Who is responsible for health and safety in schools?

Health and safety in schools is a shared responsibility, but the duties are not equal. Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and supporting regulations, the employer holds the primary legal duty — and everyone from governors to pupils has a part to play.

The employer

The employer's identity depends on the type of school:

• Community and voluntary-controlled schools — the local authority.
• Foundation, voluntary-aided and free schools — the governing board.
• Academies and multi-academy trusts — the academy trust.
• Independent schools — the proprietor or trust.

The employer must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of employees and anyone else affected by the school's activities — including pupils, visitors and contractors.

Governors and trustees

Governing boards and trust boards provide strategic oversight of health and safety. They should seek assurance that arrangements are in place, that risks are being managed and that action is taken when issues are identified. In academies and trusts, trustees carry the employer duty and are accountable for the H&S performance of every school in the trust.

Headteacher and senior leaders

The headteacher is typically responsible for day-to-day implementation — making sure the school's health and safety policy is followed, risks are assessed, staff are trained, and incidents are reported and learned from. Senior leaders lead by example and make sure H&S is embedded in school life rather than treated as a compliance tick box.

Business managers and estates leads

Many schools rely on business managers, bursars or estates leads to coordinate the practical work — statutory testing, contractor management, compliance registers and planned maintenance. They are often the day-to-day owners of the school's compliance system.

Staff

All employees have duties under Section 7 of the Health and Safety at Work Act to take reasonable care of themselves and others, to follow the school's arrangements, and to report hazards and incidents.

Pupils, parents and visitors

Pupils are expected to follow reasonable rules and instructions. Parents, contractors and visitors must cooperate with the school's arrangements while on site.

Where SchoolSafe Systems fits in

SchoolSafe Systems supports schools and trusts to meet these duties in a practical, proportionate way — through independent school health & safety audits, policies, school risk assessments and compliance support for academy trusts.