Introduction

THE EMPLOYMENT AND CONTROL OF CONTRACTORS - (WORKING ON COUNCIL PREMISES AND SITES OR PROVIDING GOODS OR SERVICES TO THE COUNCIL)

PART ONE – POLICY, ORGANISATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

This document contains a statement of Buckinghamshire Council’s Policy on the Control of Contractors and outlines the organisation and responsibilities for putting this Policy into place.

Detailed guidance on implementing the Policy and a selection of questionnaires and checklists etc. are available in Part Two ‘The Tool Kit’.

1.0    Introduction

Various court cases have shown that the Council and its officers may be held responsible for the activities of its contractors’ whatever type of work is being undertaken even if the contractor is at fault. Therefore, a system of selecting and monitoring competent contractors must exist to ensure that contractors fulfil their responsibilities for health and safety and that appropriate action is taken when hazards are identified.

This is particularly relevant to schools where work may be locally initiated (Self-Help schemes).