Introduction - Kenton & District u3a

Kenton & District u3a: Risk Assessments and Policy statements Introduction

The Kenton and District (Ku3a) Committee has been looking at our arrangements for running ku3a meetings and groups to comply with the requirements of the Third Age Trust (the National body), our insurance cover and the stricter regulation around charities.

Whilst all Ku3a members are welcome at our u3a you need to be aware of the key outcomes of our work to tighten up our procedures, including a series of risk assessments and newly established policies.

We have been assessing the risks associated with our full range of activities and have been considering what we need to do to keep all our members safe. We are making all group leaders aware of the measures we are putting in place but key points for all our members to be aware of are:

1. You are responsible for your own personal safety at all the Ku3a activities you attend, including assessing your own fitness to take part and your own refreshments choices (including allergy awareness).

2. Make sure you sign the register for each meeting you attend in case there is an incident or we have to evacuate.

3. Minimise trip hazards. So please make sure bags, coats and walking aids are tucked away keeping walking routes free from obstruction. We cannot allow dogs, other than assistance dogs, at our activities as they increase the risk of falls.

4. Take care at refreshment time especially when carrying and/or pouring hot water.

5. Do not lift stacks of chairs – leave that to Masonic Centre staff.

6. Informal arrangements for travelling in other members’ cars, to and from meetings and meeting points, is a private matter beyond the control of the u3a.

As part of our forthcoming membership renewal process, we will be inviting you all to provide an emergency contact whom we could ring in a crisis. We hope that you will agree that that is a sensible precaution.

The ku3a Committee has also agreed policies on the following issues: