(20)(7)_1000.png "Newsflash - H&S College fined for Asbestos failings")
College find for Asbestos failings
Newnham College in Cambridge has been fined for failings that exposed employees and subcontractors to asbestos during refurbishment of a flat owned by the college. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) carried out an investigation and found that there was inadequate planning and management of the refurbishment work of the flat, when asbestos insulation debris was discovered in the floor voids after work had been carried out in them.
In March 2018, Cambridge Magistrates’ Court heard that employees of Newnham College and subcontractors were carrying out a refurbishment of the flat owned by the College when asbestos insulation debris was discovered in the floor voids after work had been carried out in them. Newham College failed to ensure an asbestos refurbishment survey was carried out prior to insulation debris being found. One employee, who contaminated his gloves and clothing with loose asbestos debris, did not have asbestos awareness training and spread asbestos from his clothing outside the flat.
The College pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 5 and 16 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. It has been fined £12,000 and ordered to pay costs of £4,450.28. Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Sandra Dias said: “Asbestos related diseases are currently untreatable and claim the lives of an estimated 5,000 people per year in the UK.”
Judicium Education Advice
It is imperative that asbestos surveys are carried out prior to refurbishment works which disturb the fabric of a building. Asbestos can still be present in hidden locations in buildings. These hidden asbestos containing materials (ACMs) need to be located before work starts and the appropriate action taken before the materials are exposed and damaged by individuals
Related content
.png)
With Ofsted dropping 'best-fit' judgements, governance faces sharper scrutiny. Discover what inspectors look for and how boards can confidently prepare.
.png)
This blog is based on Judicium’s Facilities ‘Sofa Session’ from the 14th May 2026, with our resident expert Joanne Fisher and Neil Merry. This blog details best practices on how to manage the expectations of premises staff and key training to support with the role.
(1).png)
Learn the do’s and don’ts of processing biometric data in schools. Discover how to manage privacy risks, handle ICO audits, and ensure school compliance.
(4)(2)(1)(2).png)
The ERA is introducing increased worker protections and in this article we will focus on the forthcoming changes to unfair dismissal and how to prepare. From January 2027, the qualifying period for ordinary unfair dismissal claims will reduce from two years to six months. At the same time the cap on the unfair dismissal compensatory award will be abolished.
Everything school leaders need to know about the transition to mandatory allergy safety standards under Benedict’s Law.
Because conflict in schools rarely begins with one big dramatic moment, and is far more likely to grow slowly through strained conversations, crossed wires, unspoken frustration and small disagreements that never quite get repaired, it can be surprisingly easy for a situation to become serious before anyone fully realises quite how far it’s gone.
Sofa Sessions | Governance and Clerking