The spread of COVID-19 and the measures required to tackle it have had a significant impact on the day-to-day lives of every individual and the priorities of every organisation.
At Groundwork our primary concern is for the health and wellbeing of our staff and the people they support, in particular those who are vulnerable due to their health, age, financial circumstances or other factors.
We remain committed to supporting communities wherever and however we can. During the crisis we have repurposed our resources to help provide immediate relief to those most affected by the pandemic and adapted our services so that they can be offered online or by phone to those struggling with isolation.
As restrictions are eased we will resume offering support in person and in groups where possible, following all recommended procedures in terms of hygiene and distancing and respecting the different regulations and guidance in place in different parts of the UK.
We undertake full risk assessments in relation to the buildings and community spaces we use and the projects and services we deliver. These follow a number of core principles as follows.
- Where our employees can do their work from home, we are supporting them to do so by providing appropriate equipment and advice on staying well, particularly those who are more vulnerable to the impacts of the virus.
- Where our work needs to be delivered in community settings we are providing employees with personal protective equipment and appropriate training and welfare support.
- Both in offices and community settings we are observing recommended distancing requirements by limiting the number of people in buildings, vehicles and open spaces, reconfiguring office space and installing protective screens where needed.
- We are ensuring there is signage and floor markings in all buildings we operate from to remind people to keep their distance.
- We have more frequent and more rigorous cleaning arrangements in place to ensure that surfaces in offices and on sites (eg tools) are sanitised to prevent transmission.
- We provide regular reminders to employees, volunteers and service users about the need for hygiene and hand washing.
- We have updated and expanded our safeguarding arrangements so that we can ensure children and vulnerable adults are protected while connecting with us and each other online.
If you would like to know more about how we’re ensuring the safety of our workplaces and services, please follow the link below: