Right to Search Policy

PURPOSE

 

Wilson Vale Catering is committed to the protection of its staff, clients, customers, stock and assets. To safeguard everybody’s future and as part of the general security procedures it is Wilson Vale Catering’s policy that all employees may be subject to random searches. Wilson Vale Catering has the right to request a personal search which includes personal clothing, bags and vehicles with your consent. In addition, Wilson Vale Catering can search all company property such as lockers, packages, vehicles, bags, and laptops etc.

 

This policy does not form part of an employee’s contract of employment and Wilson Vale Catering may amend this policy at any time.

 

OBJECTIVES

 

This policy covers the following areas:

 

• Responsibilities

• When searches are carried out

• Who can be searched

• Search protocols

• Employee rights

• Actions as a result of the search

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RESPONSIBILITIES

 

Wilson Vale Catering is responsible for ensuring that:

 

• At all times employee searches are carried out with dignity and tact

• All searches are witnessed (by a member of the team or client at site) and the details of the search have been logged in a written record

• Personal searches are conducted by a member of the same sex

• Consent is obtained prior to conducting a personal search

 

CARRYING OUT SEARCHES

 

Wilson Vale Catering will, wherever possible, comply with the following guidelines when conducting searches:

 

• Only Managers, Supervisors or an appropriate member of the client’s security department will carry out searches

• Searches may be conducted at various times across the trading week and will be fairly and consistently spread amongst all employees

• Managers will ensure that no single employee or group of employees are consistently singled out for searches

• Searches may be made at any time the employee is deemed to be at work and on duty

• All employees are subject to searches including employees visiting from other sites or offices

 

SEARCH PROTOCOLS

 

The following guidelines will be followed as much as is reasonably practicable while searches are undertaken:

 

• Employees will be asked to empty and turn out their pockets, empty bags, packages and containers, remove outer garments (coats etc.) and if necessary, remove their shoes and roll up their trouser legs.

• Lockers and desks will normally be searched with the relevant employee present. In some circumstances however this will not be possible, and the Manager will contact the HR department to discuss and document the reasons.

• Personal and company vehicles when on Wilson Vale Catering’s property or client sites are included in the scope of the policy.

• Proof of purchase will be requested for any items which have or may have been purchased on the premises.

• Employees will be offered the right to be represented by a work colleague of their choice.

• Consent must be obtained from the employee before they are subject to a personal search for each occasion prior to the search being conducted.

• If consent cannot be obtained, the Manager will contact the HR department to discuss the reasons and actions.

• Searches should be logged on-site to evidence the frequency, nature and fairness of the policy.

• Searches will always be carried out away from the view of the public and other work colleagues.

• Vehicle searches will be carried out with as much privacy as the area allows.

• The dignity of the employee will always be maintained.

 

Employees may refuse consent to search their personal belongings that have been brought onto site; however, refusal could result in further action being taken (e.g. as per the Disciplinary policy) if a reasonable explanation for the refusal is not provided.

 

Employees may not refuse consent to search company property such as lockers, company vehicles, desks etc.

 

Any employee in unauthorised possession of property belonging to Wilson Vale Catering, any other employee or a third-party will be managed under Wilson Vale Catering’s Disciplinary policy.