Hope is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy working environment for all team members, clients, and visitors. This policy outlines our approach to health and safety in our office and remote working arrangements.

General responsibilities

• All team members are responsible for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work
• Management will ensure appropriate risk assessments are carried out and control measures are in place
• Team members must report any health and safety concerns immediately

Workspace safety

• Workspaces must be kept tidy and free from trip hazards
• Electrical equipment must be in good working order and PAT tested where required
• Fire exits and extinguishers must be clearly marked and kept accessible
• Adequate lighting, heating, and ventilation must be maintained

Display screen equipment

• Workstations should be set up to minimise strain, with screens at eye level and keyboards at a comfortable height
• Team members should take regular breaks from screen work (at least 5–10 minutes per hour)
• Adjustable chairs with proper back support should be provided
• Eye tests are available for regular screen users, with contribution towards glasses if required for screen work

Remote working

• Remote workers should maintain a suitable workspace that meets the same standards as office environments
• Self-assessment of home workstation setup is encouraged, with support available if needed
• Remote workers should maintain regular communication with the team and take appropriate breaks

Mental health and wellbeing

• We recognise that mental health is as important as physical health
• Team members should maintain a healthy work-life balance and are encouraged to discuss any concerns
• Reasonable adjustments will be made to support team members’ wellbeing needs

Incident reporting

• All accidents, injuries, near misses, and hazards must be reported immediately
• Incidents will be investigated to prevent recurrence
• An accident book is maintained for recording incidents

First aid

• A first aid kit is available in the office and its location is clearly marked
• Emergency contact numbers are displayed prominently

Risk assessments

• Risk assessments are carried out for all work activities, including client visits and events
• Assessments are reviewed regularly and when circumstances change
• Team members will be informed of relevant risks and control measures

Policy review

• This policy is reviewed annually and updated as needed
• All team members will be consulted on health and safety matters

This policy was adopted in April 2025 and will be reviewed annually.