Lone Working Policy

1. Scope

This policy applies to any EDU Archives Tutors candidate working alone with vulnerable groups or in environments without immediate colleague support — including home tutors, candidates placed in residential settings, alternative provisions, mobile working scenarios, or any setting where a direct line manager isn't physically present.

2. Risk assessment

Every lone-working assignment is risk-assessed before deployment. The risk assessment covers:

• Nature of the work (subject, duration, frequency)
• Location (home address, residential setting, AP)
• Time of day and travel route
• Vulnerability of the children or adults involved
• Any specific known risks — behavioural, medical, environmental
• Communication and emergency access
• Insurance cover and emergency response plan

3. Check-in protocol

Lone working follows a documented check-in protocol:

• Pre-session check-in with a named EDU Archives colleague before entering the setting
• Designated check-out call within 30 minutes of the session ending
• Escalation route if check-out is missed — including contacting the family and, if needed, emergency services
• Working mobile phone with sufficient charge and reception throughout the session
• Knowledge of the address, route, parking, and emergency exits

4. Specific scenarios

For home tuition, see also our Home Tuition Policy and Home Tuition Code of Conduct. For residential and alternative provision settings, additional training is required including positive handling, restraint awareness (where appropriate) and trauma-informed practice. For specialist SEND settings, intimate care training is required where the role involves physical support.

5. Equipment and personal safety

Candidates working alone are provided with or required to carry: a working mobile phone, photo ID, an EDU Archives Tutors lanyard, the address and emergency contact information, and a basic first-aid kit where appropriate to the role.

6. Reporting incidents

Any incident, near-miss, or hazard encountered during lone working must be reported to EDU Archives Tutors the same day. The incident is logged, reviewed, and where appropriate the risk assessment is updated and the placement reconsidered. Serious incidents are reportable under RIDDOR where the threshold is met.

7. Refusing or stopping work

Candidates have the right to refuse or stop lone working at any point if they feel unsafe. EDU Archives Tutors will support that decision without detriment and review the placement.

8. Review

Reviewed annually and after any reportable incident.