What is a Shield Audit?

Our online Shield Audit is a structured, legally-focused review designed to:

• Protect you as a school leader from personal prosecution

• Ensure the school itself is compliant under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

• Identify gaps in policy, responsibility, and enforcement

• Provide an actionable improvement plan that demonstrates a rolling history of compliance

It’s not just about ticking boxes — it’s about building a defensible position in case of a serious incident or HSE inspection.

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Your Legal Duties as a Duty Holder

If you're the person in overall control of school operations, you are classed as a duty holder. This comes with clear legal requirements:

• You must have a competent person appointed to advise you on health and safety

• Your school must conduct an annual health and safety audit to identify and act on risks

• Your school should conduct an Annual Fire Risk Assessment

• Your health and safety policy must be legally structured, regularly reviewed, and clearly define who is responsible for what

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Failing to do this leaves you personally exposed to prosecution — particularly under Section 37 of the Health and Safety at Work Act, which allows individuals to be prosecuted where a breach occurs with their consent, connivance, or neglect.

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What Does the Shield Audit Cover?

Our Shield Audit focuses on the areas that HSE would scrutinise in the event of an inspection or incident:

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1. Safety Policy Compliance

• Clear three-part structure: Statement of Intent, Organisation, and Arrangements

• Named duty holders with defined roles

• Signed responsibilities for accountability

• Evidence of enforcement through training and disciplinary action

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2. Competency & Training

• Identification of a competent person under Regulation 7

• Leadership training (e.g. IOSH Managing Safely for School Leaders)

• Role-specific training tracked and reviewed

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3. Documentation & Evidence

• Safety audits, risk assessments, and incident reports

• Fire risk assessments and premises compliance

• Maintenance logs and contractor oversight

• Demonstrable commitment to continuous improvement

4. Leadership Risk Protection

• Highlights gaps that increase personal liability

• Provides strategies to demonstrate control and proactive leadership

• Ensures legal defensibility

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Why School Leaders Trust the Shield Audit

✅ Tailored specifically for primary, secondary, and academy trust settings
✅ Conducted by qualified consultants with education sector experience
✅ Results in a clear, jargon-free action plan
✅ Includes support with policy updates and compliance planning

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Don’t Wait for the HSE to Knock

Book a Shield Audit today and ensure you can prove you're meeting your legal obligations as a school leader. The earlier risks are identified and addressed, the better your position — and the safer your school.

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📞 Contact us to schedule your Shield Audit or learn more about our education-specific compliance services.

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