 10 school sites across the country. The same survey also found that a fifth of schools are not managing asbestos in line with government guidance.
Psychological Health and Safety: ISO 45003
A new standard has been published by the International Organisation of Standardisation - ISO 45003. This helps organisations identify the conditions, circumstances and workplace demands that may be potentially damaging to the psychological health and well-being of workers.
The standard contains guidance detailing practical help for employers on how to manage psychosocial risk in the workplace. This will provide organisations with guidance on how to develop a structure that identifies primary risk factors and helps them to improve their working environment.
Changes to the Academy Trust Handbook
The Updated Academy Trust Handbook 2022 comes into effect on 1 September 2022
The Academy Trust Handbook (also known as the Academies Financial Handbook) describes the governance and financial responsibilities of academy trusts reflecting their status as charitable companies acting in the public interest. It is intended for academy members, trustees, accounting officers, chief financial officers and auditors. The Handbook has been updated for 2022, reflecting changes and amendments which have occurred over the last 12 months.
Harmful Sexual Behaviour Support Service
South West Grid for Learning (SWGfL) and the Marie Collins Foundation have launched a new Harmful Sexual Behaviour Support Service.
The service provides support and advice to any professional in England who may encounter developmentally inappropriate sexual behaviour among the children and young people they work with.
The service has been funded by the Home Office and developed in collaboration with the Department for Education.
New CLEAPSS Online Training in Radiation Protection
CLEAPSS are offering new online training for Radiation Protection Officers (RPOs). This course is perfect for a Local Authority or Multi Academy Trust safety officer who wishes to become a Radiation Protection Officer (RPO) for its schools. This course can also be used as a refresher course for existing RPOs. The RPO is the intermediary between the CLEAPSS Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) and the schools. The RPO passes advice from the RPA on to schools and monitors the situation to ensure that the advice is implemented. This online course is available only to Local Authorities, Multi Academy Trusts and Brokers who have joined the CLEAPSS RPA Service.
Government to Provide Schools With Defibrillators
The Department for Education has stated that all state-funded schools without an automated external defibrillator (AED) are to be provided with one by the government by the end of the 2022/23 academic year, building on curriculum teaching first aid and CPR. Many schools are already equipped with the life-saving devices but the government aims to fill the gaps by funding about 20,000 defibrillator kits to ensure there is at least one defibrillator on every school site. The new government plans follow a campaign led by the parents of Oliver King, who died when his heart stopped during a swimming lesson in 2011. The government hopes the plans will prevent future tragic stories.