Health & Safety Policy
Storykeepers Community CIC
Last Updated: August 2026
Our Commitment
Storykeepers Community CIC is committed to providing a safe, healthy and welcoming environment for everyone involved in our activities.
We recognise that creating safe spaces enables people to participate confidently, share their stories and enjoy meaningful creative experiences.
We will take all reasonably practicable steps to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our participants, volunteers, employees, freelancers, visitors and partner organisations.
Purpose
This policy sets out our commitment to maintaining safe working practices during all Storykeepers activities.
It applies to:
Workshops
Community events
School projects
Care home activities
Exhibitions
Meetings
Volunteer activities
Any other event organised by Storykeepers Community CIC
Our Responsibilities
Storykeepers Community CIC will:
Take reasonable steps to identify and manage risks.
Carry out risk assessments where appropriate.
Provide suitable information and guidance.
Ensure venues are appropriate for planned activities.
Review health and safety arrangements regularly.
Work with partner organisations to follow their own health and safety procedures where activities take place on their premises.
Responsibilities of Participants
Everyone taking part in Storykeepers activities is expected to:
Behave responsibly.
Follow instructions from workshop leaders and organisers.
Take reasonable care of their own safety and that of others.
Report hazards or concerns promptly.
Respect venue rules and procedures.
Risk Assessments
Risk assessments will be completed where appropriate before activities take place.
These may consider:
Venue safety.
Accessibility.
Manual handling.
Equipment.
Safeguarding.
Fire safety.
First aid arrangements.
Weather conditions for outdoor events.
Risk assessments will be reviewed whenever circumstances change.
Working with Partner Organisations
Many Storykeepers projects are delivered within schools, libraries, care homes and community venues.
Where this is the case:
Storykeepers will work collaboratively with the host organisation.
Local health and safety procedures will be followed.
Emergency procedures will be explained where appropriate.
Responsibilities will be agreed in advance.
First Aid
Where appropriate, Storykeepers will ensure suitable first aid arrangements are in place for activities.
Any accidents or incidents will be recorded and reviewed where necessary.
Fire Safety
Participants should familiarise themselves with emergency exits and evacuation procedures at each venue.
In the event of an emergency, instructions from venue staff or emergency services must be followed.
Equipment
Storykeepers will ensure that equipment used during activities is suitable for its intended purpose and maintained in a safe condition.
Participants should not use equipment unless instructed to do so.
Reporting Accidents
Any accident, injury, near miss or health and safety concern should be reported immediately to a Storykeepers representative.
Where appropriate, incidents will be recorded and investigated to reduce the likelihood of future occurrences.
Accessibility
Storykeepers is committed to making activities as accessible as reasonably possible.
We will work with participants and partner organisations to identify and remove barriers to participation wherever we can.
Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or whenever significant changes occur to our activities or legal responsibilities.
Our Commitment
At Storykeepers, we believe that people are at their most creative when they feel safe, supported and respected.
Creating welcoming, well-managed and inclusive environments is fundamental to every project we deliver, ensuring that participants can focus on sharing their stories with confidence.