A risk assessment is simply a way of carefully considering an activity, a site or a persons circumstances in order to develop ways of minimising the risk of injury or ill-health. If risks cannot be removed completely, the process will help to identify ways of reducing the risk, such as following safety guidelines or wearing protective clothing.

When you register as a volunteer, your Area Team will provide copies of risk assessments - if you have any queries about your assessment, please discuss your concerns with your Area Team contact.

If your risk assessment shows that you need to wear an item of clothing you may wear your own (if you have it) or you may borrow the item from your Area Team. The same applies to items of protective equipment.

If you do not have or do not wish to use your own equipment or clothing, your Area Team will supply any necessary items before you begin your voluntary role. You will either receive such items on loan or be asked to purchase what you need and claim for reimbursement on an expenses claim form (all your purchases should be agreed with the team beforehand). All equipment provided or paid for by the team will remain the property of English Nature so that outerwear clothing may be reissued to subsequent volunteers. Your team will replace any items due to wear and tear (and due to unforeseen loss or damage).

If you require regular new supplies of disposable items, such as breathing masks, you should agree a process for purchase with your Area Team.

Individuals or groups may be at a slightly greater risk of injury or harm because of their personal circumstances. People who may be more at risk include:

		Young people
		Inexperienced or untrained people
		Older people
		Pregnant women or nursing mothers
		Those with specific medical problems, for example allergies, epilepsy

When your Area Team carries out a risk assessment for your role, you should inform them of anything that you think might be relevant to allow them to take any necessary precautions for your protection.