How does the SafetyMARK Scheme work?
Once you have registered with us and we have determined the SafetyMARK grade which suits your school or organisation, we will send you some information to help you prepare for the on-site safety audit. We will then visit to carry out the audit on school premises and determine whether you are compliant with safety regulations in schools and if you meet the SafetyMARK standard. You will then receive the SafetyMARK award and/or guidance on how to improve your safety management.
Schools can work towards the award over a two year period, providing evidence of their improvements, and will receive the award as soon as they meet the standard. The award is then valid for as long as is left of the two year period.
The Process
1. Register
Contact us with your requirements and together we will decide which grade of SafetyMARK suits your organisation. We will then send you some initial information and a fee confirmation along with a unique reference number. There is no commitment whatsoever at this stage. Feel free to talk to us as much as you like about the process.
2. Join
When you do decide to join our SafetyMARK scheme we will book a date with you to carry out the required on-site safety audit(s) at your convenience. We will give you immediate access to the resources in the members’ area and advice from our competent safety practitioners if you need assistance in preparing.
4. Report
After the audit we will provide you with a report our the significant findings which will be fully scored and RAG rated with a prioritised improvement plan for you to follow.
5. Improvement
If your school or Organisation meets the required standard at the outset you will immediately be sent your framed certificate of excellence and will be able to use the SafetyMARK logo on all of your literature and electronic material.
You will still be able to demonstrate continual improvement with the benefit of the plan and our support.
For those schools that score above 90% at the initial audit they will be awarded our “Platinum Award” to show that they achieved excellence.
If the required standard is not achieved, then you can work on your plan and send us details of your improvements to be reviewed. If the evidence meets the standard your score will be upgraded and once you meet the required 80% we will send you your award.
6. Review
At the time of the anniversary of your initial audit, then one of our consultants will conduct an onsite review to validate the evidence provided for your improvement plan. The report will be fully updated and re-issued to the school.
The review visit is also your opportunity to discuss any on site health and safety issues that you may want advice on.
The consultant will also undertake a brief tour of the premises and if any additional obvious hazards are identified then the report and improvement plan will be updated accordingly.
7. Support
Being a part of SafetyMARK gives you access to competent safety support and our members’ area resources.
In summary the benefits include:
- Access to unlimited competent safety advice and guidance via telephone and email.
- Access to the members Resource Library that contains over 400 documents that includes, guidance, template policies and risk assessments.
- Discounted rates for any further consultancy and training requirements.
- Access to preferential rates for iHasco eLearning training courses.
These benefits last for the duration of the 2 year SafetyMARK scheme, which you can renew if you wish to keep the award and the member benefits. A fresh audit will then be conducted and a fresh report and action plan will be issued. To demonstrate your continued pursuance of safety excellence to your stakeholders.
8. The MARK
Upon meeting the standard needed for the SafetyMARK award, you will receive a certificate of achievement that you can proudly display in your school.
You may also use the SafetyMARK logo to highlight your achievements to all interested parties and school stakeholders. The logo can be used on electronic and printed material such as websites, letter heads and promotional material – a great opportunity for your school to publicise your excellence in safety.
You will be allowed to display the SafetyMARK award for two years, after which another audit will be needed to maintain the status.
The cycle lasts for two years after which you can renew if you wish to keep the award and the member benefits. A fresh audit will be conducted and your improvements and achievements can be demonstrated to all of your stakeholders.