The Residential Family Centres Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007

Fitness of premises

25.—(1) Subject to regulation 3(3), the registered person shall not use premises for the purposes of a residential family centre unless the premises are suitable for the purpose of achieving the aims and objectives set out in the statement of purpose.

(2) The registered person shall, having regard to the number and needs of the residents, ensure that—

(a) the physical design and layout of the premises to be used as the residential family centre meets the needs of the families;

(b) the premises to be used as the residential family centre are of sound construction and kept in a good state of repair externally and internally;

(c) equipment provided at the residential family centre for use by residents or persons who work at the centre is in good working order, properly maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidance and suitable for the purpose for which it is to be used;

(d) all parts of the residential family centre are kept clean and reasonably decorated;

(e) adequate private and communal accommodation is provided for residents;

(f) the size and layout of rooms occupied or used by residents are suitable for their needs, and each family is provided with at least one room for its exclusive use;

(g) there is adequate seating, recreational and dining space provided separately from the resident’s private accommodation;

(h) the communal space provided for residents is suitable for the provision of social, cultural and religious activities appropriate to the circumstances of residents;

(i) suitable facilities are provided for residents to receive visitors whether in communal areas or in private as the resident so chooses;

(j) there are provided at appropriate places in the premises sufficient numbers of lavatories, wash-basins, baths and showers fitted with a hot and cold water supply;

(k) suitable storage facilities are provided for the use of residents;

(l) suitable adaptations are made, and such support, equipment and facilities, including passenger lifts, as may be reasonably required are provided to meet the needs arising from the disability of any residents;

(m) secure and safe outdoor space with seating, accessible to all residents is provided and appropriately maintained;

(n) adequate ventilation, heating, cooling and lighting is provided in all parts of the residential family centre which are used by residents;

(o) the engineering services are maintained in good working order;

(p) any vehicle used by the residential family centre for transporting residents is suitable for that purpose and maintained in good working order;

(q) provision is made for the residential family centre to operate in the event of the breakdown of essential utility services; and

(r) a risk assessment to manage health and safety is carried out and updated when necessary.

(3) The registered person shall having regard for the number of staff employed and the duties they undertake, provide for persons working at the residential family centre—

(a) suitable facilities and accommodation, including—

(i) facilities for the purpose of changing; and

(ii) storage facilities.

(b) sleeping accommodation where the provision of such accommodation is needed for persons working at the residential family centre in connection with their work.