CS Health and Safety Action Plan Update 2025 2026 and Plan 2026 2027 amended date
Renfrewshire Council · 20 August 2026
Back to Education and Children's Services Policy Board — 20 August 2026 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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PUBLIC To: Education and Children’s Services Policy Board On: Thursday 20 August 2026 ___________________________________________________________________ Report by: Director of Children’s Services ___________________________________________________________________ Heading: Children’s Services Health and Safety Strategy Update 2025/2026 and Children’s Services Health and Safety Strategy Action Plan 2026/27 ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1. The Council’s Health, Safety and Welfare Policy requires each service to submit an annual report and an annual Health and Safety action plan to the relevant Policy Board. 1.2. The Children’s Services action plan update for 2025/2026 is attached as Appendix 1 to this report. The action plan details the progress made during 2025/2026 on the health and safety actions set. 1.3. Appendix 2 sets out the planned actions the service will undertake during 2026/2027, outlining the service’s commitment to continuous improvement in health and safety performance. ___________________________________________________________________ 2. Recommendations 2.1. It is recommended that the Education and Children’s Services Policy Board approves the Children’s Services Health and Safety action plan update for 2025/2026 at Appendix 1. 2.2. It is recommended that the Education and Children’s Services Policy Board approves the Children’s Services Health and Safety Action Plan for 2026/2027 attached at Appendix 2. ___________________________________________________________________ 3. Background 3.1. Renfrewshire Council’s Department of Children’s Services accepts its responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, as an employer, to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all its employees, pupils
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PUBLIC and other persons who may be affected by the operations of the department. Employees must likewise accept their responsibilities under the Act. 3.2. Children’s Services Head of Education is currently the lead officer for health, safety and wellbeing within the service and is supported by the Resources Support Manager. We have a proactive approach and commitment to health, safety and wellbeing which is supported by the service’s Health and Safety Committee. 3.3. The service has adapted its processes and procedures to ensure that standards for all employees working from home or in the office are maintained, with the health, safety and wellbeing of employees being a priority. The service’s health and safety committee meet’s quarterly via Teams. The membership of this group includes representation from all school sectors, professional bodies, Children’s House, Social Work Justice and colleagues from the council’s Environmental, Housing and Infrastructure Department are also in attendance. 3.4. The action plan 2026/2027 identifies strategic improvement areas for future and continued action which is included as Appendix 2 to this report. The action plan is monitored on a quarterly basis by the service’s health and safety committee. 3.5. The preparation of this annual report and action plan has been supported by the Finance and Resources, People and Organisational Development (People & OD) Health and Safety Team. ___________________________________________________________________ Implications of this report 1. Financial None. 2. HR and Organisational Development None. 3. Community/Council Planning Our Renfrewshire is well - The health and safety action plan will ensure that the well being of staff, children and young people is taken into account. Our Renfrewshire is safe - The health and safety action plan will consider the safety of staff, children and young people with the actions that have been set. 4. Legal None. 5. Property/Assets None.
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PUBLIC 6. Information Technology None. 7. Equality and Human Rights The Recommendations contained within this report have been assessed in relation to their impact on equalities and human rights. No negative impacts on equality groups or potential for infringement of individuals’ human rights have been identified arising from the recommendations contained in the report because for example it is for noting only. If required following implementation, the actual impact of the recommendations and the mitigating actions will be reviewed and monitored, and the results of the assessment will be published on the Council’s website. 8. Health and Safety The report supports and demonstrates the Council and the Children’s service’s commitment to ensuring effective health and safety management. 9. Procurement None. 10. Risk The report supports the overarching management of risk within Renfrewshire Council in relation to health and safety. 11. Privacy Impact None. 12. Climate Risk None. 13. Children’s Rights The rights and wellbeing of children and young people is at the heart of our Children’s Services Health and Safety Plan. As a council we will continue to work together to promote equality and raise awareness of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) to make sure children and young people’s rights are promoted and reflected in all that we do. This will ensure that we are meeting the requirements of the new duties under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024. 14. Cosla Policy Position None. List of Background Papers (a) Children’s Services Health and Well Being Strategy Update 2024/2025 The foregoing background papers will be retained within children’s services for inspection by the public for the prescribed period of four years from the date of the meeting. The contact officer within the service is Laura Baillie, Resources Support Manager - 07970876292 (laura.baillie@renfrewshire.gov.uk)
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PUBLIC ____________________________________________________ Children’s Services GMcL/LB 23 July 2026 Author: Laura Baillie, Resources Support Manager - 07970876292 (laura.baillie@renfrewshire.gov.uk)
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PUBLIC Appendix 1 Children’s Services Health and Safety Plan 2025/26 – Update on Actions Inclusive, Safe and Responsible What will we do What difference will we make Measures Leads / timescales Update Use of data Identify key data which will be routinely shared, analysed and discussed in the H&S group and wider forums Develop an accessible data dashboard with key data set Through effective use of data, the service will better understand areas of priority and emerging themes which will be used to inform decision making around resource and planning Staff will be better informed around key issues and trends and can use this knowledge within their own services and teams. Suite of key data Data dashboard development Data outputs with analysis and recommendations / next steps Reps from H&S Group Data team to support the development of service dashboard Communications Business Partner A dashboard has been development with focus on Violence and Aggression. This ensures that data is accessible and can be accessed by key senior officers who provide support and challenge to establishments. The data can be used to make evidence based decisions on prioritising resource and support. Work will take place in 26/27 with a view to develop other dashboards that facilitate H&S discussions
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PUBLIC H&S is everyone’s responsibility Work with Organisational Development to create a H&S induction model on iLearn Develop and share slides around key H&S messages for all services and teams which can be shared at in-service / training days Review landscape of service H&S representatives and ensure they are appropriately trained and supported Staff are aware of service health and safety issues and know how to respond appropriately Staff report improved knowledge and confidence of service health and safety issues There is an improved health and safety culture across Children’s Services There is a central overview of all H&S representatives H&S representatives feel able to represent staff appropriately Development of H&S module Central H&S representative list Feedback from H&S representatives Number of participants completing H&S module on iLearn Organisational Development Reps from H&S group Resources team Further work required in terms of ilearn and core modules. Engaging with neighbouring local authorities on different approaches. Key health and safety messages shared with establishments at in- service day. Relevant staff will be trained in September in Resilience for Managers which will enable officers to better support establishments during incidents.
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PUBLIC Violence and Aggression Development of guidance for all establishments including children’s homes in relation to de-escalation and safeholds Work with H&S / BW team to improve consistency of reporting on incidents Work with H&S / BW team to improve inconsistencies with data and data quality Embed new policy Continue to roll out training Update training and policies in line with Included, Engaged and Involved part 3 Roll out iLearn module Improved confidence in responding to violence and aggression Improved confidence in de-escalation and appropriate use of safe holds Safer and inclusive establishments for children, young people and staff Improved staff knowledge on how to report incidents Improved confidence on reporting incidents consistently Improved confidence in data which can be used to inform decision making and monitor trends Reduced number of incidents (this may increase temporarily if Violence and Aggression Policy De-escalation and safe holds guidance Business World Data and Reports Staff survey / feedback Training evaluations Inclusion team H&S team Resources team BW team iLearn Module to be rolled out in August in- service day Violence and Aggression Training was mandatory as part of October 2025 In-Service day. Staff were encouraged to complete modules. Meetings were hosted to explore de-escalation and safeholds in ASN establishments. JNC have agreed to revisit policy to look at reporting. Met with H&S to agree on data / stats to be shared with JNC.
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PUBLIC Continue to improve processes in place to develop interventions to support trends/specific incidents reporting increases due to improved knowledge and confidence Intimate care Ensure that there are appropriate facilities in all services / establishments where required Staff receive guidance and training on managing intimate care needs There is clarity around ASNA / PSA roles Children and young people’s needs will be sensitively supported Children and young people will feel included and be treated with dignity Staff will be more confident in managing intimate care needs Reduction in number of complaints regarding intimate care issues Increased understanding of staff roles and remits with less resistance to change Focus group with staff following training Training survey evaluations Complaint data A position statement has been developed for Intimate Care and shared with the CS H&S group. The position statement ensures that staff and children and young people are supported in relation to intimate care. The statement provides links to resources which staff can access. The statement will be shared with Heads of Establishments prior to the start of the new school session. Business continuity planning (BCP) Set up a cross service short life working group to review the current business continuity All services / establishments have plans in place to respond to incidents All services / establishments are Feedback from establishments piloting invacuation procedures Review data from services / establishments following incidents about Resource Team to coordinate Reps from H&S Group Civil Contingency Group / Alan Gibson Central Children’s Services staff were involved in a BCP session.
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PUBLIC planning process ensuring it is fit for purpose Re-launch business continuity planning process Development and piloting of invacuation procedures following Martin’s Law aware of escalation process and know when it is appropriate to escalate All services / establishments will know how to implement invacuation procedures when appropriate. As a result, children, young people and staff will be safe and supported as a result of invacuation procedure the effectiveness and efficiency of plans Examples of high quality business continuity plans All Head Teachers / Heads of Centre BCP service plans being updated across both the education and social work estate. Heads of Establishments attended a BCP session, to provide advice and assistance on their plans at a local level. CCG have been attended school cluster meetings to offer bespoke training and advice to Heads on how to update their plans. Intruder and Lockdown Action Plans drafted and to be shared with CS H&S group for comment Work is ongoing to refresh the annual Incident Management Guidance which will give staff access to quick cards to support them in the event of an incident.
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PUBLIC Maintenance and Repairs There is an agreed service approach, governance and compliance to the security and maintenance of all establishments Through the learning estate strategy, there is an appropriate plan in place for establishment maintenance Launch the new process for requests for adaptations (core and equalities) Engage with EH&I on CAMIS prioritisation processes and feedback loop for Children’s Services repairs The learning estate is inclusive and fit for modern day learning Staff are aware of governance and are compliant with policy Children and young people are safe Children and young people’s needs and rights are supported at the right time Decision making around for requests for adaptations and repairs is robust and transparent Managers / Head Teachers are more aware of the status of priority repairs Reduced flight risk and near miss instances and reports Data from the request for adaptations process e.g. types of requests, decisions, financial Reduced wait time for priority repairs Feedback from managers / heads on use of CAMIS Resource team Inclusion team Strategic learning estate manager H&S team Colleagues from EHI Heads of Service Head Teachers / Heads of Centre The introduction of the Request for Adaptations Form has been rolled out to all educational establishments. This ensures all property requests including priority flight risk works are reviewed and approved in a consistent manner. Regular liaison meetings take place with Children’s Services Colleagues and colleagues from Hard and Soft FM to discuss property works, challenges and budget availability. A plan is now in place for early years establishments in terms of maintenance and repairs. Data is being collated from across Education and EH&I to provide an overview of planned works and integration
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PUBLIC with learning estate. This will support decisions around investment and prioritisation.
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PUBLIC Appendix 2 Children’s Services Health and Safety Plan 2026/27 Inclusive, Safe and Responsible What will we do What difference will we make Measures Leads / timescales Update Use of data Finalise an accessible data dashboard with key data set Through effective use of data, the service will better understand areas of priority and emerging themes which will be used to inform decision making around resource and planning Staff will be better informed around key issues and trends and can use this knowledge within their own services and teams. Suite of key data Data dashboard development Data outputs with analysis and recommendations / next steps Reps from H&S Group Data team to support the development of service dashboard Communications Business Partner H&S is everyone’s responsibility Work with Organisational Development to create a H&S induction model on iLearn Staff are aware of service health and safety issues and know how to respond appropriately Staff report improved knowledge and confidence of service health and safety issues Development of H&S module Central H&S representative list Feedback from H&S representatives Number of participants completing H&S module on iLearn Organisational Development Reps from H&S group Resources team
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PUBLIC There is an improved health and safety culture across Children’s Services There is a central overview of all H&S representatives H&S representatives feel able to represent staff appropriately Violence and Aggression Work with H&S / BW team to improve consistency of reporting on incidents Work with H&S / BW team to improve inconsistencies with data and data quality Safer and inclusive establishments for children, young people and staff Improved staff knowledge on how to report incidents Improved confidence on reporting incidents consistently Improved confidence in data which can be used to inform decision making and monitor trends Business World Data and Reports Staff survey / feedback Training evaluations Inclusion team H&S team Resources team BW team iLearn Module to be rolled out in August in- service day
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PUBLIC Reduced number of incidents (this may increase temporarily if reporting increases due to improved knowledge and confidence Business continuity planning Refresh the annual Incident Management Guidance. Improve staff confidence in managing establishment situations giving staff access to quick cards to support them in the event of an incident Review data from services / establishments following incidents about the effectiveness and efficiency of plans Examples of high quality business continuity plans Resource Team to coordinate Reps from H&S Group Civil Contingency Group / Alan Gibson All Head Teachers / Heads of Centre Primary Flight Risk Guidance Develop guidance for primary schools similar to that in operation across Early Learning and Childcare Centres Corporate H&S Primary Head Teachers Resources Team Review of Risk Assessments – Social Work Areas of Responsibility Review and create a suite of risk assessments for use across social work localities Social Work Managers
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PUBLIC Accident and incident reporting Across Children’s House and SW Locality Offices Work with locality offices to establishment any barriers to reporting and assist with process and procedures for reporting. Suite of key data Data outputs with analysis and recommendations / next steps Social Work Leadership Team Manager competence and assurance Work via the social work leadership team to ensure all managers are upskilled in the management of health and safety incidents and their responsibilities as “responsible officers”. Develop an assurance approach with the Children’s Services Manager (Quality and Assurance) for use in the service. Key health and safety messages shared with all areas of the social work service Social Work Leadership Team Communication, engagement and governance Ensure regular newsletters contain health and safety learning and information. Head of Children and Justice Social Work/Chief Social Work Officer will review governance report to ensure continual learning approach. Ensuring that all staff are kept up to date on health and safety developments that affect their area of responsibility. Social Work Leadership Team
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PUBLIC