Objectives

To protect staff from the risk associated with working alone whether they are on UKCWC premises, at venues used by groups, travelling alone on work duties or working in an isolated setting.

To ensure that staff understand that UKCWC as an organisation, does not expect staff to expose themselves to unnecessary risks in the course of their work duties and that UKCWC will support a member of staff if they leave a situation in which they feel at risk.

Definition

For the purpose of this policy, lone working will be categorised into two distinct types of work:

Working alone in UKCWC premises or venues used by groups

Travelling alone between the two categories above.  

GENERAL RULES

UKCWC must have details of your mobile number and a person to be contacted in case of emergencies.

A record of activity movements should be kept on record.

WORKING ALONE IN UKCWC PREMISES/VENUES

UKCWC does not have its own premises. 

WORKING ALONE AT THE VENUES OF OTHER ORGANISATIONS

Try to only arrange appointments at the premises of other organisations if you know that there will be more than one other person present.

If you arrive at the premises of another organisation and you are not comfortable with going ahead with the appointment then leave and report this to the Committee.

TRAVELLING ALONE DURING WORKING HOURS

Travelling alone holds the same risks whether or not you are travelling for work purposes or pleasure. However, it is far more likely that during working time you will be travelling in unfamiliar areas and therefore the planning of the travel is far more important.

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust recommends that an individual plans their movements whether at work or in daily life. 

P*L*A*N

For being safe out and about

Prepare yourself for the journey

Look confident

Avoid risk

Never assume

Prepare yourself for your journey

Know exactly where you are going and how you are going to get there.

Ensure that you have informed the Committee where you are going. 

Assess any risks there may be in doing the journey you are about to undertake.

Ensure you have your personal belongings (e.g. keys, travel card) in your pocket and other items in a bag which sits close to your body with fastening innermost.

Look confident

Stand tall and look as if you know what you are doing and where you are going

Be alert to what is going on around you

Ensure you have a mobile phone with you

Avoid risk

Do not take short cuts unless they are as safe as the longer route

Do not change plans at the last minute

Never Assume

It won’t happen to me

Do not ignore your instincts

REMEMBER NEVER PUT YOURSELF AT RISK – TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS!