CORE ACTIVITY RISK ASSESSMENTS

Modified on Fri, 1 Aug at 4:08 PM

Core Activity Risk Assessments -

You must fill out the Core Activity Risk Assessment Form, or you will not be able to run activity. The deadline for submitting this is 15 August.

What is a Core Activity Risk Assessment?

A core activity risk assessment is required health & safety documentation that identifies potential hazards involved in a club/society’s regular activity and outlines how those will be managed to keep everyone safe.

It includes:

A hazard summary
Who might be harmed (e.g., members, the public, under-18s)
A risk table including:
- How likely the risks are to occur
- What controls or safety measures are in place
- Who is responsible for managing each risk

You can download the Core Activity Risk Assessment Template here.

Why do we need a Core Activity Risk Assessment?

The goal is to ensure that all activities are carried out safely, legally, and responsibly.

As Student Group Leaders, you have a legal duty of care towards your members therefore are required to submit a Core Activity Risk Assessment for your group's core activity.

‘I don’t think we have core activity’

Every group should be running regular activity linked to its constitutional aims – if this isn’t happening, think about what your members are getting out of being a part of your group! This includes community and social aims.

Core activity is the activity which you deliver regularly, and which is reflected in your constitution.

Core activity does not cover yearly events which are not part of your main aims & objectives - e.g. a sports club running an annual dinner is not core activity, and should be submitted as an activity proposal [link to activity proposal article].

What do I need to do?

Depending on your risk rating, there is a different expectation for how you need to engage with the core activity risk assessment process.

High risk – submit annually, requires expert approval
Medium risk – submit annually
Low risk – reconfirm annually, submit every 3 years
Minimal risk – reconfirm annually

All groups must fill out the Core Activity Risk Assessment Form by 15 August, or you will not be able to run activity.

What do you mean by expert/specialist approval?

An expert or specialist will be someone:

External to Imperial College Union.
With qualifications or relevant experience (2+ years in a related job) in your activity.

By reviewing your core risk assessment, they are not accepting any liability for your activity. They are confirming that, to the best of their knowledge, you have appropriately risk assessed your activity, and they can make suggestions to you for its improvement.

If you have a governing body or there is a UK board for your activity, try reaching out to them.