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Lone Working Policy

Policy Statment

Regenerate Mentoring recognises that some staff and mentors may be required to work alone or without direct supervision in the course of their duties. Lone working can present additional risks, and this policy sets out measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all staff, mentors, volunteers and service users.

Our approach aims to minimise risks through robust planning, communication, training and risk assessment.

Legal Framework

This policy is informed by:

  • Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

  • Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

  • Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013

  • Safeguarding Children and Adults Legislation

  • Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025

Aims

  • To ensure the safety of all staff and mentors engaged in lone working.

  • To identify and assess risks associated with working alone.

  • To implement clear communication and reporting procedures.

  • To ensure staff know how to respond to emergencies or concerns.

Scope

This policy applies to all Regenerate Mentoring staff, mentors and volunteers who:

  • Work with children or young people one-to-one.

  • Conduct visits or sessions in community settings or homes.

  • Travel alone to and from mentoring locations.

  • Undertake work outside standard office or supervision hours.

Roles and Responsibilities

  • DSL: Jonny Doidge

  • Deputy DSL: Amy Doidge

  • The Senior Leadership Team oversees the implementation of lone working procedures.

  • Staff and mentors are responsible for following this policy and completing relevant risk assessments.

Risk Assessment

Before any lone working activity:

  • A risk assessment must be completed using Regenerate Mentoring’s template.

  • Considerations must include:

    • Location and environment (e.g., home visit, public space)

    • Nature of the activity

    • The young person’s needs and behaviour

    • Time of day and travel arrangements

    • Communication and emergency access

  • High-risk situations must be reviewed by a line manager or DSL before proceeding.

Safety Procedures

To ensure safety while working alone:

  • All sessions must be logged with management, including time, location and expected end time.

  • Staff must check in and out with their line manager or designated contact.

  • Mobile phones must be fully charged and accessible.

  • Sessions should, where possible, take place in public or well-supervised spaces.

  • No mentor should enter a private residence unless it has been pre-approved and risk-assessed.

  • Staff must immediately report any incident, near miss or feeling of unease.

Emergency Procedures

In an emergency:

  • Move to a place of safety.

  • Call 999 if immediate danger is present.

  • Notify the DSL (Jonny Doidge) or Deputy DSL (Amy Doidge) as soon as possible.

  • Complete an incident report following any emergency or concern.

Training and Supervision

  • All staff and mentors receive lone working and personal safety training during induction.

  • Refresher training is provided annually or following an incident.

  • Regular supervision sessions are held to discuss lone working experiences and concerns.

This Lone Working Policy has been approved by the Board of Directors and will be reviewed annually or as necessary to ensure compliance with current legislation and best practices.

Last Reviewed: September 2025
Next Review Date: September 2026

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