Of on my hols – but a quick podcast before I leave!

Transport

All members of the establishment planning to dash through the snow in a one horse open sleigh, going over the fields and laughing all the way are advised that a Risk Assessment will be required addressing the safety of an open sleigh for considering participants and members of the public. Written consent will be required before any horse play takes place.

This assessment must also consider whether it is appropriate to use only one horse for such a venture, particularly where there are multiple passengers.

Please note that permission must also be obtained in writing from landowners before their fields may be entered. To avoid offending those not participating in celebrations, we would request that laughter all the way is to be kept at a ‘moderate’ level only and not loud enough to be considered a noise nuisance. (A decibel meter is available for hire from the Support Services office)

Equipment and PPE

Benches, stools and orthopaedic chairs are now available for collection by any shepherds planning or required to watch their flocks at night. Please ensure your DSE assessment is complete and up to date. While provision has also been made for remote monitoring of flocks by CCTV cameras from a shepherd observation hut, all users of this facility are reminded that Data Access Request forms need to be complete prior to the use of this facility and an emergency/crisis evacuation plan must be submitted to account for known risks to the flocks and staff. In the event of an evacuation please ensure registers of flocks are taken in your planners. Any electrical items such as heaters, kettles, toasters etc. are to be placed on the inventory and PAT tested prior to their use.

The angel of the lord is reminded that, prior to shining his/her glory all around, s/he must confirm that all shepherds are wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment to account for the harmful effects of UVA, UVB and the overwhelming effects of Glory. Please refrain from looking directly into the light unless you are wearing appropriate goggles.

Animal Welfare

The RSPCA have issued strict guidelines with regard to how heavy a load that a donkey of small stature is permitted to carry, also included in the guidelines is guidance regarding how often to feed the donkey and how many rest breaks are required over a four hour plodding period. Mr Donkey is to ensure a Tachograph is to be used at all times. Please note that due to the increased risk of pollution from the dusty road, Mary and Joseph are required to wear face masks to prevent inhalation of any airborne particles. Please ensure any medical forms are collected before any trips are made and where appropriate any meetings with parents/parent (in the case of Immaculate Conception) or guardian occur to discuss any special requirements. Copies of trip application and medical details are to be kept in the saddlebags.

The donkey has expressed his discomfort at being labelled ‘little’ and would prefer just to be simply referred to as Mr. Donkey. To comment upon his height or lack thereof may be considered an infringement of his equine rights.

It is not advised that the traversing kings rely on navigation by stars in order to reach their destinations and suggest the use of Routefinder or satellite navigation, which will provide the quickest route and advice regarding fuel consumption. Please note as per the guidelines from the RSPCA for Mr Donkey, the camels carrying the three kings of Orient will require regular food and rest breaks. Facemasks for the three kings are also advisable due to the likelihood of dust from the camels’ hooves.

Inclusion Policy

Following last year’s well publicised case, everyone is advised that Equal Opportunities legislation prohibits any comment with regard to the ruddiness of any part of Mr. R. Reindeer. Further to this, exclusion of Mr R Reindeer from reindeer games will be considered discriminatory and disciplinary action will be taken against those found guilty of this offence.

Hospitality

While it is acknowledged that gift bearing is a common practice in various parts of the world, particularly the Orient, everyone is reminded that the bearing of gifts is subject to Hospitality Guidelines and all gifts must be registered. This applies regardless of the individual, even royal personages. It is particularly noted that direct gifts of currency or gold are specifically precluded as they could be seen as bribery. Caution is advised regarding other common gifts such as aromatic resins that may evoke allergic reactions. A suggested gift alternative would be to make a donation to a worthy cause in the recipient’s name or perhaps give a gift voucher.

Record Checks

Finally, in the recent case of the infant found tucked up in a manger without any crib for a bed, Social Services have been advised and will be arriving shortly. Please note, only persons who have been subject to a DBS check and have enhanced clearance will be permitted to rock the infant.