Risk Assessment Policy – Pride Space CIC 

1. Purpose 

The purpose of this policy is to set out how Pride Space CIC identifies, assesses, and manages risks that may arise in the course of its work. The policy ensures that risks to staff, volunteers, counsellors, service users, and the wider community are minimised, and that Pride Space remains compliant with health, safety, and safeguarding responsibilities. 

2. Scope 

This policy applies to all Pride Space CIC activities, including: 

  • Counselling and therapy services. 
  • Events, workshops, and community activities. 
  • Volunteer and staff duties. 
  • Online and remote service delivery. 
  • Fundraising, partnerships, and outreach. 

3. Principles 

  • Prevention First – Risks will be identified early, with controls in place to prevent harm. 
  • Shared Responsibility – All staff and volunteers have a duty to contribute to safe practice. 
  • Transparency & Accountability – Risks will be recorded, monitored, and reviewed openly. 
  • Proportionality – Risk control measures will balance safety with accessibility and inclusion. 

4. What is a Risk Assessment? 

A risk assessment is a structured process to: 

  1. Identify potential hazards (anything that may cause harm). 
  1. Assess the likelihood and severity of harm. 
  1. Decide on actions to reduce or control the risk. 
  1. Record findings and share with relevant people. 
  1. Review and update regularly. 

5. Responsibilities 

Trustees / Directors 

  • Ensure a risk assessment framework is in place. 
  • Review major risks annually and sign off policy updates. 

Managers / Leads 

  • Complete and oversee risk assessments for their area (e.g., counselling, events, venues). 
  • Ensure staff and volunteers are trained in risk awareness. 
  • Report significant risks to the Board. 

Staff & Volunteers 

  • Follow risk assessment guidance when carrying out duties. 
  • Report hazards, incidents, and near misses immediately. 
  • Contribute to reviews and suggest improvements. 

6. Risk Assessment Process 

  1. Identify Hazards – physical (e.g., trip hazards), emotional (e.g., safeguarding), environmental (e.g., fire risk), or organisational (e.g., data breaches). 
  1. Assess Risks – rate likelihood (low/medium/high) and impact (minor/serious/major). 
  1. Decide Controls – measures to eliminate or reduce risks, such as training, supervision, equipment, or policies. 
  1. Record – use the Pride Space Risk Assessment Form to record findings. 
  1. Review – risk assessments must be reviewed: 
  1. Annually. 
  1. After incidents/near misses. 
  1. When activities, staff, or venues change. 

7. Types of Risk Assessments at Pride Space CIC 

  • General risk assessments – covering day-to-day operations. 
  • Activity/venue-specific assessments – for events, workshops, counselling spaces. 
  • Individual risk assessments – where service users or staff may have specific risks (e.g., health conditions, safeguarding concerns). 
  • COVID-19 / Health-related assessments – as required by law or guidance. 
  • Data protection risk assessments – for confidentiality and IT systems. 

8. Recording & Documentation 

  • All risk assessments must be documented on the Pride Space CIC Risk Assessment Form. 
  • Records must be stored securely and made available to relevant staff, volunteers, and trustees. 
  • A central log will be maintained for monitoring and audit. 

9. Training & Awareness 

  • All staff and volunteers will be trained in basic risk awareness. 
  • Specialist training will be provided for those completing risk assessments. 
  • Refresher training will be given annually or when policies change. 

10. Monitoring & Review 

  • Risk assessments will be monitored by managers and reviewed at least annually. 
  • The Board of Directors will receive a summary of key risks and actions taken. 
  • The policy will be updated in line with changes to legislation, guidance, or organisational needs.