Wales Office Health and Safety Committee Terms of Reference
Published 13 August 2025
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1. Purpose
The Health and Safety Committee is a sub-Committee of the Wales Office (“The Office”) Departmental Board. Its purpose is to support the Board and Accounting Officer in their responsibilities for the health and safety of all staff and visitors to the Office’s premises. The Committee acts in a scrutiny and advisory capacity and has no executive powers.
2. Duties
The focus of the Committee is to promote consistency and good practice in health and safety throughout the Office (in accordance with policies) and to enhance communication on health and safety matters between staff, and tenants sharing occupancy of our accommodation.
The Committee will consider and advise on:
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The health and safety of all staff and visitors to our buildings.
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The health and safety policy and whether it is line with current standards.
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Outcomes of health and safety inspections and risk assessments undertaken within the buildings and the effectiveness of safe systems of work.
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Accident/incident/near miss reports to ensure that appropriate action is undertaken, and lessons learned and to identify trends and patterns.
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Safe maintenance, access, and departure from the place of work.
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The effectiveness of health & safety training programmes.
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Mental wellbeing of staff.
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The effectiveness of evacuation procedures in conjunction with the buildings Fire Safety Policy.
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First aid and fire/evacuation wardens regarding provision of adequate numbers of trained staff, notices and facilities.
The Committee will also review its terms of reference on an annual basis.
3. Committee
Membership
- Chairperson – Chief People Officer
- Secretariat – HR Executive Officer
- Corporate Services Executive Officer
- Trade Union Representative(s)
- Policy Officer
Members have the facility to invite specific guests to meetings with prior notice.
4. Meetings
The Committee will meet a minimum of twice per year. The Chair of the Committee, in consultation with members, may convene additional meetings as deemed necessary.
5. Reporting Requirements
The Chair will provide an annual report on the Committee’s work to the Departmental Board.
6. Papers and Agendas
The Secretariat shall circulate the agenda and papers five working days before each meeting. The Secretariat will circulate the minutes of all meetings to both the members and attendees of the Committee once they have been approved by the Chair