Risk Assessment Policy

Date: October 2025
Review Date: October 2026
Coordinator: Head
Nominated Governor: Elliot Wassell
Version: v10.25

**Policy Statement and Purpose
**The Haven is committed to identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks across all aspects of our provision. Risk assessment is a statutory duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, and Keeping Children Safe in Education (2025). This policy provides the framework for risk management in The Haven’s online-first and hybrid learning environment.

1. Scope

• Applies to all areas of The Haven’s provision, including:

  • Online learning platforms and delivery.

  • Staff remote working environments.

  • Off-site and hybrid activities.

  • Governance, safeguarding, and compliance.

• Covers risks to learners, staff, volunteers, contractors, visitors, and organisational reputation.

2. Principles of Risk Assessment

• Risks will be identified, documented, and reviewed systematically.

• Assessments will consider:

  • Likelihood of occurrence.

  • Impact on safety, safeguarding, learning, and reputation.

  • Mitigation measures.

  • Residual risk after mitigation.

• Assessments will be reviewed annually and immediately if risks change.

3. Roles and Responsibilities

• Head/DSL: The Head holds overall accountability for risk assessment.

  The DSL leads on safeguarding-related risks and coordinates with the DPO and other leads for operational and data-protection compliance.

• Health & Safety Coordinator: Maintains risk register, supports staff in assessments, and reports to governors.

• Staff: Responsible for carrying out activity-specific risk assessments (e.g. for trips, projects, or digital platforms).

• Governors: Provide oversight, ensure accountability, and monitor high-level risks.

4. Risk Assessment Process

• Identify hazards (digital, physical, procedural, reputational).

• Evaluate likelihood and impact.

• Mitigate through reasonable adjustments, controls, or changes.

• Record in The Haven’s risk register.

• Review regularly (termly DSL/gov check).

5. Categories of Risk

Drawing on our adapted register, The Haven monitors:

• Safeguarding Risks (e.g. children missing education, online grooming, racism, neglect).

• Operational Risks (e.g. platform security, staff availability, data breaches).

• Educational Risks (e.g. accessibility of curriculum, SEND provision, exam access).

• Health & Safety Risks (e.g. staff remote working, off-site events).

• Reputational/Compliance Risks (e.g. inspection readiness, equalities compliance, LA partnership).

6. Recording and Reporting

• The Haven maintains a central Risk Register, updated termly.

• Significant risks are reported to governors and, where relevant, LAs.

• DSL ensures safeguarding-related risks are integrated with child protection procedures.

7. Monitoring and Review

• Termly DSL-led review of risk register.

• Annual governor review of policy and register.

• Immediate review if statutory frameworks (KCSIE, Ofsted, Equality Act) are updated.