(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)
This is a summary taken from Judicium’s HR ‘Sofa Session’ from 30th of April, with Jenny Salero, Kelly Rayner and Suzanne Ravenhall. This session is a Q&A covering all stages of HR grievance processes in education, focusing on effective management to ensure concerns are addressed and staff well-being is supported.
.png)
A practical guide to help UK schools respond to cyber-attacks, meet legal obligations, and strengthen their overall cybersecurity resilience.
Discover why Judicium has been shortlisted for Fire Safety Consultancy of the Year at the 2025 FSM Awards, recognising our expert support for schools and trusts in delivering sector-specific, compliant, and practical fire safety solutions.
This blog deep dives into the everyday life of a Multi Academy Trust (MAT) Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). For a DSL, every decision echoes across schools, staff, and pupils. It’s a responsibility that requires a steady hand, sharp focus, and unshakable resolve. With over 22,000 multi-academy trusts in the UK, the role of a MAT DSL has become increasingly serious.
Volume 2 of our ‘A Day in the Life of a DSL’ series takes a deeper dive into the role of the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) within schools. For many DSLs, the reality involves navigating unpredictable, emotionally charged situations that require immediate action. Their role isn’t about ticking boxes — it’s about making decisions that can profoundly impact a child’s life.
Attracting top talent in a school or academy trust’s recruitment process is crucial for ensuring they are staffed with the best teachers, administrators, and support staff. However, attracting the best talent is often easier said than done. In this blog, we will explore effective strategies that school and academy trust leaders can use to attract top talent and sustain a strong, successful team for ongoing success.
Sofa Sessions | HR