BCS Health and Safety Policy

Introduction and scope

Berkhamsted Choral Society (‘BCS’) is committed to providing a healthy and safe environment for all those involved in the activities it organises.

• This includes but is not limited to; members, staff (including freelance), volunteers and members of the public.
• This includes but is not limited to; rehearsals, performances and fundraising events.

Responsibilities

• Overall responsibility for health and safety sits with the BCS committee.
• Practical responsibility for health and safety at events and activities organised by BCS sits with the BCS Chair and Concert/Event Manager.    

Statements of general policy

1. BCS seeks to prevent accidents and cases of ill-health by managing the health and safety at events and activities it organises.

Actions taken: relevant risk assessments to be completed for events and activities. Where regular venues are used the risk assessment will be reviewed annually or sooner if required.

2. BCS provides clear instructions and information to ensure that members, staff and volunteers are competent to do their work in a healthy and safe manner.

Actions taken: tasks performed by members, staff and volunteers to be risk assessed and appropriate instruction to be provided (e.g. preparing and serving hot drinks, erecting staging).

3. BCS engage and consult with members, staff and volunteers on health and safety conditions.

Actions taken: members, staff and volunteers to be briefed on health and safety risk assessments for new venues/activities and updated on any changes in risk assessment for regular venues/activities. Establish clear lines of communication for members, staff and volunteers to raise health and safety concerns. Have procedures in place to ensure concerns raised are investigated and acted on where appropriate.

4. BCS implement emergency procedures as necessary to include evacuation in case of fire or other significant incident.

Actions taken: ensure at least one individual is responsible for knowing fire procedures for hired venues and for communicating them to those present.

5. BCS maintain safe and healthy conditions for the safe storage of equipment

Actions taken: ensure satisfactory health and safety conditions at hired venues and for hired equipment. Ensure that any equipment owned by BCS is stored safely.

First Aid

• BCS ensure they are aware of First Aid procedures, kits and equipment at hired venues.

Sound safety

BCS takes the responsibility of protecting the hearing of members, staff, volunteers and audience members seriously. We :

• ensure there are open lines of communication for individuals to raise concerns about hearing
• take concerns seriously; the BCS Committee and Musical Director work with individuals to find ways to minimise risk.
• take into account the protection of our audience’s hearing when designing stage and audience layout for performances.

Policy review

The policy is reviewed every 2 years by the committee and members of BCS will be informed of any changes.

This policy is due for review in February 2027.