No-Smoking Policy No-smoking policy We operate a no-smoking policy. Smoking is not permitted in our buildings, premises, residents' homes, or in vehicles being used for business use. This clause also prohibits the usage of E-cigarettes or similar products in our buildings, premises, or in vehicles being used for business use. Anyone found doing so will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal without notice for gross misconduct. Smoke-Free Policy Purpose The policy has been developed to protect all employees, residents and visitors from exposure to second-hand smoke and to assist compliance with the Health Act 2006. Exposure to second-hand smoke, also known as passive smoking, increases the risk of lung cancer, heart disease and other illnesses. Ventilation or separating smokers and non-smokers within the same air space does not completely stop potentially dangerous exposure. Policy It is the policy of Lench's Trust that all of our sites - Head Office and Almshouses - are smoke-free and all employees have a right to work in a smoke-free environment. Smoking is prohibited throughout the entire workplace with no exceptions. This includes the ground of the almshouses and therefore the staff of Lench's Trust will not be allowed to smoke during the hours they are on duty. This prohibition is extended to the use of e-cigarettes within the Trust's premises. This policy applies to all employees, consultants, contractors and visitors. Implementation Overall responsibility for policy implementation and review rests with the Chief Executive. All staff are obliged to adhere to and facilitate the implementation of this policy. The person or post holder named above shall inform all existing employees, consultants, workers and contractors of the policy and their role in the implementation and monitoring of the policy. Outside contractors of the policy and their role in the complementation and monitoring of the policy. Outside contractors will be made aware of the policy and advised to refrain from smoking on Lench's Trust premises. Appropriate No-Smoking signs will be clearly displayed at the entrances to and within the premises. NON-COMPLIANCE Failure to adhere to this policy will result in formal disciplinary action being taken against employees, as set out in the organisation's disciplinary and dismissal procedures. Recommended action on refusal to comply with the No Smoking Policy: Draw the person's attention to the fact that they are committing an offence and to ask then to stop smoking. Advise the person that Lench's Trust has a smoke-free policy to ensure a safe working environment for all. If relevant inform them where they can smoke. Explain that you are obliged to take further action if they continue to smoke. Ask the person to leave the premises. Records of all such incidents and the outcome must be kept. HELP TO STOP SMOKING Support for smokers who want to stop smoking will be provided. Time off to attend smoking cessation classes will be given providing that formal approval has been given by their line manager. Such time off will be unpaid where these classes fall within the employee's normal working hour. Sources of support are: the NHS https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/quit-smoking/nhs-stop-smoking-services-help-you-quit/, the Public Health Department of your local NHS Board, or your local GP Surgery. Contact details can be found in your local directory.