Personal Belongings Policy (Staff and Young People)

1. Purpose

This policy sets out Innovate Dorset Ltd.’s approach to personal belongings brought onto company premises or into company activities by employees and young people. It clarifies individual responsibilities and limits the organisation’s liability in relation to personal property.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All employees, volunteers, contractors, and visitors working on Innovate Dorset Ltd. premises
• All young people whilst on Innovate Dorset' premises.

3. General Principles

Innovate Dorset Ltd. aims to provide a safe and supportive environment; however, individuals must take responsibility for their own personal belongings. The organisation does not encourage staff or young people to bring valuables onto the premises.

4. Staff Responsibilities

• Employees are responsible for the care and safekeeping of their personal belongings while at work.
• Staff are advised not to bring valuable items, such as cash, or irreplaceable items onto company premises.
• Innovate Dorset Ltd. accepts no liability for loss, theft, or damage to personal belongings brought onto the premises.
• The Company does not insure employees’ personal property and does not accept responsibility for insuring such items.

5. Young People’s Personal Belongings

• Young people are encouraged to bring only essential items required for participation in activities.
• Innovate Dorset Ltd. discourages young people from bringing valuables (including expensive electronic devices or cash) to the premises or activities.
• Young people are responsible for their own personal belongings unless specific arrangements have been formally agreed in advance.
• Innovate Dorset Ltd. does not accept liability for loss, theft, or damage to young people’s personal belongings.

6. Lost or Stolen Property

• Any loss or theft of personal belongings should be reported to a member of staff as soon as possible.
• Innovate Dorset Ltd. may assist by making reasonable internal enquiries but cannot guarantee recovery of lost or stolen items.
• Where appropriate, individuals may be advised to report theft to the police.