Risk Assessment for Public Spaces and Outreach Work
Policy Statement
Regenerate Mentoring recognises that many of our activities take place in public settings such as parks, cafés, community centres and other shared environments. We are committed to ensuring the safety of children, young people, staff, mentors, and members of the public during all outreach and community-based sessions.
This policy outlines our approach to identifying, assessing and managing risks in public spaces to maintain a safe, supportive and positive environment.
Legal Framework
This policy aligns with:
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025
Safeguarding Children and Adults Policies
Local Authority Guidance for Off-site Activities
Aims
To ensure risk assessments are completed for all public and off-site activities.
To reduce risks to the lowest practicable level without limiting positive experiences.
To ensure all staff and mentors are trained in dynamic risk assessment.
To promote shared responsibility for health, safety and safeguarding.
Roles & Responsibilities
DSL: Jonny Doidge
Deputy DSL: Amy Doidge
Staff and mentors must conduct a pre-session risk assessment for all public-based mentoring.
The Senior Leadership Team oversees policy implementation and training.
Risk Assessment Process
Identify hazards – e.g., environment, public interaction, travel, weather, health, behaviour.
Assess risks – likelihood and severity.
Implement control measures – supervision, boundaries, safe meeting points, emergency contacts.
Record findings – using the Regenerate Mentoring risk assessment template.
Review regularly – particularly if conditions or participants’ needs change.
Dynamic Risk Assessment
Staff must continually assess risk throughout each session and make on-the-spot decisions to ensure safety. This includes monitoring:
Changes in behaviour or environment.
Emerging hazards such as crowds, noise, or unsafe weather.
Suitability of activity for the young person’s emotional state.
Emergency Procedures
All mentors carry emergency contact information and know how to access first aid.
Any incidents or near misses must be recorded and reported to the DSL.
Training
All mentors receive training on health and safety, dynamic risk assessment, and safeguarding procedures as part of their induction and ongoing professional development.
This Risk Assessment policy for public spaces and outreach will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains effective and compliant with current legislation.
Last Reviewed: September 2025
Next Review Date: September 2026