Schools have a legal obligation to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of employees, pupils and visitors. They are also required to have ‘competent persons’ help them implement appropriate measures relating to the governance, management and monitoring of health and safety.

While the Local Authority will provide the necessary competent persons for community schools, at all other educational establishments this responsibility falls to the governing bodies or proprietor.

Customised Safety Solutions have considerable experience working with nurseries’, children centres, primary, secondary and special schools for academies, faith and independent schools and local authorities across Hertfordshire and London.

We are well qualified to act as your ‘competent person’ to assist you in interpreting legal requirements and implementing appropriate procedures. We help you fulfil your legal duties using a common-sense approach that is both practical and affordable.

We will evaluate the school’s health & safety needs, and develop an action plan specific to you. Our visits will monitor health and safety progress, improving the culture and awareness to meet legal and Ofsted requirements.

If your school is reviewing its health and safety policies, concerned about its obligations, or simply looking for practical advice, please feel free to get in touch.

Community Package

In addition to our standard range of packages, we offer a Community Package for community schools. This comprehensive package is specifically designed to work as a supplement to the basic service that the Local Authority is legally required to provide. The Community Package offers greater flexibility, support and commitment to settings aspiring to higher standards of health and safety management.

‘CSS have assisted the school to review and manage our health & safety management systems so that they are robust, common sense and fit for purpose and our needs. CSS's advice is clear, timely and they have proved to be responsive and thorough. John is working with us to develop our skills and confidence with regard to health & safety.’

Anita, Arlene & Matt – Safeguarding, Voluntary Aided Primary School

‘CSS have been providing health and safety guidance to the Harington Scheme for some years but most recently as a “competent person”. The guidance, advice and support provided has been invaluable and assisted us achieve “Safe Contractor” accreditation.’

Joanna – Manager, Harington Scheme

‘I have a reasonable knowledge of health & safety, but I don’t know what I don’t know. As a time-pressed school bursar, finding out for myself can be difficult, and the school needs a partner who has this knowledge and can make sure we don’t miss things. John acts as a critical friend for the school to bounce ideas off. We meet regularly — giving me a forum to raise concerns as well as being able to contact him by phone or email whenever needed.’

Sara – Bursar, Academy School

‘Recently we have tendered and commissioned for larger contracts as principal contractor. This demands a higher level of health & safety management and documentation. We work closely with CSS who provide “competent person” health and safety guidance and advice, and relevant user-friendly documentation. John makes health and safety practical and common sense. ’

Jeff & Phil – Sustain Building Maintenance Solutions (SBMS)

‘The school commissions an annual consultancy package from John and he has become an integral part of the school’s commitment to providing a safer working environment. He always tailors his sessions around school needs, helping us to develop policy, auditing practice and coaching key staff.’

Craig, Headteacher – Community Primary School

‘CSS has helped the school with managing our contractors providing a briefing on their selection, appointment and monitoring. We now know what to ask for, look for and what to expect.’

Arlene, Bursar – Voluntary Aided Primary School

Contact

07763 981 834