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)