Policies - Lauren Saunders

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I work to a number of policies that I believe define best practice, my values and my methods of working, which help me to work professionally, ethically, democratically and safely.

If you need the view the policies in a different format, please contact me.

Introduction

I acknowledge the harmful impact that human activity has had on both the local and global environment and I am committed to minimising the negative impact I have in delivering my work.

I have pledged with Culture Delcares Emergency and I am directly involved with local climate activism.

Care for the planet is central to my work, and has been since 2018, and as a practitioner that is fiercely against greenwashing practices, I commit to using my influence to promote environmental messaging.

This policy outlines some practical ways in which I commit to caring for our planet in the places where decisions are regularly made or influence exerted.

Some of this policy has been taken from a ‘Green Practice Guide for Artists’ that I am currently developing.

Influence

I believe that environmental issues and the role of culture in the context of crisis is key to my work
Therefore, wherever possible, my activities should engage with environmental, conservationist or climate themes.
I aim to challenge unsustainable practices when I come across them.
I am committed to sharing intellectual resources and knowledge in exchange for learning from others’ generous expertise. This also means that energy is not wasted generating the same knowledge.
I will offer guidance, support and signposting to those I work alongside who are looking to lead more sustainable lives and practices
I will promote local, national, and International environmental campaigns – such as Hull Friends of the Earth, the Hull Food Partnership and Culture Declares Emergency – where appropriate.

The Waste Hierarchy

The waste hierarchy identifies ways to be more environmentally friendly, in priority order. I aim to use this hierarchy to inform decision making when it comes to resource management.

Eliminate – Avoid producing waste in the first place
Reduce – Minimise the amount of waste you do produce
Re-Use – Use items as many times as possible (this includes borrowing)
Recycle – Recycle what you can only after you have re-used it.
Dispose – Dispose of what’s left in a responsible way

Activity Materials and Resources

The following practices define how I endeavour to work:

I typically only use materials which are natural, found, biodegradable, repurposed, or otherwise manufactured from recycled waste.
Materials purchased for activities are the greenest type possible
If work requires new materials, I typically set a limit of no more than 25% new materials, and prioritise new materials to be the most used/essential to the least used/essential.
I use non-toxic materials, asking suppliers for material data safety sheets if needed
I aim to use unbleached or chlorine-free (ECF/TCF) papers and canvases where possible
I typically use refillable or reusable stationary equipment instead of single-use ones, where available and appropriate
I choose vegan, plastic-free brushes and other tools where possible
I use eco-friendly and/or natural colours and solvents
I avoid glitter!
When ordering stationery or materials, I try to do so in bulk. I aim to ask others if they wish to add to the order, as it costs less and reduces transport costs.
I minimise the number of photocopies required for delivering activities, by encouraging participants to share information sheets rather than having one each
Instead of purchasing new materials, I typically use what is already available.
Instead of purchasing new equipment, I aim to borrow from their network where possible.
When producing, I prefer to shift funding from new materials to labour and transport (for sustainable sourcing/reclaiming)

Printed Publications

Digital communications are prioritised ahead of printed leaflets, posters and flyers.
Printed publications are made with unbleached and recycled stock, ideally FSA approved, where possible and available
No plastic or vinyl sheens/laminate publications are ever ordered as this prevents printed materials from being recycled or biodegrading naturally.
I choose printers who use non-toxic, environmentally-friendly inks
All printed publications are made available digitally on my website (or a third party, such as Issuu)

Managing Waste

Activity planning involves the minimisation of waste, or re-using waste
Efforts are always be made to recycle waste, such as cardboard, glass, paper and plastics, and compost food waste.
Any hazardous items used (oils, chemicals, electronics, batteries) are disposed of properly and not just dumped in the bin or poured down the sink.

Energy Use

I am always conscious of energy usage when working on partner premises
Other freelancers, volunteers, participants, partners and others should be encouraged to turn off lights, televisions, monitors and other equipment when not in use during the delivery of activities
Where practical, heating is turned down or off when delivering in venues.
I ensure doors and windows are not left open during activity delivery in cooler months

Water Use

I am conscious of water usage when working on partner premises
I use water frugally and turn off taps fully, which may be used to refill water, or wash art materials/equipment.
I typically use and promote refillable water bottles, especially during activities in warmer months.

Digital

Emails are not printed out to help minimise paper use
All paperwork is kept digitally where possible
My website is optimised (e.g. unused images being deleted) to mimimise server pressure (and in turn, minimise energy usage)

Emissions and Transport

I promote the use of public transport to get to in-person activities to facilitators and participants
I minimise emissions by holding meetings online, where practical
I coordinate meeting timings and locations to minimise additional travel.
I seldom use private transport and favour walking, buses and trains. But where private transport must be used (i.e. transporting heavy goods or for accessibility), sharing transport with others heading to the same venue is explored
I source goods and services locally, or at least in the UK, where possible
Where postage is used, I use minimal, plastic-free packaging (using recycled or FSA approved options where possible)

Procurement and Services

I use ethical banks that do not invest in industries harmful to the planet
I commit to sustainable procurement; outsourcing, contracting and purchasing resources, specialist services and products
Procurement preference is given to other (ideally local) businesses, contractors and freelancers with similar ethical aims
Where equipment is required (e.g. gazebos, sound systems), I aim to borrow over purchase.
When purchasing refreshments for workshops and/or meetings, fair-trade tea and coffee (and other products), vegetarian/vegan, options, milk alternatives and locally-produced/UK fruit are provided over alternatives. I also aim to purchase yellow label/reduced items to help minimise food waste.
If plates/cutlery/mugs are needed for an event, I aim to borrow these, bring from home or encourage attendees to bring their own, instead of purchasing disposables. If disposables are inevitable, I avoid plastic products and opt for cardboard or wooden instead.

Introduction

I provide equal opportunities and a I am committed to the principle of equality regardless of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, religious belief, political opinion or affiliation, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, age or disability.

I will not condone any discriminatory act or attitude in the conduct of our business with members of the public or from those working with me, or on my behalf.

Acts of harassment or discrimination on the grounds of race, colour ethnic or national origin, religious belief, political opinion or affiliation, sex, marital status sexual orientation, gender reassignment, age or disability are not acceptable and will be challenged.

When freelancers, sub-contractors, volunteers or others undertake work for me, Lauren Saunders, they agree to take responsibility for ensuring equal opportunities in the delivery of work as outlined below.

Statement of Terms and Conditions

I am committed to equal opportunity in all aspects of its activities.

I encourage all people to become involved in my work, irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, sexuality, religious/political beliefs and health.

I encourage working practices that ensure those I work with are not discriminated against on any grounds, and ensure that any offer of freelance work and/or selection is designed to identify the right person for the job and/or on the grounds of merit alone, ensuring fair treatment for all applicants.

I am committed to creating inclusive opportunities and being an open and accessible practitioner, respecting and reflecting the needs of all individuals it works with in respect to age, gender, race, disability, sexuality, religious/political beliefs and health.

I take steps to influence the key decision makers at both national and local level, in statutory, voluntary and commercial organisations by opposing all forms of unfair discrimination within their policies, services and facilities.

Code of Practice

1) I am committed to supporting the needs of all individuals I work with or alongside as far as possible, irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, sexuality, religious/political beliefs and health.

2) I am committed to countering discrimination against people with regard to age, gender, race, disability, sexuality, religious/political beliefs and health.

This will be achieved by:

Ensuring that my aims and objectives respect the needs and differences of individuals regardless of age, gender, race, disability, sexuality, religious/political beliefs and health
Ensuring that any recruitment or partnering opportunities focus only on the specific skills and attributes for a particular role or opportunity
Ensuring that legal obligations under various relevant Acts, Directives and Regulations are met
Ensuring that as far as is practical, that places of activity are accessible for people with mobility problems, and I will work with partnering venues to ensure this is a priority. I commit to offering adaptations and reasonable adjustments to support people to engage as far as I am able, regardless of disability or neurodiversity.
Ensuring that opportunities, freelancer recruitment procedures, policy and practices welcome applications from, and give equal status to individuals irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, sexuality, religious/political beliefs and health
Ensuring that health and safety policy and practices are such that individuals need not disclose any disease or infection, unless under legislation to prevent the spread of notifiable diseases.

For more information please go to the Equal Opportunities Commission: https://www.eoc.org.uk/

Introduction

Lauren Saunders recognises her responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children within the framework of the Children Act 1989 and 2004.

All practitioners working in these organisations and agencies who are working with children and their families are subject to the same safeguarding responsibilities, whether paid or a volunteer.”
(Working together to safeguard children; a guide to inter-agency working to safeguard
and promote the welfare of children – July 2018)

It is difficult to acknowledge that abuse or harm could take place within my work but any group working with children is vulnerable. It is the responsibility of all of us to put the welfare of children and young people first, and to recognise behaviours that can put children at risk. Under the terms of the Children Act 2004, anyone up to the age of 18 is considered to be a child/young person.

I am aware that many children and young people are the victims of different kinds of abuse and that they can be subjected to social factors that can have an adverse impact upon their lives, such as domestic violence, parental substance misuse or neglect.

I aim to create a safe and fun environment within which children and young people can thrive in the security of clear guidance.

These guidelines are for the use of all freelance staff, volunteers, community partners and the parents/ carers of the children/young people, and vulnerable adults I often work with. I will endeavour to ensure that:

Children, young people and vulnerable adults are listened to, valued and respected
All freelancers and volunteers are subject to rigorous recruitment procedures and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance
All freelancers and volunteers are signposted to appropriate child protection training and support.

The Guidelines are divided in to the following sections:

Understanding & Recognising Signs of Abuse
What to do with your concerns and how to respond to a child wanting to talk about abuse
Allegations made against staff
Safe Recruitment
Good Practice
Safe Behaviour Do’s and Don’ts
Safeguarding children in the East Riding of Yorkshire
Contacts

All child protection concerns should be acted upon immediately. If you are concerned that a child is at risk of or actually suffering abuse during Lauren Saunders’ work, you should tell those she reports to in that specific project.

In an emergency, or if you do not agree with the decision made by the said team, you can make a referral directly yourself by contacting your local councils Safeguarding team.

Local HEY Referrals can be made by calling:

Hull – Early Help and Safeguarding Hub (EHASH)

Tel: 01482 448 879 op. 4 (office hours) or 01482 300 304 (out of hours)

Self-service hub: https://childrensportallive.hullcc.gov.uk/web/portal/pages/home

East Yorkshire – Families Information Service (FISH)

Tel: (01482) 396469 Email: fish@eastriding.gov.uk

ERY Children’s Safeguarding Hub

Tel: 01482 395500 (office hours) or 01482 393939 (out of hours)

Additional:

Please also contact the child or young person’s local ERYC Early Help Locality Hubs:

Hull North Locality Hub – 01482 828 901
Hull East Locality Hub – 01482 708 953
Hull West Locality Hub – 01482 305 770
Bridlington: ehp.bridlington@eastriding.gov.uk
Beverley: ehp.beverley@eastriding.gov.uk
Goole: ehp.goole@eastriding.gov.uk
Anlaby: ehp.haltemprice@eastriding.gov.uk
Hedon: ehp.holderness@eastriding.gov.uk
Driffield: ehp.wolds@eastriding.gov.uk

NB: If a child is suffering abuse and requires urgent attention because of immediate danger, call the Police on 999.

Understanding and Recognizing Signs of Abuse

Abuse and neglect are forms of maltreatment of a child. Somebody may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm, or by failing to act to prevent harm. Children maybe abused in a family or in an institutional or community setting, by those known to them or, more rarely, by a stranger for example, via the internet. They may be abused by an adult or adults, or another child or children.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating, or otherwise causing physical harm to a child.

Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer fabricates the symptoms of, or deliberately induces, illness in a child.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional maltreatment of a child such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child’s emotional development. It may involve conveying to children that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another person. It may include not giving the child opportunities to express their views, deliberately silencing them or ‘making fun’ of what they say or how they communicate. It may feature age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed on children. These may include interactions that are beyond the child’s developmental capability, as well as overprotection and limitation of exploration and learning, or preventing the child participating in normal social interaction. It may involve seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another. It may involve serious bullying (including cyberbullying), causing children frequently to feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of maltreatment of a child, though it may occur alone.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, not necessarily involving a high level of violence, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including assault by penetration (for example, rape or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing and touching outside of clothing. They may also include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, sexual images, watching sexual activities, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways, or grooming a child in preparation for abuse (including via the internet). Sexual abuse is not solely perpetrated by adult males. Women can also commit acts of sexual abuse, as can other children.

Neglect

Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child’s health or development. Neglect may occur during pregnancy as a result of maternal substance abuse. Once a child is born, neglect may involve a parent or carer failing to:

provide adequate food, clothing and shelter (including exclusion from home or abandonment);
protect a child from physical and emotional harm or danger;
ensure adequate supervision (including the use of inadequate care-givers); or
ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment

It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to, a child’s basic emotional needs.

There are also additional areas of safeguarding children that we must be aware of, these are:

Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
Radicalisation (Prevent)
Self-harm and suicide prevention
Online safety

Lauren Saunders will ensure that all her subcontracted freelancers or volunteers working with children or young people are encouraged to attend training on the above to gain a better understanding of the associated risks and issues.

What to do with your concerns

In the event that a child or young person makes an allegation or disclosure of abuse about an adult or another child or young person it is important that you:

Listen to them and/or closely observe their presentation and behaviour
Do not try to question the child in detail. If a child tells you someone has hurt them, listen carefully and explain that you will have to tell someone else who will help them to stop this happening. Tell them that you believe them.
Make a note of what is said as soon as possible, remembering the exact words used if you can. Do not make judgements, rather evidence based recordings. Sign and date your notes.
Inform Lauren, the team she’s working with or the local authority as soon as possible.
Where possible it is good practice to inform the parent/carer of the disclosure and referral, however, do not inform the person named as the abuser if you feel this might place the child at risk of further harm.
Do not discuss concerns/allegations/disclosures with other people. The child/young person and family have a right to confidentiality with only people who ‘need to know’ sharing the information.

Sometimes you may just feel concerned about a child but do not know whether to share your concerns or not.

It is not however the responsibility of Lauren or other staff to investigate suspected abuse.

The responsibility for investigating allegations of abuse, whether they result from the disclosure of a child or young person or the concerns of an adult, lies with the local Safeguarding Children Unit, including the Local Area Designated Officer (LADO) and police officers from the Protecting Vulnerable People Unit (PVPU). It is normally the responsibility of your Designated Safeguarding Lead to make a referral to these agencies but if you judge the situation to be urgent and/or you require immediate advice you can report your concerns directly.

Either the local Safeguarding Children Unit, LADO or the PVPU officer will advise you if or when to inform the child’s parents or carers about any concerns. If they decide to pursue a child protection investigation you should;

Work closely and collaboratively with all professionals involved in the investigation, in order to keep the child safe;
Attend a child protection conference, if you are invited, where you will be asked to provide information about your involvement with the child. This is one of the reasons why it is important to keep dated records of your concerns;
Attend any subsequent child protection conferences.

You can find out more detail about the identification of abuse and what to do from either the Hull Safeguarding Partnership website (https://www.hullscp.co.uk/) or the East Riding Safeguarding Children Partnership website (https://www.erscp.co.uk/

Allegations made against Lauren Saunders, her freelancers, volunteers or sub-contractors

All organisations that work or come in to contact with children and young people need to be aware of the possibility that allegations may be made against those working or volunteering for them. Allegations will usually be that some kind of abuse has taken place. They may be made by a child, young person, a vulnerable adult or another concerned adult. Allegations may be made for a variety of reasons, some of them being that:

Abuse has actually taken place
Something happens to a child that reminds them of an event that happened in the past – the child is unable to recognise that the people and situation are different
Your language or actions are misinterpreted by a child or young person because they are reminded of someone else
Some children know how powerful an allegation can be and, if they are angry or upset with you, have made the allegation as a way of hitting out
An allegation can be a way of seeking attention.

It may be difficult to accept that abuse could occur in our work or that the person being named could be responsible but all allegations should be brought to the attention of the Designated Safeguarding Leads immediately. In cases where the allegation is against one of the co-ordinators, the complaint should be taken to the other one, or you should take the following action yourself:

Make sure that the child or young person is safe and away from the person alleged to have abused them
Contact the Hull Safeguarding Team or the East Riding Safeguarding Children Team(depending on where the child lives), including the Local Area Designated Officer (LADO) as explained above. In case of activity happening elsewhere in the UK, the equivilent local authority safeguarding teams should be contacted.
Contact the parents/carers of the child if advised to do so by the social worker or police officer in charge of the investigation
Irrespective of any investigation by local Safeguarding Children Unit, LADO or the police, you should follow the appropriate disciplinary procedures. Common practice is for the alleged abuser to be bannedfrom attending any organisational events or activities until the outcome of any investigation is known;
Consider whether the alleged abuser has access to children anywhere else and whether those organisations or groups need to be informed;
Act upon the decisions made in any strategy decision

All incidents should be investigated internally, after any external investigation has finished in order to review practice and put in place any additional measures to prevent a similar thing happening again.

It is good practice for organisations to develop and encourage an environment where people feel safe to express their concerns about the practice of others. If a staff member, volunteer or participant has concerns they should not be victimised in any way for expressing them.

Safe Recruitment

To reduce the risk of abuse to children and the likelihood of allegations being made that are founded, we have clear and rigorous procedures. These following procedures are relevant to short term and ‘one off’ events and activities:

All prospective workers (paid or unpaid) in regulated activity with children must have a new Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before commencing work with you – anyone who refuses to do so should not be employed. Freelancers are expected to provide evidence of a recent ( <6mos) DBS check done elsewhere or a screenshot of their update register with their certificate number.
Nobody should start work before the DBS process completed with a disclosure certificate received (see exceptional circumstances below)*
Members of the team should be clear about their responsibilities and wherever possible work to an agreed job description.
These guidelines should be made available to all members of the team, including freelancers and volunteers.
*There may be exceptional circumstances where individuals are involved with the project who will not be required to have a DBS. For example for technical support or a talk/presentation. In this case there will always be another DBS cleared member of the facilitation team present.

Practical Basic Procedures

Lauren Saunders is committed to good Safeguarding practice. This includes:

Lauren has undergone Safeguarding training, and is responsible for making sure their training is up to date.
Display and share the name and contact details of Safeguarding contacts on my website, including children, young people, parents & carers, so that they are aware of who to talk to if there are any concerns
Ensuring that all freelancers and volunteers working with children who I work alongside should have attended basic child protection training and are able to provide evidence of such.
Observing Health and Safety Regulations
Having an attendance register for every tutor/group leader if there are classes/activity sessions being run
Making sure everyone involved in the project actively promotes a culture of openness, where everyone (including children and young people) feels free to share their views and concerns
Dealing with any allegation about a child or adult in a confidential manner and only share the information with those who need to know
Not allowing any member of staff to be left alone with a child/children where they cannot be observed by others
Not, under any circumstances, allowing visitors to wander around the spaces where Lauren’s project activities are taking place unaccompanied when there are children and young people present
Endeavouring, where possible, that there should always be at least two members in the facilitation team with a group of children – it is vital that the ratio of child to adult is adequate to ensure safety. For children under 8 no more that 1:8 and under 5 no more than 1:6
Being alert to strangers frequently waiting outside a venue with no apparent purpose. Children should not be collected by anybody other than their parents unless prior notification has already been received
Inform freelancers and volunteers that if a child has not been collected after a session it is reasonable to wait for at least half an hour. If the parent or carer has still not arrived and cannot be contacted they should contact the nearest duty team or the police and request advice and assistance
Talking to young people and encourage their involvement and participation.

If any outings or trips have been arranged, Lauren Saunders must ensure that:

All vehicles being used are insured, roadworthy and fitted with seatbelts, or are otherwise hired from reputable services
All drivers have at least one DBS checked escort
Roll call is taken at the beginning of the journey and again on the return trip. If more than one vehicle is used children and young people should use the same vehicle both ways
Team members accompanying the trip have contact numbers for the local authorities Safeguarding Team, emergency contact details for each child, and emergency services
If a child goes missing on a trip, activity facilitators should instigate an immediate search and alert appropriate security staff. If the child cannot be found within half an hour the police must be notified
If, having notified security staff and the police, the child still cannot be found the parents/carers must be informed immediately
The care of the remaining children is paramount and it is imperative that they return to the home site as quickly as possible. Lauren Saunders must remain at the visit site to co-ordinate contact between security/police staff and the parents/carers.

Seven Golden rules of information sharing

‘Information Sharing: Guidance for practitioners and managers’ (2008) is aimed at supporting good practice in information sharing by offering clarity on when and how information can be shared legally and professionally in order to achieve improved outcomes. It can be especially useful in supporting early intervention and preventative work where decisions about information sharing may be less clear than in safeguarding or child protection situations. Below are the 7 golden rules of information sharing that this guidance recommends.

Remember that the Data Protection Act is not a barrier to sharing information but provides a framework to ensure that personal information about living persons is shared appropriately.
From the outset be open and honest with the person (and/or their family where appropriate) from the outset about why, what, how and with whom information will, or could be shared, and seek their agreement, unless it is unsafe or inappropriate to do so.
Seek advice if you are in any doubt, without disclosing the identity of the person where possible.
Share with consent where appropriate and, where possible, respect the wishes of those who do not consent to share confidential information. You may still share information without consent if, in your judgement, that lack of consent can be overridden in the public interest. You will need to base your judgements on the facts of the case.
Consider safety and well being: Base your information sharing decisions on considerations of the safety and well being of the person and others who may be affected by their actions.
Necessary, proportionate, relevant, accurate, timely and secure: Ensure that the information you share is necessary for the purpose for which you are sharing it, is shared only with those people who need to have it, is accurate and up to date, is shared in a timely fashion, and is shared securely.
Keep a record of your decision and the reason for it – whether it is to share information or not. If you decide to share, then record what you have shared, with whom and for what purpose.

Introduction

This policy applies to Lauren Saunders, and any freelancers, sub-contractors and volunteers working for Lauren, participants and the general public.

This policy has been drawn up in response to and in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 19741. For more information on ‘The Health and Safety at Work Act’ (1974), and other relevant legislation, please visit www.hse.gov.uk

Lauren is aware that she has a responsibility to ensure that all reasonable precautions are taken to provide and maintain working conditions which are safe, healthy and comply with all statutory requirements and codes of practice for all freelancers, sub-contractors and volunteers working for her, participants and the general public.

When freelancers, sub-contractors, volunteers or others undertake work with or on behalf of Lauren saunders, they agree to take responsibility for health and safety in the delivery of work as outlined below.

Lauren Saunders will, so far as is reasonably practicable, pay particular attention to:

The provision and maintenance of equipment and systems of work and ensure they are in a fit and safe state. However, when delivering an activity on a partner venue/site and using the partner organisation’s equipment and work systems then the responsibility for maintenance and equipment/system safety lies with the partner organisation.
Involving and motivating sub-freelancers and volunteers in health and safety matters, and ensuring that freelancers and sub-contractors meet expectations.
Controlling situations which may threaten life, health or property

The Procedure

Lauren is responsible for safety matters pertaining to her work and will monitor the policy; she will manage any safety records, investigate accidents, provide accident statistics, and keep watch of changing safety legislation. This policy will be reviewed every three years, or sooner where resources allow. Information for any wider team, freelancers involved in projects, and volunteers will be provided, as far as is reasonably practicable, to achieve and maintain a high standard of safety in the delivery of activity.

She will take reasonable steps to support its freelancers and volunteers in health and safety matters, including signposting to training if required.

Where there are in-person events such as workshops and summer schools, Lauren must ask venue and any sub-contractors artners to be shown the location of First Aid boxes, fire exit doors, firefighting equipment and receive relevant verbal and written briefings from venue staff.

Freelancers and sub-contractors will be expected to produce their own health and safety policy when requested and to take part in regular safety checks, and are ultimately responsible for their own safe professional engagement with Lauren Saunders or her projects. Freelancers are responsible for ensuring that any equipment they provide themselves for workshops/activities (as opposed to those provided by partners) are safe for use through regular checks, with particular reference to mechanical, operational and chemical safety.

Lauren, volunteers and sub-contractors have a responsibility to do everything they can to prevent injury to themselves, their co-workers, their participants or anyone else affected by their actions or omissions at work. They are expected to follow these procedures in particular and to report any incidents that have or may have led to injury or damage to the Lauren or an appropriate authority. Lauren, all freelancers and volunteers should ensure that they use any equipment provided in accordance with training that they have received. They should report any serious or imminent danger and any shortcomings that they see in the protection arrangements to Lauren or an appropriate authority.

Violence at Work

Violence at work can be defined as:

“any incident in which an employee is abused, threatened or assaulted by a member of the public in circumstances arising out of the course of his or her employment” (The Health and Safety executive leaflet ‘Violence to Staff’,1990).

This may also include any form of verbal abuse, any form of harassment due to any of the discriminations identified within Lauren’s Equal Opportunities policy, as well as any other threatening behaviour and physical attack.

Lauren is committed to ensuring the personal safety of its team members, freelancers and volunteers while they are within the working environment. Therefore Lauren will:

Implement procedures that will be followed at all times to minimize risk and develop safe working practices
Maintain a report/record system
Signpost towards up to date information and training on personal safety issues
Review systems and procedures on a regular basis

Lauren, team members, freelancers, and volunteers are required to:

Follow the procedures set out with regard to personal safety (groups should set these out as separate appendices)
Report any incident which comes under the definition above Lauren or an appropriate authority
To report any incident where there was a feeling of threat to Lauren or an appropriate authority
To inform Lauren or an appropriate authority of any new or increased risk in their work

Accidents

In the event of an accident all team members, freelancers and volunteers must report full details to Lauren or an appropriate authority as soon as possible. Accidents will be reported to the inspecting authority as and when necessary. Lauren will investigate all accidents as far as possible, and ensure that necessary action is taken to prevent recurrence.

First Aid

Before an in-person event such as a workshop or summer school all those working on the event for Lauren must ask site/venue staff to be shown the location of the nearest First Aid box. In the case of a non-partnered/outdoor activity, Lauren will bring a basic first aid kit, or make one available within her projects to other sub-contractors.

Fire

When delivering an in-person events such as workshops and summer schools, Lauren, team members and volunteers must ask venue partners to be shown the location of fire exit doors and firefighting equipment, and make efforts to ensure that fire exits are kept clear from obstruction and that fire doors must be kept shut at all times. Fire regulations are usually displayed in working areas, as is the fire evacuation procedure, and Lauren and/or her sub-contractors must take note of these at partner venues prior to delivery on site. All those taking part in external events should ask site/venue partners to be briefed according to the procedures in place at the venue.

Electrical Equipment

Electrical equipment is normally safe, provided it is properly installed and maintained. Lauren may provide her own personal equipment to use in her own activities, but sub-contractors are expected to provide their own and ensure they are safe. But all those delivering activities are still encouraged to be vigilant when using any electrical equipment and inspect it is safe to use (e.g. no loose wires, or wires showing).

Remember that water and liquids are conductors of electricity and their associations with faults caused by, for example, damaged cables, flexes, plugs and sockets, the overloading of circuits and fuses would make the shock more severe.

Therefore:

NEVER touch electrical equipment with wet hands; or move any portable equipment without disconnecting it from the mains; or make electrical repairs or do other electrical work unless authorization has been given.
KEEP electrical supply cables and flexes away from wet areas, or from where they will be damaged.
ALWAYS switch off all equipment when not required, unless continuous operation is necessary. All defective equipment must be reported.

Risk Management

Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1999), made under the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), risk assessment is a compulsory legal requirement to ensure that all members and service users of organisations enjoy a safe and healthy environment.

Lauren, and those delivering activities her behalf, are required to produce risk assessments for the activities they plan on delivering. These must be shared with Lauren for review prior to the event/activity taking place. She can explain how to do risk assessments or share risk assessment templates if required.

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)

Hazardous substances will be identified and, if possible, safer alternatives will be found. If this is not possible, the freelancers using these substances are responsible for their use, outline how risk will be minimised in their risk assessments and will use, label and store these safely.

Manual Handling

Do not lift objects which pose undue strain
Always check the load before moving it
Avoid the need for handling wherever possible
Always use appropriate aids
Do not attempt to lift alone if two people are more appropriate
Those with medical issues which impact their ability to lift should take extra care and not lift heavy or awkward loads during any activity. If they choose to do so, they do so at their own risk.

Training for sub-contractors will be signposted to where necessary.

Monitoring and Reviewing

Lauren Saunders is committed to ensuring safe working conditions for all freelancers, sub-contractors and volunteers working to support her and her projects.

She is responsible for monitoring these procedures on a regular basis and will instigate a reviewing of this policy every three years.

(NB one of the signatories should be The Critical Fish’s Health and Safety Officer)

Overview

Our refund and returns policy lasts 30 days. If 30 days have passed since your purchase, we can’t offer you a full refund or exchange.

To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging.

To complete your return, we require a receipt or proof of purchase.

There are certain situations where only partial refunds are granted:

Any item that shows signs of use
Any item not in its original condition, is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to our error.
Any item that is returned more than 30 days after delivery

Refunds

Once your return is received and inspected, we will send you an email to notify you that we have received your returned item. We will also notify you of the approval or rejection of your refund.

If you are approved, then your refund will be processed, and a credit will automatically be applied to your credit card or original method of payment, within a certain amount of days.

Late or missing refunds

If you haven’t received a refund yet, first check your bank account again.

Then contact your credit card company, it may take some time before your refund is officially posted.

Next contact your bank. There is often some processing time before a refund is posted.

If you’ve done all of this and you still have not received your refund yet, please contact us at lauren@laurensaundersart.co.uk.

Sale items

Only regular priced items may be refunded. Sale items cannot be refunded.

Exchanges

We only replace items if they are defective or damaged. If you need to exchange it for the same item, send us an email at lauren@laurensaundersart.co.uk.

Gifts

If the item was marked as a gift when purchased and shipped directly to you, you’ll receive a gift credit for the value of your return. Once the returned item is received, a gift certificate will be mailed to you.

If the item wasn’t marked as a gift when purchased, or the gift giver had the order shipped to themselves to give to you later, we will send a refund to the gift giver and they will find out about your return.

Shipping returns

To return your product, you should mail your product to the address given in your email correspondence with the seller.

You will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item. Shipping costs are non-refundable. If you receive a refund, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund.

Depending on where you live, the time it may take for your exchanged product to reach you may vary.

If you are returning more expensive items, you may consider using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. We don’t guarantee that we will receive your returned item.

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