Risk Management & Assessment Policy

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Policy reference	AU-POL-15
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 Risk Management & Assessment Policy

1 Policy statement

Apex Up CIC is committed to identifying and managing the risks involved in our activities so that everyone can take part safely. Risk assessment is how we put our Health & Safety and Safeguarding commitments into practice. We take a sensible, proportionate approach — the aim is to control real risks, not to create unnecessary paperwork.

2 Purpose and scope

This policy explains how we assess and control risk across our sessions, premises, equipment, events and off-site activities. It applies to all staff, coaches and volunteers, who all share responsibility for keeping our activities safe.

3 Our approach

For each activity or setting we follow five simple steps:

Identify the hazards — what could cause harm.
Decide who might be harmed and how — including children, staff, volunteers and visitors, and anyone with particular needs.
Evaluate the risk and put controls in place — remove the hazard where we can, and reduce the risk where we cannot.
Record our findings — in a written risk assessment that staff and volunteers can see and follow.
Review and update — regularly, and whenever something changes. 4 Responsibilities

The Director makes sure risk assessments are completed, recorded and shared with the people delivering activities. Coaches and session leaders must read and follow the relevant risk assessment, and carry out a quick “dynamic” check at the start of and during each session — looking at the space, equipment, group and conditions on the day — and adjust or stop the activity if needed.

5 When we carry out risk assessments

We complete or review a risk assessment for our regular sessions and venue; for martial arts and contact activities; for holiday activity and food (HAF) programmes, including food preparation and allergens; for off-site trips and visits; for new equipment or premises; and for individual participants whose needs require specific adjustments.

6 Controlling risk

When deciding on controls we work through, in order: removing the hazard; reducing it; isolating people from it; controlling it through safe systems of work; and, last of all, using protective equipment. We also rely on competent, trained staff, clear supervision ratios, and good information sharing about participants’ needs.

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Apex Up CIC Risk Management & Assessment Policy

7 Recording, sharing and review

Risk assessments are written down, dated and signed, and kept where staff and volunteers can access them. They are reviewed at least annually, after any accident or near miss, and whenever an activity, venue or piece of equipment changes. A blank template is provided in the appendix to this policy.

8 Appendix A: Risk assessment template

Use one row per hazard. Rate the risk as Low, Medium or High after taking existing controls into account.

Hazard	Who is at risk	Existing controls	Risk level	Further action (who / by when)

Assessment completed by: __________________________ Role:

__________________________ Date: ______________ Review date: ______________

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Apex Up CIC Risk Management & Assessment Policy

Approval and adoption

This Risk Management & Assessment 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-15
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