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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Team Building Events Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline the principles and procedures for organising and managing team-building events at {{org_field_name}}. These events are designed to enhance collaboration, improve communication, foster staff well-being, and strengthen workplace relationships. They are a key element in ensuring a positive and supportive work culture that ultimately benefits the people we support.

This policy ensures that team-building activities are inclusive, compliant with employment law and CQC regulations, and aligned with our organisational values. It provides clear guidelines on planning, participation, accessibility, and evaluation of such events to maximise their effectiveness.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All employees, volunteers, and agency staff at {{org_field_name}}.
• Managers and supervisors responsible for organising and overseeing team-building activities.
• External facilitators or trainers involved in delivering structured team-building sessions.
• HR and senior leadership in ensuring team-building aligns with staff development goals and business objectives.

3. Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

• CH27 – Staff Supervision, Training, and Development Policy to ensure that team-building contributes to staff growth.
• CH28 – Staff Conduct and Code of Ethics Policy to ensure that events uphold professional behaviour.
• CH30 – Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy to ensure inclusivity in all activities​.
• CH23 – Lone Working and Staff Safety Policy to consider safety during offsite events.
• CH16 – Health and Safety at Work Policy to mitigate risks associated with activities​.

4. Principles of Team Building at {{org_field_name}}

Team-building events must be:

• Inclusive and accessible to all staff, considering different physical abilities, religious beliefs, and personal preferences.
• Aligned with organisational values, focusing on collaboration, communication, and well-being.
• Voluntary participation, with no pressure on staff to take part in activities that make them uncomfortable.
• Planned with clear objectives, such as improving teamwork, morale, problem-solving skills, or leadership development.
• Cost-effective and within budget, ensuring responsible financial management.
• Evaluated for impact, with staff feedback used to improve future events.

5. Types of Team-Building Events

Team-building activities can take various forms, including but not limited to:

• Workshops and Training Sessions: Activities designed to improve communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Social Gatherings: Informal team lunches, coffee mornings, or celebratory events to foster social connections.
• Outdoor and Physical Activities: Group walks, charity runs, and adventure activities to promote well-being and fitness.
• Creative and Problem-Solving Activities: Escape rooms, brainstorming sessions, and creative team challenges.
• Community Volunteering: Team participation in charity work or community service.

6. Organising Team-Building Events

6.1 Planning and Approval

• All team-building events must be planned in advance and approved by management.
• A clear objective must be identified for each event, ensuring alignment with organisational goals.
• Risk assessments must be conducted for all off-site activities, considering health and safety concerns.
• Budget considerations must be taken into account to ensure cost-effectiveness.
• Scheduling must consider operational needs, ensuring that service provision is not disrupted.

6.2 Inclusivity and Accessibility

• Events must be accessible to all staff, considering mobility needs, dietary requirements, and religious beliefs.
• Alternative participation options must be available for those unable to attend in person.
• Activities must not force participation in potentially uncomfortable or physically demanding tasks.

6.3 Communication and Promotion

• Events must be clearly communicated to all staff through emails, noticeboards, and team meetings.
• Staff input should be encouraged in the selection and design of events.
• Attendance should remain voluntary, ensuring no undue pressure to participate.

7. Health, Safety, and Risk Management

7.1 Risk Assessments

• A risk assessment must be conducted before any team-building event to identify potential hazards.
• The assessment should cover venue safety, transport risks, first aid provisions, and emergency contacts.

7.2 Safeguarding and Well-being

• Any concerns about staff feeling uncomfortable, pressured, or discriminated against must be addressed immediately.
• Events must be alcohol-free during working hours to maintain professionalism and compliance with CQC standards.
• Staff should be encouraged to report any issues or concerns related to an event to their line manager.

7.3 Insurance and Liability

• If an event involves physical activities or travel, staff must be informed of any risks involved.
• The organisation’s insurance policies must cover staff participation in team-building activities.

8. Monitoring and Evaluation

8.1 Staff Feedback

• After each event, staff should be given the opportunity to provide feedback through surveys or discussions.
• Feedback should focus on engagement, enjoyment, and the perceived benefits of the event.

8.2 Measuring Effectiveness

• Management should assess whether the event met its objectives, such as improving teamwork or morale.
• Changes in staff engagement, absenteeism, or workplace relationships can be used as indicators of success.

8.3 Continuous Improvement

• Lessons learned from each event should be documented and used to improve future planning.
• Regular reviews should be conducted to ensure team-building remains relevant, beneficial, and aligned with business needs.

9. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or when significant organisational, legal, or regulatory changes occur. Updates will be communicated to all staff to ensure continued compliance and effectiveness.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.