Auditing
The audit programme is intended to examine the systems that are in place to effectively manage health and safety in University work areas.
Partnership audit programme
This programme is carried out in partnership with agencies external to the University who can bring their knowledge and experience from other sectors and from other higher education institutions. This is intended to promote best practice, using own knowledge to compare with other similar institutions, and then to make suitable recommendations based on this experience. It is intended to reach all areas of the University’s work activities.
Introduction to work area
The programme will consist of a detailed examination of the management system that is in place to effectively manage health and safety at School or equivalent level, and below. Each audit involves an introduction to the work area, followed by a discussion, of around one hour, with the relevant personnel who have responsibilities for safety management in the work area (Head of School/Area, School Safety Adviser, Director of Professional Services, etc.). The Auditor bases these discussions around a standard question set to ensure consistency across all areas of the University.
Sampling tour
The audit visit then moves on to an examination of safety systems in practice, with the auditor being guided on a sampling tour of representative areas of the School/Area, to give them a picture of the School’s activities. The Auditor is accompanied by a member of Health and Safety Department Staff throughout each visit.
Report and suggested remedial actions
Following the Health and Safety Management Audit, a report indicating how the work area is judged to be performing in will be produced by the auditor. This, together with guidance from the Health and Safety Department advising on how to implement any recommendations, if required, will be forwarded to each Head of School/work area. As the programme progresses the University Safety, Health and Wellbeing Committee will be updated with the information which has been collected.
This programme has now been in place for over twenty years in the University of Edinburgh and has played an important part in raising the profile of health and safety in work areas, improving safety culture, and improving health, safety and wellbeing standards within the University.
Full schedule of audits
Topic audits
We also regularly undertake topic audits, such as management of liquid nitrogen, which will be organised in a similar way as above. Currently there are no topic audits planned.
Inspections and surveys
Auditing is a management process to ensure the University has suitable systems in place to comply with health and safety regulations. This is entirely separate from local inspections and surveys which schools and department should arrange on a regular basis to check that local policies, processes etc. are adhered to. Template checklists are available for local areas to amend to suit their own areas.