Risk assessments and I

I’ll be honest, it was very difficult, and I used to hate having to write them as I was constantly plagued by self-doubt. I was learning pre-internet, and the only template I had was the one my university gave us all. I am fortunate in having had great mentors who showed me how to assess risk, why we assess it and how to record it and I am a better assessor of risks because of it.

There are now lots of options and templates that people can access easily by typing in a few well-chosen words, but using my years of experience, I have settled on the format that I feel is the best way to consider risks and how to manage them. It provides an easy visual view of the level of risk which is great when you have a lot of things going on. I can’t claim to have invented this particular format – like a good teacher I learnt to ‘magpie’ the best bits from those I’d experienced and have found my ‘just right’ (thanks Goldilocks)

For simplicity I’m now going to use the term dance school to explain what I can do for you, however I can help anyone with an activity or event that needs a risk assessment.  

I have set up this company to share my knowledge, time and expertise with others. I understand how busy teaching and running a dance school can be. There are so many things that need your time and attention, and it can be hard to prioritise each task. I want to be there to take some of the load off you. I can offer you anything from providing a template and explanation of how to go about writing your own, checking your own risk assessments to give you confidence, to writing a risk assessment with you/for you.

I’ve spoken in a previous post about risk assessments for performing, however that is just one small area of risk. There are so many areas that need to be assessed, and I’ve listed just a few examples. Travelling by coach or public transport should have its own assessment. The venue/s that you teach in and some specific dance styles should have their own risk assessment – acro and pointe work being the highest priority. Sometimes you need risk assessments for individual staff members, I have experience in writing these for pregnant members of staff (reviewed regularly as the pregnancy develops), for returning members of staff that have been injured or seriously unwell, and even a returning to work whilst being treated for cancer. None of these should be seen as a negative thing, I’m always kind, considerate and caring putting the best interests of the person at risk is at the heart of what I do.

I have written assessments for nursery schools, primary schools, Rainbows and Brownies, Scouts, dance schools, and a gymnastics club. I’ve written risk assessments for everyone from an individual to a group of over 100. If it something that needs a risk assessment – no matter what the activity or organiser, I would be delighted to discuss how we can work together.