On a regular basis we are asked to ensure that contractors bring their DBS checks with them. I am not sure if this is because LAs have said something to schools; somebody in school has been on a safeguarding course; or the school in question has reviewed its own safeguarding procedures. Often it is linked to schools not wanting to accompany contractors on site. In the latter case DBS has nothing to do with health and safety or site security. We have recently had to reiterate our position that if you give contractors access to school when there is no responsible person from school on site we can not be involved in any dispute which may arise with the contractor should an incident occur.
DBS clearances can only be obtained for people who carry out "regulated activities" which in most cases building contractors working on compliance or reactive maintenance are not carrying out such an activity.
To help schools with this issue we have produced the following additional guidance
If you have a septic tank you need to read this and arrange for your tank to be checked. Failure to comply could result in a heavy fine.
Click here for further information
Further help contact peter@dbeservices.co.uk or 01254 958850
The TPM Newsletter for January 2018 is now available. It has ways of saving money and if you have never heard of GDPR you need to read it you have only 4 months left to become compliant
Happy New Year The January 2017 newsletter has now been published to read it click HERE
Schools are required to keep key personnel up to date with good practice in a number of areas. Our Legionella and Fire Safety update course will provide everything you need to remain compliant. Held on the same day it means you can easily attend one or both of them. All attendees get a certificate and lunch
Wednesday 9th November in Blackburn - Further details Reserve place on course
Our latest newsletter for the beginning of the new school year September 2016 has been published and can be accessed by clicking on the link - AUTUMN 16 NEWSLETTER
Torrential rain in Liverpool on Wednesday afternoon caused chaos with the drains. The business manager of one Liverpool School saw the drains backing up and the problems it could cause. At 5.30 she called TPM to ask for assistance and within half an hour at team was at the school and worked in torrential rain to clear the drains and save the school from flooding. Whilst other schools in the area had to close today (Thursday) this school was open. The business manager, whose forward thinking saved the school, was full of praise for the efficiency and help she received from TPM and its contractors.
From 9th May all reactive invoices will be posted to the TPM schools portal to ensure you have easy access to them. It will also reduce the chance of them being lost in Spam or not arriving. You will be able to mark them as paid when you pay them so when we are being chased by contractors we will be able to check if they have been paid without having to trouble you. For those who are not sure of their log-in details these will be being re-issued to all schools at the end of this week.
In our latest newsletter Peter challenges the constant political and media attacks on schools and teachers and there is a link to an exciting way for schools to recruit high quality teachers. Plus the usual helpful advice and guidance.