Managing Contractors Working On Scout Premises

(FS320011) (Published June 2020 replacing August 2012).

Introduction

If you are involved with a Scout property it is likely that from time to time, somebody will need to undertake checks, make repairs or improvements to the building or property.

If you are a Trustee (Group / District / County / Area / Region) that has the responsibility for a property then you will also have a duty of care for anybody, volunteer or contractor, who undertakes work on the property or building.

The term Contractor is likely to include: (Principal) Contractors; Sub-contractors; Service providers; Self-employed staff and Consultants.  In summary, it applies to anyone or company who are carrying out work or providing a service on your premises who aren’t an employee, volunteer or visitor.

Sharing good practice

Nationally, Scouts’ UK headquarters operates across a number of sites and uses a Code of Practice for Contractors, which contains information concerning working practices and requirements expected of all contractors when they are working on Headquarters premises. The Code is also a useful tool for guidance about safer systems of work.

An example Contractor Code of Practice

In this Code of Practice the term contractor is used collectively to include, but not limited to the following:

• (Principal) Contractors
  
  
• Sub-contractors
  
  
• Service providers
  
  
• Self-employed staff
  
  
• Consultants

This document is based upon the version used by Scouts’ national headquarters to fulfill its responsibilities as a workplace for health and safety.  Please feel free to use it as a starting point for your Group, District, County or other area of Scouting for which you have a responsibility.

The example Code of Practice is in a format designed to enable you to amend it as necessary but we would advise you to have your version checked by your legal advisers.