Review and Feedback

It is essential that the placement programme is continually reviewed. Part of this review may be done after the students return from the placement and by visiting the students during the placement, unless the placement is very short (i.e. a few weeks). While the visiting academic/C&A representative does not need to be a trained safety specialist, it is important that he/she is competent to observe health and safety practices in the discipline involved.

Comments from the host employer and students, on health and safety concerns should also be encouraged and supported by the placement organiser.

Should feedback information indicate that health and safety practices are unsatisfactory, the placement organiser should make every effort to immediately rectify the situation.

If the issues cannot be resolved or if health and safety risks to the student still remain, the academic/C&A representative should withdraw the placement approval. This should be done in writing to both the student and the host employer stating the reason for withdrawing the placement approval.

An essential part of placement reviews should be an effective de-briefing of the students at the conclusion of their placements. This would provide considerable information on safety practices within host companies and would also provide confidence, in their ability to protect students on subsequent placements.

N.B. Excellent relevant information is available in the booklet 'Health and Safety Guidance for the Placement of HE Students' produced by the Committee of Vice Chancellors and Principals of the Universities of the United Kingdom. (A copy of which is available through the College Health & Safety Office).