Brief summary of changes

This policy has been rewritten to simplify the language.

Updates have also been made to roles and responsibilities to reflect organisational changes and improve clarity.

1. Introduction

NHS England is committed to creating a positive, inclusive and safe working environment where every individual and team can thrive. We believe that health and safety is fundamental to our success and wellbeing.

All employees are empowered to raise health and safety concerns, knowing they will be listened to and supported.

Our policies reflect the values and pledges of the NHS Constitution. We pledge to provide support and opportunities for staff to maintain their health, wellbeing, and safety. Every employee has a responsibility to take reasonable care of themselves and others, and to work together to ensure a safe workplace.

By working together, we can create an environment where safety is part of everything we do, and where everyone feels confident to speak up and contribute to continuous improvement.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all employees of NHS England, including permanent, temporary and fixed-term staff. It also covers contractors, agency workers, secondees, placements and any other individuals working on behalf of the organisation.

Where relevant, this policy also applies to volunteers and third parties undertaking work for NHS England.

3. Policy statement

NHS England is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all staff, contractors, visitors, and the public. Health and safety is a shared responsibility and central to our values and success. We will take positive action to prevent harm and reduce risks, fostering a culture where safety is part of everything we do.

We provide the resources, training and support needed for staff to work safely and confidently. All staff are expected to take reasonable care of themselves and others, follow safe working practices, and promptly report hazards and incidents. Managers and leaders ensure risks are identified, assessed and controlled, and that staff are supported with information and training.

We consult with staff and safety representatives, encourage open communication and promote a positive safety culture where everyone feels empowered to speak up and contribute to improvements. Regular reviews of our workplaces and activities help us identify risks and drive continuous improvement.

The practical arrangements for delivering this policy – including procedures, training, consultation, monitoring and reporting – are set out in the following sections. All staff must familiarise themselves with these arrangements and follow them in their daily work. This policy will be reviewed every 2 years, or sooner if there are relevant changes in law or our organisation.

By working together, we will ensure NHS England remains a safe place to work and visit.

3.1 Arrangements to deliver this policy

NHS England will deliver this Health and safety policy through:

• Developing and maintaining procedures, protocols and guidance that meet legal requirements and best practice.
• Ensuring managers conduct regular risk assessments and implement controls for their areas of responsibility.
• Providing appropriate training (to cover mandatory, statutory and other requirements via a combination of online and face-to-face routes as appropriate) and up-to-date information for all staff.
• Promoting health, safety and wellbeing through campaigns and communications.
• Consulting with staff and safety representatives via the Health and Safety Committee.
• Monitoring compliance and effectiveness through audits, inspections, and key performance indicators, including incident reporting rates and training uptake. These activities are led by the Health and Safety Committee, which oversees monitoring outcomes and uses them to drive continuous improvement. Outcomes are shared with staff as appropriate.
• Safety representatives play a vital role in our health and safety arrangements. They are empowered to inspect the workplace, investigate hazards and incidents, consult on risk assessments and act as a point of contact for staff safety concerns. NHS England will support safety representatives to be actively involved in all aspects of health and safety management, in line with the Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977 (‘Brown Book’) and best practice guidance.
• Reviewing arrangements regularly and acting on feedback to ensure continuous improvement.
• Supporting managers and leaders to take responsibility for embedding these arrangements and ensuring staff are aware of their responsibilities.

4. Roles and responsibilities

Health and safety is everyone’s responsibility. The following roles have specific duties:

4.1 All staff

• Take reasonable care of your own health and safety and that of others.
• Follow safe working practices and report hazards or incidents promptly.
• Take part in training and use equipment safely.

4.2 Managers and supervisors

• Make sure risk assessments are conducted and actions are completed.
• Provide staff with relevant information and support.
• Encourage open communication about health and safety.
• Monitor compliance and address any concerns, escalating issues to the Health and Safety team where required.

4.3 Chief executive

• Has overall accountability for health and safety in the organisation.
• Ensures resources are available and policy is implemented.

4.4 Director of corporate governance

• Responsible director for NHS England’s health and safety function.

4.5 Health and Safety team

• Coordinates the health and safety management system.
• Provides advice and guidance on health and safety matters.
• Maintains policies and procedures and supports training needs.
• Acts as the link with external agencies.

4.6 Safety representatives

• Support staff in raising health and safety concerns.
• Take part in consultation and help improve safety practices.

5. Equality impact assessment and data protection impact assessment

NHS England is committed to creating a positive culture of respect for all individuals, including staff, patients, their families, carers and community partners. This Health and safety policy has been assessed for its impact on equality and health inequalities, and no adverse impacts have been identified. The policy applies to all staff, irrespective of individual characteristics, and is designed to be inclusive, accessible, and supportive of everyone, with arrangements in place to monitor and address any issues that arise.

Where this policy involves the collection or use of personal information (for example, in incident reporting or risk assessments), all staff, managers and others must comply with NHS England’s information governance standards and data protection legislation. This includes maintaining confidentiality, applying data minimisation principles and ensuring secure handling of information. A data protection impact assessment has been considered, and appropriate measures are in place to protect personal data and uphold privacy rights.