This guidance applies to existing and potential new group leaders

There is support available to help Group Leaders on how to run a group safely

A Risk assessment should not be a burden on our group activities but a common-sense prompt providing help and guidance.

On the Ely & District u3a website https://ely.u3asite.uk/links/ there is a Links page that contains draft checklists.

• Venue-based risk assessment checklist
• Day Trip risk assessment checklist
• Home-based risk assessment checklist

• There is also a link that covers Frequently Asked Questions about u3a Insurance This includes;
• (6.4) What do we do in the event of an accident?
• The Incident form mentioned can be found at https://www.u3a.org.uk/component/edocman/incident-report-form-template/download?Itemid=0
• (6.5) Are we required to have trained first aiders within our u3a?

When completing a Risk Assessment the Group Leader should focus on the difference in risks associated with doing an activity or event compared to doing the same activity or event as a private individual.

For example, walking with u3a is not very different from walking as an individual. Walk leaders normally ‘walk the route’ ahead of the walk and share any hazards (stiles, mud, steep banks, etc.) with prospective walk members before the walk. These emails provide written evidence of event-specific hazard identification and are a form of risk assessment.

Similarly, for the cookery group, it was important to identify anyone who was not familiar with normal cooking hazards (heat, knives, etc.) and to provide specific support to these individuals if necessary.

We trust you find the information above useful