This document is designed to alert staff (employed and freelance) to the risks presented by lone working, to identify the responsibilities each person has in this situation, and to describe procedures which will reduce such risks.

It is certainly not intended to raise anxiety unnecessarily, but to give staff a framework for managing situations that could carry potential risks.

Definition

Within this document, 'lone working' refers to situations when staff are working alone in the community, at a client's workplace or in a home environment and without immediate access to colleagues should they require assistance.

Personal Safety

1. Do not assume that having a mobile phone is sufficient. A back-up plan should be considered.
2. It is important that staff take reasonable precautions as they would in any other circumstances.
3. If a member of staff does not arrive at a booking as expected, an agreed plan should be put into operation, initially checking the situation and then responding as appropriate.
4. terptree ltd will take a contact number for each member of staff to ensure good communication at all time
5. Should staff be working alone for an extended period, terptree ltd will make regular contact to ensure safety
6. Should a member of staff at any time feel unsafe, it is important to inform terptree so that regular contact can be made

Reasonable Precautions

Here are some reasonable precautions that should be considered before heading off to a booking:

1. Checking directions for the destination
2. Checking whether a service user is known to present a risk and the agreed plan for working with them. terptree ltd will present you with this information when necessary
3. Ensuring your car, if used, is road-worthy and has break-down cover
4. When walking or parking, avoid where possible poorly lit and deserted areas
5. Take care when entering or leaving empty buildings, especially at night
6. When entering an unfamiliar building, be aware of the surroundings and nearest exits
7. Ensure that items such as laptops and/or mobile phones are carried discreetly

Things to consider

Be aware of yourself

• What messages are you giving through your body language?
• Think about your tone of voice and choice of words or signs if faced with a conflicting situation
• Be aware of your own triggers - the things that make you angry or upset

Be aware of other people

• Take note of any non-verbal signals
• Be aware of any triggers
• Don't crowd people - allow them space
• Make a realistic estimate of the time you are able to stay at the booking for
• Be aware of the context of your meeting - are they already angry or upset before you meet, and for what reason?
• Listen to them, and show them you are listening