A risk assessment identifies potential hazards in the workplace and evaluates the risks they pose to a young person on placement. It considers the student’s age, maturity, experience, and the type of tasks they'll perform. The assessment outlines control measures to ensure a safe and appropriate environment for the student.

A risk assessment is valid as long as the work environment and job role remain unchanged. However, best practice is to review and update the assessment annually or before each new placement to ensure it reflects current risks and any changes in workplace conditions or supervision arrangements.

Not all employers require a DBS check. It depends on the nature and frequency of the contact with young people. If the student is supervised at all times and not undertaking a regulated activity, a DBS check is not usually needed; however, we can provide guidance on when a DBS check is recommended or legally required.

Employers are responsible for reporting any accidents that occur during a student’s placement. They should inform both the school/college and The Changing Education Group (CEG) immediately. Serious incidents may also need reporting under RIDDOR regulations. Our platform includes an accident reporting tool to streamline this process.

Site visits are not always mandatory. For low-risk environments (e.g., offices, retail), a remote assessment using our digital platform is sufficient. However, for higher-risk placements (e.g., construction, manufacturing), a site visit may be required depending on the level of supervision, control measures in place, and the student’s age or vulnerability.

CEG completes thousands of risk assessments each year with over 750,000 since 2008. Our experience spans multiple industries and educational settings across the UK, ensuring comprehensive coverage and compliance.

All risk assessments are signed digitally by the employer through our secure portal. The employer confirms they’ve reviewed and agreed to the safety measures. A digital copy is then automatically shared with the school/college, and it remains available for audit or review.

Yes. Once completed, signed assessments are instantly distributed to the employer, educator, and CEG via the platform. This ensures full transparency and compliance across all stakeholders.

We offer a range of risk assessments tailored to industry, job role, and individual student needs. This includes standard work experience placements, high-risk environments, SEND-specific placements, and block or rolling programmes. All assessments comply with HSE and DfE guidelines.

Our digital system allows most assessments to be completed in under 15 minutes. Employers can log in, select the relevant template, complete and sign the form, and submit it in real time. For more complex placements, additional time may be required, especially if a site visit or follow-up is necessary.

Employers must have valid Employers’ Liability Insurance (ELI) that covers young people on work experience. It is the school/college’s duty to confirm this before the placement. Our platform captures and verifies this information as part of the risk assessment process.