Story Highlight
– JMG Group acquires SafeSchool to enhance risk services.
– SafeSchool supports over 200 educational establishments in UK.
– Consultancy offers compliance audits, training, and safety documentation.
– Team remains intact, ensuring continuity for existing clients.
– Acquisition aims to meet growing demand for education support.
Full Story
Yorkshire-based JMG Group has expanded its portfolio with the acquisition of SafeSchool, a consultancy specialising in health and safety for the educational sector. This strategic move is designed to bolster JMG’s Risk Support Services (RSS) division, allowing for a more comprehensive offering of compliance and risk management solutions across diverse industries, and facilitating SafeSchool’s ongoing growth throughout the UK.
Founded in 2019 by Jeanne Fairbrother and Neil Thomas, who are both seasoned professionals in local authority health and safety, SafeSchool has quickly established itself as a key player in the sector. With a growing clientele that now exceeds 200 educational institutions—including nurseries, schools, and colleges—the consultancy has made notable inroads in areas such as the North West, Birmingham, and Bristol.
The integration of SafeSchool into JMG Group’s operations will not lead to any rebranding; the consultancy will retain its current name and identity. Its five-member team, all of whom possess extensive experience in public sector health and safety, will remain intact, ensuring continuity for existing clients. They are well-versed in various domains, including education compliance and facilities management, and include professionals accredited by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).
SafeSchool is committed to offering proactive safety assistance through a variety of services. This includes compliance audits, training sessions for staff, informative webinars, and the provision of essential safety documentation. In response to evolving regulatory requirements, such as those outlined in Martyn’s Law regarding lockdown planning, they are also positioned to offer specialised support.
Commenting on the acquisition, Jeanne Fairbrother stated, “The demand for specialist support in education continues to grow, and we had reached the point where investment, added capacity, and the backing of a larger organisation were essential to meet that demand. Joining RSS and JMG Group provides us with these resources while allowing us to maintain the personal, relationship-driven service our clients depend on. They will experience continuity in day-to-day operations, coupled with enhanced expertise and services available through Risk Support Services.”
Jake Fox, the Chief Executive Officer of JMG Group for MGA, Wholesale and Specialty sectors, expressed enthusiasm about the addition of SafeSchool to the JMG family. He remarked, “SafeSchool brings outstanding expertise in education-focused health and safety consultancy, and we are delighted to have their team join the Group. Through RSS, they will benefit from access to resources and infrastructure that enhance our comprehensive compliance services—ranging from fire, legionella, and asbestos risk assessments to enhanced training opportunities. This acquisition not only benefits SafeSchool but also fosters collaboration within our Group.”
As the landscape of health and safety in education evolves, the partnership between JMG Group and SafeSchool could represent a significant development for educational institutions seeking to navigate complex compliance landscapes. With the increasing expectations for safety standards and the pressures on educational leaders to provide safe environments for students and staff alike, expert guidance is more crucial than ever.
The acquisition aligns with broader market trends where educational institutions are prioritising risk management and compliance. As schools and colleges continue to adapt to new safety challenges, including those posed by health emergencies and changing legal frameworks, consultancy services that focus on health and safety become invaluable.
By joining forces, JMG Group and SafeSchool aim to enhance their service offerings, tapping into a synergy that allows for improved operational efficiencies and expanded capabilities. As clients look for integrated solutions to their compliance needs, this partnership positions them favourably in a competitive marketplace.
In practical terms, educational institutions will benefit from enhanced access to a wider array of resources, including the latest training and compliance tools, which can be tailored to meet specific organisational needs. This robustness in service delivery can be pivotal, especially in light of incidents that require urgent adaptation to safety protocols.
For administrative leaders within the education sector, the message from this merger is clear: there is a recognised need for specialised support and expert input in managing safety risks. As the UK continues to navigate challenges surrounding public health and safety in educational contexts, initiatives like this acquisition signify a proactive approach to securing safer learning environments.
Overall, the union of JMG Group and SafeSchool represents an important step forward in establishing a more resilient framework for health and safety in education. With firm foundations laid by experienced professionals, stakeholders can look ahead more confidently, knowing that as demands grow, so too does the capacity to meet them effectively.
Our Thoughts
The acquisition of SafeSchool by JMG Group’s Risk Support Services (RSS) emphasizes the importance of robust health and safety measures in educational settings. Although the article does not report on any incidents or breaches, the consolidation of resources suggests a proactive strategy to improve safety standards. To prevent potential future safety incidents across educational institutions, several key actions could be considered.
Firstly, ensuring that all safety auditors and consultants are adequately trained to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 is critical. This legislation sets out the responsibilities of employers to safeguard the health and safety of employees and others affected by their work. Furthermore, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 requires risk assessments to identify and mitigate risks effectively; therefore, regular and comprehensive audits should be performed.
Additionally, emphasizing continuous professional development and training for staff in understanding health and safety protocols could avert negligence. Engaging in a systematic approach to reviewing and updating safety documentation will also ensure that educational establishments remain compliant with current legislation.
Ultimately, a culture of health and safety awareness promoted through clear communication and collaboration between education providers and consultancy services like SafeSchool can significantly minimize risks and enhance safety outcomes.
