Health & Safety Policy
Document control | |
Policy reference | AU-POL-09 |
Version | 1.0 |
Approved by | Board of Directors, Apex Up CIC |
Date adopted | 4 June 2026 |
Last reviewed | 4 June 2026 |
Next review due | 4 June 2027 (or sooner if legislation or guidance changes) |
Policy owner | Director, Apex Up CIC |
Applies to | All directors, staff, sessional coaches, volunteers, students and anyone acting on behalf of Apex Up CIC |
Apex Up CIC Health & Safety Policy
1 Policy statement
Apex Up CIC is committed to protecting the health, safety and welfare of everyone affected by our activities — staff, coaches, volunteers, participants, parents, carers and visitors. We accept our responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and related regulations, and we will provide a safe environment, safe equipment and safe ways of working at our venue and on any off-site activity.
2 Purpose and scope
This policy explains how we manage health and safety and who is responsible for what. It applies to all of our activities at 50 St. Clements Road and at any other venue we use, and to everyone working or volunteering for us.
3 Responsibilities
Board of Directors
The Board has overall responsibility for health and safety, ensures this policy is in place and resourced, and reviews it at least annually.
Health & Safety lead
Day-to-day responsibility rests with the Director, Muhammed Zahir, who makes sure risk assessments are completed, that the venue and equipment are safe, that first aid and accident reporting are in place, and that staff and volunteers know what is expected of them.
Staff, coaches and volunteers
Everyone must take reasonable care of their own safety and that of others, follow this policy and the relevant risk assessments, use equipment correctly, and report hazards, accidents and near misses straight away.
4 Risk assessment
We assess the risks of our activities, premises, equipment and off-site trips, and we put controls in place to reduce them. Coaches also carry out a quick visual check of the space and equipment before every session. Our approach is set out in full in our Risk Management & Assessment Policy.
5 Premises and equipment
We keep our venue clean, well-ventilated and free from obvious hazards, with clear walkways and exits. Mats, pads, gloves and other equipment are checked regularly, kept clean, and taken out of use if damaged. Electrical equipment is visually checked and tested as required, and cleaning materials are stored safely.
6 Fire safety and emergencies
We keep escape routes and exits clear, make sure fire-fighting equipment is available and maintained, and ensure staff and volunteers know the evacuation procedure and assembly point. We explain emergency arrangements at the start of sessions and keep an up-to-date register so we can account for everyone in an evacuation.
AU-POL-09 | Version 1.0 Page 2 of 4
Apex Up CIC Health & Safety Policy
7 First aid and accident reporting
At least one trained first aider and a stocked first aid kit are available at every session, as set out in our First Aid Policy. All accidents, injuries and near misses are recorded, and notifiable incidents are reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under RIDDOR where required.
8 Safe delivery of sport and martial arts
Sessions are led by qualified, suitably insured coaches and planned with safety in mind: appropriate warm-ups and cool-downs, age- and ability-appropriate groups, correct technique and protective equipment, controlled and matched contact in martial arts, and regular hydration breaks. We gather relevant medical and consent information before activity and adjust delivery for individual needs.
9 Insurance, information and review
We hold public liability insurance appropriate to our activities and check that our coaches and any partners hold suitable cover and qualifications. We brief staff and volunteers on health and safety during induction and provide training such as first aid and food hygiene as needed. The Board reviews this policy at least annually, and sooner after any significant incident.
10 Key contacts
Contact | Details |
Emergency services | 999 |
Designated Safeguarding Lead | Muhammed Zahir — mz@apexup.org — 07706 803260 |
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) incident line | 0345 300 9923 |
NHS non-emergency | 111 |
AU-POL-09 | Version 1.0 Page 3 of 4
Apex Up CIC Health & Safety Policy
Approval and adoption
This Health & Safety Policy has been approved and adopted by the Board of Directors of Apex Up CIC. It will be reviewed at least every twelve months, and sooner if there is a change in legislation, national or local guidance, or following any relevant incident or learning.
Policy reference | AU-POL-09 |
Version | 1.0 |
Date adopted | 4 June 2026 |
Next review due | 4 June 2027 |
Signed on behalf of the Board of Directors of Apex Up CIC:
Muhammed Zahir
Director, Apex Up CIC
Date: 4 June 2026