Bringing Families Together

Health and safety policy

Bringing Families Together Ltd is committed to ensuring, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and wellbeing of every child, family and individual involved in the service, in line with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. This applies to supervised contact sessions, supported contact sessions, handovers and the transport of children and family members.

Responsibilities

As an independent provider, Bringing Families Together Ltd is responsible for:

  • Carrying out risk assessments before every service
  • Keeping working practices safe during contact and transport
  • Maintaining appropriate insurance and legal compliance
  • Identifying and managing potential hazards
  • Responding appropriately to incidents and emergencies

Everyone taking part in a contact session is asked to:

  • Follow safety guidance and instructions
  • Behave in a way that does not place anyone else at risk

Risk assessment

A risk assessment is carried out for every contact session and transport arrangement, covering the safety of the location, behavioural risks, safeguarding concerns and environmental hazards. Assessments are reviewed and updated as circumstances change.

Safe venues and sessions

  • Venues are assessed for safety and suitability before use
  • Hazards are identified and minimised
  • The agreed level of supervision is maintained throughout
  • Unsafe behaviour is addressed immediately
  • A session is stopped if safety is compromised

Transport safety

When transporting children or family members, Bringing Families Together Ltd will:

  • Use a vehicle that is roadworthy, insured and MOT compliant
  • Carry out regular safety checks on tyres, brakes and lights
  • Use appropriate car seats and seatbelts in line with UK law
  • Never leave a child unattended in the vehicle
  • Plan safe and efficient routes
  • Avoid unnecessary stops or deviations
  • Follow safe handover procedures at pick-up and drop-off

Personal safety and lone working

Sessions and journeys are usually delivered by one person working alone. Lone working risks are assessed in advance, schedules and locations are shared with a trusted contact where appropriate, a mobile phone is carried at all times, and any situation that feels unsafe is avoided or left immediately. The full detail is set out in the lone working policy.

Managing behaviour and conflict

A calm, professional approach is used at all times, and de-escalation is the first response where tension arises. Aggressive or unsafe behaviour will lead to intervention, possibly to the session being ended, and to the matter being reported to the relevant professionals.

First aid and medical emergencies

First aid training is kept up to date and emergency contact details are carried to every session. In an emergency, 999 is called immediately where needed, the child's safety comes first, and the relevant professionals are informed as soon as possible.

Incident reporting

Every accident, incident and near miss is recorded promptly and accurately, using factual detail only. Incidents are reported to the relevant authorities where required, including under RIDDOR where the incident is reportable, and are reviewed afterwards to prevent a recurrence.

Hygiene and infection control

Good hygiene is maintained throughout. Where there is a risk of passing on an infection, a session will be rearranged rather than go ahead, and shared equipment or spaces are cleaned where relevant.

Equipment

Any equipment used is safe and appropriate for children. Faulty or unsafe equipment is not used.

Insurance

Bringing Families Together Ltd maintains public liability insurance, motor insurance including business use, and any other cover required to deliver the service. Evidence is available on request.

Reviewing this policy

This policy is reviewed annually, and sooner following any incident or change in legislation, and is adjusted in line with best practice guidance. It was last reviewed in August 2026.

Questions

For a copy of the full policy, or to raise a health and safety question, contact Aimee on 07934 756 311 or at aimee@bringingfamiliestogether.co.uk. Bringing Families Together Ltd, Company No. SC886103.