UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK

Warwick Laksh Foundation Project

Project Document

Contents

1. Summary of the Project2. Laksh Foundation3. Laksh Foundation School4. Role of the Volunteers5. Accommodation6. Food and Drink7. Transport and Travel8. Medical9. Environment10. Risk Assessment11. Training and Induction12. Security13. Health and Safety14. Packs for volunteers15. Information for placement provider/Warwick in India Office16. Emergency and Contingency Plans 17. Review Mechanisms18. Contact Details

1. Summary of the Project

A volunteer teaching placement for three students from the University of Warwick at the Laksh Foundation School, Mangar Village, District Faridabad, Haryana, India from 24 July-21 August 2010.

2. Laksh Foundation

The Laksh Foundation is a small non-governmental organisation based in the hills 25 miles outside Delhi. It uses sustainable farming methods to produce organic produce. In so doing, it provides viable alternative employment to illegal stone mining for the local villagers (Laksh Farms).

The project also teaches (on average) 60 local children who have dropped out of school, and vocational training (eg. stitching, embroidery) to the older girls and women (Laksh Foundation School).

The Laksh Foundation is supported entirely through voluntary donations, cash raised by selling its produce and ‘rural tourism’, although the latter two are still in the very early stages of development.

1

The Laksh Foundation was founded and is run by Mrs Ila Lumba. Ila’s career was previously in the hospitality industry in India. Her husband Shakti founded and runs Laksh Farms.

The Laksh Foundation website is at http://lakshfarms.com/lakshfd.html

3. Laksh Foundation School

The Laksh Foundation School teaches (on average) 60 local children of ages ranging from 3-16 years old. The pupils are taught in classes which approximate to grades in mainstream Indian schools, although children may be placed in different classes depending on their knowledge/ability. The teachers are not qualified and many of them have no education beyond Year 10, “but have good communicative skills with the children and have helped them "pass" on to the next grade because they understand the government schools' system” (Ila Lumba).

The School has eight large rooms with wide verandahs and a large courtyard with a play area. Classes have recently changed to taking place in the afternoons, as some of the children attend another local school in the morning. Classes also take place at the weekends.

The school timetable is -

Monday-Friday

Assembly EnglishMaths (up to class 8)Hindi (for class 10)ScienceBreak for snack and playHistory/Social StudiesBusiness Studies/Sanskrit Saturdays   

Computers/Art/Music/Theatre

The culture is to study ‘by rote’ but the school is trying to introduce some different methods and approaches to teaching. They have noticed some positive improvements since varying the way in which classes are taught. For example,

“We are trying to introduce some differences... for example, last Saturday we took the children to the Rail Museum. When they returned they had to make a drawing and write a few lines in their own words. It was nice to get read what they had to say, mistakes included!  But at least it was their own effort.” Ila Lumba

2

  The medium of instruction of all classes (apart from English classes) is in Hindi. The level of English taught in the school is basic.

4. Role of the Volunteers

The main role of the volunteers will be –

To contribute to and develop the teaching of  English within the school; To develop the quality of the written and spoken English language skills of the

school teachers; To contribute to and develop the teaching of other classes in the school,

including Arts and Crafts (painting, drawing, clay work, paper mache etc); To support and input to design course material and curriculum structure for

some of the classes; To introduce new teaching methods and approaches to the school (not just

teaching ‘by rote’), and to provide guidance to help the teachers develop additional methods of teaching.

To provide any support for school visits, where appropriate.

Although other classes are taught in Hindi, the volunteers may also be involved in these lessons by, for example, demonstrating some basic science experiments, environment preservation and conservation, crafts, art, drama, video recording etc. An important aspect of the project is felt to be the introduction of another culture to the local children (talking about life in the UK etc) and discussing issues such as the environment and modern and easier methods of farming. They would also have a role to play in developing and introducing extra-curricular activities, such as formalizing sports activities.

The placement provider, Ila Lumba, sees great potential for the wide range of activities that the volunteers can lead, participate in, and develop at the school. She believes that the volunteers will need to see the school and its children before they are able to best judge the ways in which they make most impact. Although the main roles of the volunteers are listed above and revolve around teaching in the school, they may also be involved in –

Tutorials for those children of the school who need additional help; Tutoring in English and on computers for children from the village and the

government school; Decorating the school, including class room displays, wall paintings, visual

aids; Interacting with the villagers and visiting them in their homes.

5. Accommodation

(a) Delhi

The volunteers will stay in Delhi for two nights upon arrival in India (25-26 July), and the night before their departure (20 August). Accommodation will be at the

3

Colonel’s Retreat Hotel, D 418, Defence Colony, New Delhi. Contact: 011- 46587558. Website: http://www.colonelsretreat.com/index.html

(b) Laksh Farm

The volunteers will stay in a large bungalow on Laksh Farm which is ordinarily used for tourists. For security, all three volunteers should stay together in the same bungalow, and this bungalow should be located as near as possible to the accommodation being occupied by the placement provider.

The bungalows have attached bathroom facilities and are air conditioned. They are of a good standard.

Laksh Farm has internet access and a mobile signal. A data card for the internet will be provided to the group and a SIM card for their mobile phone will be provided to each volunteer which have better connectivity at the Farm. Volunteers are advised to bring an old mobile phone and charger. The SIM card will be preloaded with Rs.500 of calls, and volunteers can add to this on a ‘pay-as-you-go’ basis, with incoming calls free. A ‘standby phone’ will also be given to the volunteers to use when they are collected from the airport.

A computer and printer are available to use, and the University will endeavour to send an old laptop with the group to India.

6. Food and Drink

Bottled water will be available at Laksh Farm and can also be purchased locally. Only bottled water should be drunk.

Basic cooked Indian food will be provided at the farm. The volunteers will have access to the kitchen and will also have the option of making their own food.

Volunteers will be advised to carry some basic food provisions and snacks if they wish.

7. Transport and Travel

(a) Flights

Flight details for the volunteers are as follows –

BA  257 L  24JUL Heathrow – Delhi                       1735  #0620 

BA  256 L  21AUG Delhi – Heathrow                      0815   1250 

4

One of the volunteers may change her return flight date and stay on in India to work on another project. If she decides to do this, she will sign a document to confirm that her placement has ended.

(b) Delhi

A representative from the Warwick India Office (Aarti Natarajan or Tishya Sethi) will meet the volunteers at Delhi airport and take them to their accommodation at Colonel’s Retreat (address above at 5(a)).

Contact numbers on arrival - Aarti Natarajan +91 9811133629Tishya Sethi +91 9811474073

Transport between Delhi and Laksh Farm, and any other trips or visits will be provided by Samrat Tours and Travels, a travel agency frequently used by the Warwick India Office and confirmed as reliable. Transport will be booked by the Warwick India Office.

Samrat Tours and TravelsContact: Raman Segal Phone: +91-9810016103, 011-26251897

(c) Laksh Farm

Transport from Laksh Farm would be provided by Samrat Tours and Travels as above, or on some occasions by Ila Lumba’s own car and driver.

(d) Other trips

Some trips or visits to tourist attractions or places of interest may be arranged for the volunteers during the course of the placement. These should be arranged by or approved by the Warwick India Office, and the University should be informed. It is expected that these would be provided by Samrat Tours and Travels or another reliable agency approved by the Warwick India Office. Volunteers are expected to cover the costs of these trips and visits themselves. Trips suggested to date include visits to Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Neemrana Fort (Delhi-Jaipur Highway).

8. Medical

Volunteers should obtain all necessary vaccinations for the placement according to the advice of their doctor or health centre. It is advisable that malaria tablets should also be taken.

Volunteers should bring any medication or prescription drugs which they take or anticipate that they may need.

5

A general first aid kit and a sterile first aid kit will be supplied for the use of volunteers by the University.

One of the volunteers will take a first-aid refresher course before leaving for India.

Volunteers are also advised to bring a sufficient supply of mosquito repellent, sun block and a sun hat.

‘All Out’ electronic anti mosquito machines will be provided by the Warwick India Office, but mosquito nets will not initially be provided, as it has been advised that these may be too heavy and claustrophobic and limit the effect of the air conditioning system. However, should volunteers feel they want to use mosquito nets they will be provided by the Warwick India Office.

The nearest medical facilities are at Gurgaon, 30 minutes away – Paras Hospitals http://www.parashospitals.com/ Full contact details for Paras Hospitals are attached in Appendix A.

9. Environment

(a) Location

Laksh Farm and Laksh Foundation School are located within a rural area, and as such are comparatively remote. There are four families living on the farm, and Village Mangar is nearby. The terrain is described as ‘quite harsh’ and dusty although the setting is scenic. There is access to basic supplies from some stores nearby, although it is not clear exactly how near these are in real terms.

(b) Clothing

Although all types of clothing are permitted within the main farm area, in Laksh Foundation School (and certainly anywhere else) it is advised that Indian clothing or t-shirts with loose cotton trousers are worn. Light clothing is recommended, and should cover the body. Nothing revealing should be worn due to cultural sensitivities, especially in this rural area.

It is also recommended that a sturdy pair of shoes/sandals/slippers would be beneficial.

A lightweight rain mac may be useful as it will be the rainy season.

(c) Climate and weather

It is expected to be very hot and humid during the period of the placement, and that the rainy season will have begun.

6

The school does not have air-conditioning, and the high temperatures are a concern. The bungalow which the volunteers will be staying in is air-conditioned, so this may offer some respite, and should be comfortable at night.

10. Risk Assessment

A risk assessment of the placement has been undertaken by Kanika Marwaha and Ambika Singh from the Warwick India Office. The risk assessment was conducted during a visit to the site (Laksh Farm and Laksh Foundation School) on 14th June 2010.

The conclusion of the risk assessment was that the risks were tolerable such that the placement could be approved. A copy of the risk assessment is attached as Appendix C.

However, it was noted that there were the following major areas of concern regarding the placement –

The high temperatures at the site, particularly when in the open, and notably in the school area;

Potential security issues arising from the remote location of the site at night.

The following other concerns were also noted by the site assessors -

The potential for the volunteers to feel isolated or vulnerable because of the remote nature of the location, and also for them to feel bored and lonely because of the limited opportunities for recreation, particularly in the evenings;

The potential for dissatisfaction from the volunteers with the food provided on the farm, noting that it will be basic Indian food in the main and will be different from the volunteers’ normal diet.

11. Training and Induction

(a) Warwick

Whilst still at Warwick, the volunteers will have the following training and briefing sessions to help prepare them for the placement:

Teacher training session (with Warwick in Africa volunteers); Support from the Centre for Applied Linguistics on English Language

Teaching; Briefing on India and cultural awareness from the International Office; Briefing on security and personal safety from the Head of Security Services

and Director of Student Support; Language resources provided for basic Hindi phrases.

(b) Delhi

Induction programme with Kanika Marwaha, Warwick India Office;

7

Visit to Shri Ram School, Gurgaon.

12. Security

(a) Risk Assessment

The risk assessment conducted by the Warwick India Office has considered security factors, and this will also be considered by the Head of Security Services before being approved.

Site assessors note that there could be potential security issues at night arising from the remote location of Laksh Farm. To mitigate this, Ila Lumba will be staying on the farm at night during the period of the placement. It is also noted that four families live on the farm, and that dogs are present for security purposes.

All three volunteers should share one of the larger bungalows, rather than leaving one person in a bungalow on their own. The volunteers’ bungalow should be located as near as possible to the accommodation being occupied by the placement provider Ila Lumba.

(b) Briefing

The volunteers will be given a briefing on security and personal safety by the Head of Security Services and the Director of Student Support before they leave for India. A ‘Travel Safely Abroad’ guidance sheet specific to the Delhi area produced by the Head of Security Services will also be provided to the volunteers.

(c) Responsibilities of Volunteers

The volunteers will be encouraged to assess the risk for themselves when they arrive at Laksh Farm, and highlight any concerns to Ila Lumba, Kanika Marwaha and the University so that appropriate action can then be taken.

Volunteers should ensure that they take a responsible attitude towards their own personal safety and that of their fellow volunteers. They should follow any guidance given by Kanika Marwaha and Ila Lumba on security and personal safety whilst they are on the placement.

13. Health and Safety

(a) Risk Assessment

The risk assessment conducted by the Warwick India Office has considered health and safety factors, and this will also be considered by the Director of Health and

8

Safety before being approved. The risk assessment has been based around the main activities of the volunteers at the Laksh Foundation School. Any additional activities undertaken do not fall within the scope of the risk assessment and volunteers should judge for themselves the health and safety implications involved.

Site assessors note that there will be high temperatures at the site during the period of the placement, particularly when in the open, and notably in the school area. Volunteers are advised to drink plenty of bottled water, cover up, use sun block, sit in the shade and rest when needed. The volunteers’ accommodation will be air-conditioned, but if the high temperatures are causing concern the volunteers should highlight this to Ila Lumba, Kanika Marwaha and the University who will take action as appropriate.

(b) Briefing

Volunteers will be briefed by Kanika Marwaha on general matters relating to their health and safety whilst they are in India, and by Ila Lumba on specific matters relating to the placement.

(c) Responsibilities of Volunteers

The volunteers will be encouraged to assess the risks relating to health and safety for themselves when they arrive at Laksh Farms, and highlight any concerns to Ila Lumba, Kanika Marwaha and the University so that appropriate action can then be taken.

Volunteers should ensure that they take a responsible attitude towards their own health and safety and that of their fellow volunteers. They should follow any guidance given by Kanika Marwaha and Ila Lumba on health and safety whilst they are on the placement.

14. Packs for volunteers

Volunteers will be provided with the following in the UK –

Flight e-ticket confirmation Travel insurance voucher and policy document Packing List A copy of this Project Document, including Risk Assessment Itinerary from Warwick India Office, including arrangements for arrival, induction

and departure in Delhi Contact Details Travel Safely Abroad Leaflet with emergency contact card Travel Safely Abroad sheet – with Delhi information Map of Laksh Farms area Hindi phrases ‘crib sheet’ and web resources Suggestions for teaching, activities, resources General medical kit (one for the group) Sterile medical kit (one for the group) 1 litre Platypus water bottle Laptop – TBC

9

Volunteers will be provided with the following in India -

Local SIM card Local data card (one for the group) Money for essential expenses and emergencies – Rs.3000 (approx £43) per

person ‘All Out’ electronic anti mosquito machines

15. Information for placement provider/Warwick in India Office

The placement provider will be provided with –

A copy of this Project Document Volunteers’ registration forms and code of conduct Contact Details sheet A copy of the ‘Travel Safely Abroad’ leaflet and emergency contact card Letter / MOU outlining agreement for the project

The Warwick in India Office will be provided with –

A copy of the volunteers’ flight details and e-ticket A copy of the volunteers’ travel insurance voucher and policy document Volunteers’ registration forms and code of conduct A copy of this Project Document Contact Details sheet A copy of the ‘Travel Safely Abroad’ leaflet and emergency contact card A copy of the ‘Travel Safely Abroad’ guidance sheet A copy of the letter / MOU outlining agreement for the project ‘Sign out’ form for Jessica Vickerage at end of placement

16. Emergency and Contingency Plans

(a) Emergencies

The British High Commission in New Delhi will be the first point of contact for the volunteers in an emergency:

High Commissioner: Sir Richard Stagg KCMGBritish High CommissionChanakyapuriNew Delhi 110021Phone: +91 (0) 11 2419 2100 (24 hrs a day)Email: web.newdelhi@fco.gov.uk

10

(Full contact details are listed in Appendix B).

Volunteers have also been advised to register with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office LOCATE service at http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/staying-safe/Locate/

Contact numbers for the police and other emergency services will be pre-loaded onto the volunteers’ SIM cards by the Warwick India Office.

(b) Accommodation – Contingency Plan

If the high temperatures, weather, security concerns or any other significant factors mean that alternative accommodation needs to be sought, the placement provider Ila Lumba will take the volunteers to stay at her home in Gurgaon (30 minutes from the Laksh Farm). Alternative accommodation should then be sought if this arrangement is not sustainable.

Accommodation has also been made available at the Warwick India Office in case it is needed during the period of the placement. This room is air conditioned, has an attached washroom, a small seating area, and a kitchen with an oven and refrigerator.

17. Review Mechanisms

Volunteers will each be expected to complete a weekly report of their activities on the placement, and on their thoughts, feelings and wellbeing in relation to the project. This should be completed online at http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/registrar/deputyregistrar/laksh/weeklyreport at the end of each week and will be treated in confidence if required.

Upon their return to the UK, volunteers will each be expected to complete a more comprehensive evaluation report summarising their experiences on the placement and advising on ways in which the project could develop in the future.

18. Contact Details

Placement address

Laksh FarmsVillage MangarP.O.Dhauj, District FaridabadHaryana, INDIA

Placement provider – home address and contact details

11

Ila Lumba43 Shahtoot MargDLF City Phase IGurgaon, Haryana-122002INDIAPhone: 00 91 97 112 99396 or 00 91 93 131 47240 Email: shaktila@gmail.com

Warwick India Office address and contact details

Kanika MarwahaWarwick India Office72 Navjivan Vihar GFNew Delhi  110 017INDIAPhone: 00 91 11 2669 2059Mobile: 00 91 9810381250Fax: 00 91 11 2669 3551Email: Kanika@warwick.in

Contact numbers on arrival - Aarti Natarajan +91 9811133629Tishya Sethi +91 9811474073

Nearest Hospital

Paras HospitalC-1 BlockSushant Lok- 1 Sector-43 Phase- I GurgaonHaryana 122002 INDIA24x7 Enquiry : 00 91-124-4585555Emergency : 00 91-124-4585666Email: info@parashospitals.comWebsite: http://www.parashospitals.com (Also see Appendix A)

Local Police

Nearest Police Post – Mangar (6km from Laksh Farms)Nearest Police Station – Surjkund (16km from Laksh Farms)Emergency number for police – dial 100

British High Commission, New Delhi

High Commissioner: Sir Richard Stagg KCMGBritish High CommissionChanakyapuri

12

New Delhi 110021Phone: +91 (0) 11 2419 2100 (24 hrs a day)Email: web.newdelhi@fco.gov.uk

(Full contact details are listed in Appendix B).

University of Warwick

For an urgent out of hours response, contact the University of Warwick 24 hour security team – + 44 (0)24 7652 2083

For any general matters, contact -

Jill Shaw Assistant RegistrarDeputy Registrar’s OfficeUniversity of WarwickCoventryCV4 8UWPhone: +44 (0)24 7615 1025Email: jill.shaw@warwick.ac.uk

Except between 17 July -3 August 2010 when you should contact -

Dan PersaudDirector of Student SupportUniversity of WarwickCoventryCV4 8UWPhone: +44 (0)24 7650 649 Mobile: +44 (0)7876 218042Email: Daniel.Persaud@warwick.ac.uk

Date document last amended - 8 July 2010

13

Appendix A – Paras Hospital, Gurgaon – Contact Details

Important Phone Nos.

24x7 Enquiry : 91-124-4585555

Emergency : 91-124-4585666

Heart Health Help Line: 91-124-4585666

OPD Reception : 91-124-4585574 / 91-124-4585581

TPA / Corporate Desk : 91-124-4585571

Admission : 91-124-4585573

Health Check Up Appointments : 91-124-4585580

Fax : 91-124-4585572

Email : info@parashospitals.com

Address:

Paras Hospitals, C-1 Sushant Lok- 1 Sector-43 Phase- I Gurgaon , Haryana 122002

14

Appendix B – British High Commission, New Delhi - Contact Details

High Commissioner:

Sir Richard Stagg KCMG

Address:British High CommissionChanakyapuriNew Delhi 110021

Switchboard:(91) (11) 2419 2100

Phone:+91 (0) 11 2419 2100 (24 hrs a day)

Fax:(91) (11) 2687 2882 Management(91) (11) 2687 0062 Economic & Commercial(91) (11) 2687 0065 Press & Public Affairs(91) (11) 2611 4603 Defence(91) (11) 2687 0068 Political

Website:http://ukinindia.fco.gov.uk

Office hours:GMT:Mon-Fri: 0330-0730 / 0830-1130

Local Time:Mon-Fri: 0900-1300 / 1400-1700

Mon-Fri:  0900-1400 (Consular)

15

Appendix C - Risk Assessment

Placement Provider Student or Student Group Start and End Dates

Company : Laksh Farms. Location: Mangar Village, (beyond gurgaon faridabad road)

Letitia Bryan, Hayley Pope and Jessica Vickerage

24th July, 2010 – 21st August, 2010

1. General Control Measures

Action Necessary? Action Completed?

Has the placement provider confirmed receipt and acceptance of your written communication?

Yes

Has this placement provider been used before and been reviewed with regard to health and safety?

If ‘YES’, do any concerns remain unresolved?

No

Does the placement provider have a H&S advisor ?

No

Has the student received sufficient briefing?

Yes

2. Risk Assessment and Further Specific Actions Necessary

Risk Profile

(High, Medium or Low)

Action Necessary? Action Completed?

Work and/or Study Factors

medium The main activities of the volunteers will centre around the school.

All additional activities taking place at the farm will be entirely voluntary in nature.

Travel and Transportation Factors

medium Students will be briefed on travel arrangement.

A reliable travel agency ‘Samrat Tours and Travels’ which is frequently used by the Delhi office would be advised through the course of this trip.

16

Location and/or Regional Factors

low Data cards and sim cards will be provided to ensure that the students have complete connectivity

General/Environmental Health Factors

medium Volunteers should take precautionary vaccinations before coming to a tropical country. Volunteers have been provided with a list of vaccinations and travel health advice as per http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations/asia-(east)/india.aspx

Volunteers have been advised to consult their doctor regarding vaccinations and anti-malarials.

A medical kit should be carried as a precaution

Sun block, appropriate head gear and mosquito repellent should be carried.

Individual Student Factors

medium Two day Induction procedure will reduce any possible risk

Insurance Limitations medium No Medical insurance. University needs to look into individual student Insurance

3. Conclusions Action Necessary? Action Completed?

Is a site safety visit required before placement is approved?

Yes / No Done on 14th June 2010 by the

Warwick India office

Are the risks tolerable such that the placement can be approved?

Yes / No Yes

Prepared by: Kanika Marwaha / Ambika Singh Date: 14th June 2010

Have the above actions been completed? Yes/No Yes

I Kanika Marwaha / Ambika Singh approve this placement.

Signed: Date: 14th June 2010

17

Key for Risk Assessment - Risk Profiling and Risk Reducing Actions

Factor Risk Profile Indications Possible specific action to reduce risk

Work Factors

High Work with hazards that have potential to cause permanent injury or fatalities, including:

Construction site with work at height, dusts, moving machinery, electrical systems.

Operation of machinery with mechanical hazards such as high speed rotating parts, crushing or entanglement risks.

Laboratory work with toxic/hazardous materials.

Community work with known high risk groups of clients or locations (drug abusers, homeless, violent patients).

Work with animal bedding or large or dangerous animals.

Activities requiring specific licences or qualification (e.g. diving, flying aircraft, crewing an aerial device).

Work involving significant hazards in small companies that do not have professional health and safety advice.

Un-supervised work with children or vulnerable adults

Seek confirmation from placement provider about expectations of student’s prior competency in high risk activities, and ensure student meets these.

Confirm that training & supervision will be provided by the placement provider throughout the placement. Include in the written communication with the placement provider.

Consider pre-placement site visit.

Check University HR and student policies. The student will need a Criminal Records Bureau check.

Medium

Working in proximity to high risk factors (but not directly with them).

Supervised work with children or vulnerable adults

Seek confirmation from placement provider that the student will not be expected to participate in high risk activities, and will be appropriately supervised in medium risk activities. Include in the written communication with the placement provider.

Check University HR and student policies. The student may need a Criminal Records Bureau check.

Low Office work or other low hazard environments and activities.

None

18

Factor Risk Profile Indications Possible specific action to reduce risk

Travel and Transportation Factors

High Significant travel to reach placement, prolonged or on local transport facilities known to be high risk (poor driving or vehicle safety standards).

Demanding travel during placement.

Student required to drive others in unfamiliar vehicles.

Brief student on travel arrangements, discuss implications with them.

Consider their experience.

Get confirmation from them that they have relevant driving licences and insurances.

Consider reducing risks by providing accompanied travel where practicable.

Specify regular contact times.

Medium Night travel.

Long daily commuting requirement.

Student required to drive familiar vehicle in reasonable conditions.

Brief student on travel arrangements. Confirm that these are acceptable to them.

Advise them to check that they have the necessary driving licences and insurances.

Low

No significant travel, comfortable daily commute.

No driving associated with placement.

None

Factor Risk Profile Indications Possible specific action to reduce risk

Location and/or Regional Factors

High Significant risk of civil disorder, crime or similar danger (e.g. placement in war zones, countries where the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advises against travel).

Unavoidable lone or remote working in proximity to significant risk (e.g. medical student elective in a refugee camp).

Medical and rescue services not available quickly or locally.

Means of communications likely to be difficult or compromised.

Check Foreign and Commonwealth Office restrictions and recommendations.

Consult guides on appropriate behaviour, clothing, etc.

Arrange briefing/information to be provided in conjunction with someone with local experience or knowledge of conditions (e.g. student on previous placement or a placement practitioner at a local HEI in the overseas country).

Medium Higher than normal risk of civil disorder, crime or comparable danger.

Delays likely in communicating with tutors and others.

Check Foreign and Commonwealth Office restrictions and recommendations.

Provide information to students on

19

Placements abroad in areas identified as low risk by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

guides on appropriate behaviour, clothing, etc.

Supplement general briefing with information about medium risk factors.

Low Placements in the UK with no significant local risks.

None

General/

Environmental Health Factors

High Regional / local health risks require mandatory and specific health protection measures e.g. inoculations.

Local climate is very hot or potential for high UV exposure.

Very hot or strenuous working conditions (e.g. manual working outdoors in the sun).

Very cold working conditions (e.g. catering placement in a food cold storage/cook chill or freeze facility).

Student needs to confirm that they have sought and followed advice from their General Practitioner or a Travel Clinic.

Consult the University's Occupational Health for advice.

Medium Regional/local conditions require some precautionary measures, e.g. optional inoculations against diseases, or a medical travel kit is a sensible precaution.

Student needs to confirm that they have sought and followed advice from their General Practitioner or a Travel Clinic.

Student should consider taking a medical travel kit as a sensible precaution.

Low No significant environmental health risks. None

Factor Risk Profile Indications Possible specific action to reduce risk

Individual Student Factors

High The student has personal factors (e.g. health, disability, linguistic or differing national expectations) which may increase the risk of illness or accident during work-related activity even following adjustments.

The student has personal factors (e.g. health, disability, linguistic or differing national expectations) which may require specific adjustments or support if living away from home, or makes them susceptible to episodes of illness.

The student’s knowledge, understanding, and skills are low for the type of work.

Discuss activities of high risk with the student, try to eliminate or reduce them where possible.

Contact the University's Disability Advisor in the first place to develop reasonable adjustments. Confirm these in the written communication with the placement provider.

Consider pre-placement site visit.

20

Medium The student has personal factors (e.g. health, disability, linguistic or differing national expectations) which may require specific adjustments or support during work, or in social interactions at work.

Engage with occupational health professional / disability support professionals to develop reasonable adjustments. Confirm these in the written communication with the placement provider.

Low

The student has no long-term medical conditions or disability likely to cause episodes of illness or require specific support whilst on placement.

Student has relevant knowledge, understanding and skills for the type of work.

None

Insurance Limitations

High

Locations, activities and/or circumstances that are excluded from the University's travel and other insurance cover.

Locations where the placement provider’s insurance does not cover the student for personal or third party liability associated with the work by the student.

If locations, activities and/or circumstances are excluded from the University's travel and other insurance cover, consider alternative placements.

If placement is to proceed, additional specific insurances may be available.

Consult the University's Insurance Officer.

Brief student on limitations of insurance cover (the small print).

Medium

Locations, activities and/or circumstances that require prior acceptance from the University's insurers before being covered.

If locations, activities and/or circumstances require prior acceptance from the University's insurers, ensure notification and acceptance is given.

Brief student on limitations of insurance cover (the small print).

Low Locations, activities and/or circumstances that are automatically included in the University's insurance cover.

UK locations (where the placement provider must have employers’ liability insurance cover).

None

21