Duties & Responsibilities
There are five key partners in the successful delivery of work experience, Students, School, Employer, Parent and Central Organisers. All play a unique role; all have specific duties and responsibilities within the delivery chain.
As employers duties and responsibilities should include;
- Adherence to relevant employment legislation and guidelines including
- The Employment act 1990
- Health and Safety (Young Persons) regulations 1997
- Demonstrate a commitment to promoting equality, fairness and to challenge prejudice
- Be responsive to the needs of individual students and work in partnership with schools to design appropriate placement opportunities.
- Provide an opportunity to allow the student to make a preliminary visit - this can be viewed as an interview situation to assess student suitability.
- Have a planned induction programme which covers health and safety and conditions of work - this could happen on the preliminary visit.
- Inform students and parents about risks to health and safety and measures taken to prevent and control them. This task is usually undertaken on the employer's behalf by the central organisers.
- Ensure that students are in a safe environment and their welfare is protected
- Discuss and review the student's leaning objectives
- Provide students with a point of contact
- Provide, a worthwhile, relevant and mutually beneficial experience
- Supervise the student at all times
- Provide feedback to the student and teacher. Staff contact with the student is recommended once every five working days
- Review the quality of the placement provision. The central organisers may be able to help with this process and the Work experience Quality Standard for Employers will be an invaluable guide.
- Provide support for the completion of the student handbook or any relevant qualifications.
The guidance in place helps to ensure a mutually beneficial experience for all.