The Lord’s Larder, Newent

Lone Working Policy

All activities associated with the operation of the Lord’s Larder should be subjected to a risk assessment in accordance with the Health and Safety Policy of the Charity. This should identify and evaluate the risks associated with different tasks, locations and times of day and indicate any proposed mitigations. In particular, at the Lord’s Larder where possible, lone working is avoided, especially for high-risk activities like working at height (using ladders/steps), heavy manual handling (lifting weights beyond safe limits), or making client home deliveries.

Where lone working is unavoidable, the following procedures MUST apply:

• Approval of the lone working request must be sought from a Keyholder and Trustee.

• A “check-in/check-out” system must apply, where the worker notifies a Keyholder or Trustee upon arrival and again upon leaving or when joined by others. An escalation process must be in place if contact is missed.

• Lone workers must carry a mobile phone and ensure adequate signal coverage.

• Those working alone must be aware of emergency exit routes and fire procedures.

• During the scope of lone working, external doors should be locked, only opening the door to known individuals.

• If intruders are encountered then the worker must withdraw and contact the Police and the Keyholder or Trustee who is aware of the lone working arrangement. The intruder must NOT be confronted.

• All trustees, keyholders and volunteers are given training on safety and lone working procedures, how to recognise and report risks and what to do in an emergency.

Staff and volunteers have the right to refuse working alone if they consider the situation to be unsafe or a potential cause of harm.

Adopted by the Board of Trustees 10 th February 2026

To be reviewed February 2028