Our Policies
Please scroll down to see the following policies:
FoHC Health and Safety Policy
FoHC Equality and Diversity Policy
FoHC Child Protection Policy
FoHC Health and Safety Policy
FoHC Equality and Diversity Policy
FoHC Child Protection Policy
FoHC Health and Safety Policy
Version 1 – date ratified: 04.10.2025
A copy of this policy will be kept on file digitally so it can be accessed by anyone who needs to refer to it.
A copy of this policy will be kept on file digitally so it can be accessed by anyone who needs to refer to it.
The Purpose of this Policy
FoHC aims to maintain a safe environment for everyone taking part in collective activities and will encourage an atmosphere where everyone works together to ensure that everything has been done to prevent avoidable accidents and protect people from getting hurt.
This policy sets out the procedures by which FoHC will do its best to ensure everyone's Health and Safety when taking part in specific and relevant FoHC activities.
Responsibilities
FoHC Committee members
Overall and final responsibility for Health and Safety lies with the FoHC Committee, who are insured by Bristol City Council Parks Department providing that leaders of events have had training and have had risk assessment forms submitted and agreed.
Members Responsible for Organising Specific Activities, subsequently to be called Lead Volunteers
Overall responsibility for Health and Safety of a specific and relevant FoHC activity lies with the Lead Volunteer for that activity.
Members taking part in Activities
All members taking part in activities must
General Arrangements
Risk Assessment
Tools and other Equipment and Materials
Storage
Safe Use
Monitoring and Review
A copy of this policy will be kept on file digitally so it can be accessed by anyone who needs to refer to it.
A copy of this policy will be kept on file digitally so it can be accessed by anyone who needs to refer to it.
The Purpose of this Policy
FoHC aims to maintain a safe environment for everyone taking part in collective activities and will encourage an atmosphere where everyone works together to ensure that everything has been done to prevent avoidable accidents and protect people from getting hurt.
This policy sets out the procedures by which FoHC will do its best to ensure everyone's Health and Safety when taking part in specific and relevant FoHC activities.
Responsibilities
FoHC Committee members
Overall and final responsibility for Health and Safety lies with the FoHC Committee, who are insured by Bristol City Council Parks Department providing that leaders of events have had training and have had risk assessment forms submitted and agreed.
- ensure that FoHC has adequate cover under Public Liability insurance by checking annually with Bristol City Council, who maintain cover for Parks Volunteers
- ensure that appropriate information and/or training is available to members taking on responsibilities to foster the awareness of health, safety and welfare issues.
Members Responsible for Organising Specific Activities, subsequently to be called Lead Volunteers
Overall responsibility for Health and Safety of a specific and relevant FoHC activity lies with the Lead Volunteer for that activity.
- ensure that risk assessments and other appropriate procedures have been carried out before the activity starts and have been sent and approved by North Bristol Parks Dept
- ensure that the activity is carried out according to appropriate procedures
- ensure that appropriate records are completed and stored so they can be referred to in future
Members taking part in Activities
All members taking part in activities must
- take reasonable care of themselves and others
- report any hazard or unsafe practices to the Lead Volunteer
General Arrangements
Risk Assessment
- will be carried out for specific FoHC activities where necessary; this includes activities like workdays or public events, but not meetings.
- generic risk assessments will be created for each particular kind of activity
- for each significant new event/activity a separate risk assessment will be done, recorded and stored for future reference after being sent and approved by North Bristol Parks Dept
- The Lead Volunteer is responsible for taking charge in an emergency during a FoHC activity and they must carry a mobile phone.
- Appropriate First Aid training will be signposted to active Members where possible
- First Aid Kit is carried by the Lead Volunteer.
- Should any accident occur, the Lead Volunteer must report this to the Co-ordinator and be recorded in the accident file.
Tools and other Equipment and Materials
Storage
- All Tools etc belonging to FoHC will be stored securely. Tools can be loaned from North Bristol Parks Dept. if needed.
- Whoever has taken the tools out is responsible for their safe use and return. If tools are lost or damaged, this must be reported to the Co-ordinator.
Safe Use
- The Lead Volunteer is responsible for checking that the tools and equipment are safe to use and are used and returned correctly.
- Lead Volunteers are trained to use tools correctly by Bristol City Council Parks Dept.
- The Lead Volunteer is not responsible for personal tools etc. used by any member as part of that activity.
Monitoring and Review
- This policy should be considered alongside other related policies
- It will be reviewed annually, or sooner if required
FoHC Equality and Diversity Policy
Version 1 – date ratified: 04.10.2025
Friends of Horfield Common (FoHC) is committed to being an organisation in which everyone is included and valued and which provides equality of opportunity and freedom from discrimination. A copy of this policy will be kept on file digitally so it can be accessed by anyone who needs to refer to it.
Policy Statement
We at FoHC are committed to achieving an organisation in which everyone, whatever their socio-economic or personal characteristics, feels included and valued, and which provides equality of opportunity and freedom from discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, disability, religious beliefs, economic status, age or sexual orientation wherever possible. FoHC is committed to actively opposing all forms of discrimination.
FoHC also aims to ensure that all the activities which we organise are open and accessible to all, whenever possible. FoHC believes that all our members and all park users are entitled to be treated with respect and dignity, and to feel included and valued.
Objectives of this Policy
To reduce, stop and prevent all forms of discrimination.
Designated Officer for Equality and Diversity
The Co-ordinator of FoHC
Definition of Discrimination
Discrimination is unequal or differential treatment which leads to one person being treated more or less favourably than others are, or would be, treated in the same or similar circumstances on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, disability, religion, economic status, age, sexual orientation. Discrimination may be direct or indirect.
What is inclusion?
When we refer to people feeling included, we mean that they feel a sense of belonging and a sense of feeling respected and valued for who they are. All in positions of responsibility within FoHC will work on improving its ways of working and its methods and styles of interaction so that everyone involved with our organisation feels they belong and feels engaged and connected to the extent that they want to be.
Responsibility for the Implementation of this Policy
The active commitment and co-operation of those involved with FoHC is essential for the success of this Policy. All members of FoHC are encouraged to act in a way that does not subject any other members or park users to direct or indirect discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, economic status, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, disability, religion, age or sexual orientation.
Acting on Discriminatory Behaviour
Any issues, concerns or specific allegations of discriminatory behaviour should be initially directed to the Co-ordinator via contact details listed on the FoHC website and, if unresolved, may be brought up at the following general meeting.
The Extent of the Policy
FoHC will work pro-actively to apply the provisions and spirit of this policy in their day-to-day activities and interactions with everyone involved with the organisation. FoHC seeks to ensure that any sub-contractors, agents, etc act in accordance with this Policy, but accepts no liability for the actions of sub-contractors and agents.
Monitoring and Review
Version 1 – date ratified: 04.10.2025
Friends of Horfield Common (FoHC) is committed to being an organisation in which everyone is included and valued and which provides equality of opportunity and freedom from discrimination. A copy of this policy will be kept on file digitally so it can be accessed by anyone who needs to refer to it.
Policy Statement
We at FoHC are committed to achieving an organisation in which everyone, whatever their socio-economic or personal characteristics, feels included and valued, and which provides equality of opportunity and freedom from discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, disability, religious beliefs, economic status, age or sexual orientation wherever possible. FoHC is committed to actively opposing all forms of discrimination.
FoHC also aims to ensure that all the activities which we organise are open and accessible to all, whenever possible. FoHC believes that all our members and all park users are entitled to be treated with respect and dignity, and to feel included and valued.
Objectives of this Policy
To reduce, stop and prevent all forms of discrimination.
- To encourage practices and ways of interacting with people that make everyone involved with FoHC feel included and valued.
Designated Officer for Equality and Diversity
The Co-ordinator of FoHC
Definition of Discrimination
Discrimination is unequal or differential treatment which leads to one person being treated more or less favourably than others are, or would be, treated in the same or similar circumstances on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, disability, religion, economic status, age, sexual orientation. Discrimination may be direct or indirect.
What is inclusion?
When we refer to people feeling included, we mean that they feel a sense of belonging and a sense of feeling respected and valued for who they are. All in positions of responsibility within FoHC will work on improving its ways of working and its methods and styles of interaction so that everyone involved with our organisation feels they belong and feels engaged and connected to the extent that they want to be.
- Inclusion is a universal human right whose aim is to embrace all people, irrespective of their socio -economic and personal characteristics. It is about valuing and welcoming all individuals, giving equal access and opportunity to all and removing both discrimination and other barriers to involvement.
- Work towards inclusion must be pro-active, involves and understands that everyone has something to contribute and everyone needs to feel welcomed, comfortable and valued for the contributions they do make.
Responsibility for the Implementation of this Policy
The active commitment and co-operation of those involved with FoHC is essential for the success of this Policy. All members of FoHC are encouraged to act in a way that does not subject any other members or park users to direct or indirect discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, economic status, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, disability, religion, age or sexual orientation.
Acting on Discriminatory Behaviour
Any issues, concerns or specific allegations of discriminatory behaviour should be initially directed to the Co-ordinator via contact details listed on the FoHC website and, if unresolved, may be brought up at the following general meeting.
The Extent of the Policy
FoHC will work pro-actively to apply the provisions and spirit of this policy in their day-to-day activities and interactions with everyone involved with the organisation. FoHC seeks to ensure that any sub-contractors, agents, etc act in accordance with this Policy, but accepts no liability for the actions of sub-contractors and agents.
Monitoring and Review
- This policy should be considered alongside other related policies
- It will be reviewed annually, or sooner if required
FoHC Child Protection Policy
Version 1 – date ratified: 04.10.2025
A child is defined by The Children Act, 1989 as a person under the age of 18, and this is the meaning used throughout this policy.
Children attending any Friends of Horfield Common (FoHC) event must be accompanied by a parent or a responsible adult.
A copy of this policy will be kept on file digitally so it can be accessed by anyone who needs to refer to it.
Statement of Purpose
We recognise that for children, high self esteem, confidence, supportive friends and good communication with trusted adults aids prevention. With this in mind, we will always endeavour to:
Key Principles
As a voluntary and co-operative organisation, Members of FoHC are not expected to take on parental responsibility for other people's children, and FoHC will organise activities that children and their parents / carers take part together.
In addition to this, FoHC will take responsibility for:
Promoting Good Practice
Good Child Protection Practice
Monitoring and Review:
Version 1 – date ratified: 04.10.2025
A child is defined by The Children Act, 1989 as a person under the age of 18, and this is the meaning used throughout this policy.
Children attending any Friends of Horfield Common (FoHC) event must be accompanied by a parent or a responsible adult.
A copy of this policy will be kept on file digitally so it can be accessed by anyone who needs to refer to it.
Statement of Purpose
- This Child Protection Policy stresses the fact that we in FoHC are determined to ensure that all appropriate steps are taken to protect from harm all children who participate in any of our activities.
- This policy establishes the organisation’s position, role and responsibilities and clarifies what we expect from everybody involved within It highlights the importance placed by FoHC on the protection of children at all times. Every child who participates in any FoHC activity should be able to participate in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from abuse. This is the responsibility of every adult involved in FoHC. We recognise however, that child abuse is a very emotive and difficult subject. It is important to understand the feelings involved but not to allow them to interfere with our judgement about any action to be taken.
- FoHC recognises its responsibility to take reasonable steps to safeguard the welfare of all children by protecting them from physical, financial, sexual or emotional abuse, neglect and bullying. Parents / carers will be responsible for their own children at all times at FoHC events.
We recognise that for children, high self esteem, confidence, supportive friends and good communication with trusted adults aids prevention. With this in mind, we will always endeavour to:
- Establish and maintain an ethos where children feel secure.
- Ensure that children know that there are adults around on any event who they can approach when worried or in difficulty.
- Make sure children attending events with their parents, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious beliefs or sexual identity, have the right to protection from abuse.
- All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.
- All members working with FoHC have a responsibility to report concerns to the Co-ordinator via any Lead Volunteers that are leading group activities.
Key Principles
As a voluntary and co-operative organisation, Members of FoHC are not expected to take on parental responsibility for other people's children, and FoHC will organise activities that children and their parents / carers take part together.
In addition to this, FoHC will take responsibility for:
- Respecting and promoting the rights, wishes and feelings of children taking part in our activities.
- Ensuring that all members organising FoHC activities adopt best practice to safeguard and protect children from abuse and abide by the procedures outlined within this document.
- Responding to any allegations appropriately.
Promoting Good Practice
- Child abuse, particularly sexual abuse, arouses strong emotions in those facing such a situation. It is important to understand these feelings and not allow them to interfere with your judgement about the appropriate action to take.
- Abuse can occur within many situations including the home, school, sporting, leisure and recreational environments. Some individuals will actively seek employment or voluntary work with children in order to harm them.
- There are some people in FoHC that, at some time, will have contact with children who are with their parents / carers. They may be an important link in identifying cases where they need protection.
Good Child Protection Practice
- Treat all children equally with respect and dignity
- Always work in an open environment where possible, avoiding private or unobserved situations and encouraging open communication
- Always put the welfare of each child first.
- Maintain a safe and appropriate distance with people attending events. Physical contact with children should be limited to appropriate touching that is needed to reassure them when they are ill or injured. Generally, the only safe place to touch appropriately is on the arm or shoulders.
- All members should maintain a strictly appropriate relationship with children who attend FoHC activities. It is not appropriate to seek to develop relationships beyond this by, for example, arranging to meet a child away from an activity to further a friendship with that child.
- Be an excellent role model in the company of children.
- Give enthusiastic, constructive feedback rather than negative criticism
- Recognise the developmental needs and capacity of children
- Keep written records of any concerns or injuries that occur, along with the details of any treatment given. Records will be given to FoHC Co-ordinator to be stored digitally and securely.
Monitoring and Review:
- This policy should be considered alongside other related policies
- It will be reviewed annually, or sooner if required
