Annual Risk Assessment & Risk Register
Councils must undertake an annual risk assessment to identify financial, operational, staffing, legal, and environmental risks. These risks must be captured in the Risk Register, monitored throughout the year, and reviewed whenever circumstances change.
The annual review must show evidence of monitoring — not just a “tick-box” approval at year end.
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Health & Safety Statutory Checks
Councils must demonstrate that they are actively managing workplace and public safety. This includes carrying out and recording task-specific risk assessments, ensuring staff have adequate training, and completing statutory inspections where relevant. Depending on the council’s assets and services, statutory checks may include:
H&S compliance requires evidence — completed inspections, training records, competent assessors, and documented follow-up actions. A policy alone is not sufficient to meet statutory duties.
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Insurance: Risks, Inspections & Evidence
Insurance cover must reflect actual risks identified through inspections, asset safety checks, and the Risk Register. Councils must ensure insurance policies account for:
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land and building risks
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public spaces and play equipment
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trees and open spaces
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volunteers and events
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cyber and IT risks
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lone working
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property and equipment
Inspection findings, risk assessments, and maintenance records must feed directly into insurance decisions. Evidence of checks is essential for demonstrating due diligence. Insurance is only compliant when it is aligned with real risks. Councils must be able to show how inspections and risk assessments informed insurance values and cover types.
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Safeguarding
Councils delivering or funding services involving children or vulnerable adults must have:
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Safeguarding procedures
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A Safeguarding Policy
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Appropriate DBS checks (depending on service type and role)
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Training for staff/volunteers (where relevant)
Safeguarding responsibilities apply even if the council delivers services indirectly (e.g. grant-funded youth projects).
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Biodiversity Duty
Under the NERC Act 2006 (as strengthened by the Environment Act 2021), councils must “have regard to conserving biodiversity” when exercising their functions. Councils should adopt a Biodiversity Duty Policy and consider biodiversity in project planning, procurement, land management, and risk assessment. The Biodiversity Duty applies to every council, regardless of size. It must be reflected in the Risk Register, and councillors should actively consider biodiversity when approving plans, managing land, or responding to planning consultations.
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Charities & Trusts
Where a council acts as managing trustee or custodian trustee, charity law applies. The council must:
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keep charity decisions separate from council decisions
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hold separate accounts & minutes
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comply with Charity Commission requirements
Charity business must not be conducted within parish/town council meetings.
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