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Lone Working Policy

Definition

The term ‘Lone Working’ relates to people who are in a building or venue on their own, collect or deliver items, who offer one-to-one support, or offer lifts.  

Buildings and venues:

  • Where possible people should avoid working on their own.
  • There are occasions where people cannot avoid being in a building on their own. In these circumstances, people should let the Lead Volunteer, or another person, know when they will be working alone. As a courtesy, it would be helpful to let the Lead Volunteer or friend know when you have left the building.  
  • Key holders for venues should try to arrive and leave with another person.

Collecting and delivering: 

  • For collecting and delivering items volunteers should record where they are going, who they are meeting and what they are delivering or collecting. 
  • Lead volunteers should be informed when collections or deliveries are being made. 
  • For collecting and delivering items volunteers should go in twos where possible.

One-to-one support:

  • Volunteers and befrienders should avoid lone working.  
  • Volunteers and befrienders should avoid offering one-to-one support in isolated places or in places where others cannot be contacted. 
  • Avoid offering support in a person’s personal rooms or accommodation.
  • If you go to a person’s accommodation make sure that someone else is in the building and your presents cannot be misinterpreted.
  • Often one-to-one support entails accompanying people to appointments, ensure someone know where you are going and when you should return.
  • A log of support activities should be kept and shared with the Lead Volunteer or the Coordinator. 

Lifts and transporting people:

  • When offering lifts, care should be taken that the person understands that they are traveling at their own risk.
  • Passengers must adhere to laws such as wearing a seatbelt. 
  • If you offer lifts to people with children, you have a responsibility to provide the proper car seats.
  • Where possible, travel with a second volunteer – this may not always be practical.
  • Let someone know when you are taking someone to an appointment or on a visit.
  • Record journeys and be prepared to share the information with the Lead Volunteer of Coordinator. 
  • For all lone working minimise or avoid placing yourself in a risk situation.
  • Take every possible precaution to eliminate risks.

Policy written: 18th March 2017.
Updated/modified:  (9/2/2023)