Risk assessments
If the project is being jointly managed by the University and an external organisation, the risk assessment should be undertaken jointly; the partner organisation will have specialist knowledge and information relating to potential risks in-country, which can be incorporated into the risk assessment. University Risk Assessments are signed off via the School or Division.
If the project organiser is an external organisation, depending on the level of relationship it may be necessary to see and agree the relevant risk assessment for the project. The project organiser is responsible for ensuring that the relevant actions are undertaken, for example providing the students with the relevant level of health and safety training, signposting to the relevant health services, FCO advice and so forth.
Risk assessments must be kept under regular review and necessary changes must be made following developments in travel advice or should any situation occur that might impact on the safety and security of the project. Students going to a destination which is deemed as “moderate” risk or above for the first time must complete a travel risk assessment signed off by their School. The Health and Safety Services ‘Risk Assessment Toolkit’ includes guidance on writing risk assessments, examples and training for University staff. The Volunteering and Community Engagement Team can also provide support and examples of risk assessments for overseas volunteering projects.
