Quality& Environment Statement

Shepshed Toy Library is committed to being a quality led organisation. It is run by a volunteer management committee and has two paid members of staff and a team of valuable volunteers.

The Toy Library aims to promote play in the widest sense by:
1. Lending a wide range of toys.
2. Offering support, friendship and advice to families.
3. Providing an opportunity for children and carers to socialise in the Toy Library sessions.

The Toy Library is affiliated to the National Association of Toy and Leisure Libraries. On a local level it is closely linked to Shepshed Volunteer Centre and local health visitors.

The Toy Library is committed to improving and maintaining quality by adopting the PQASSO quality assurance system

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Shepshed Toy Library – Environmental Statement

Shepshed Toy Library takes seriously its commitment to protect the world's resources. We have
taken the following steps to minimise our environmental impact and will strive to make further
improvements through regular review of our operational processes.

Toy Stock:

• We strive to purchase quality durable toys that will allow them to be used many times by
different families. This extends the lifetime of the toy and reduces excessive consumerism.
• Where possible, we accept donated toys that have a recognised manufacturer and bear the
CE mark. This reduces waste and extends the overall lifetime of an individual toy beyond its
usefulness to just one family.
• We have seen, and support, increased in the interest in wooden toys. Our suppliers of
wooden toys use sustainable products in their manufacture and many are FSC certified1.
• When toys become damaged or lose pieces, we aim to combine compatible sets to restore
them to full usefulness, reduce waste and extend the lifetime of the product.

Stationary and Consumables:

• Where possible we re-use paper e.g. stock record cards and old printouts.
• We re-use packaging where possible for toy lending and storage.
• We recycle paper, plastic and toner cartridges through local council collection schemes or
charitable initiatives.
• We use electronic communications where possible to reduce the number of paper documents
e.g. committee website, Facebook and toy library website.
• In our coffee shop, we have re-usable ceramic mugs and plastic beakers for children. We do
not use paper, plastic or polystyrene cups except for outdoor events.
• We order our consumables in bulk where possible to minimise the emissions associated with
distribution.
• In our craft shop we order in bulk and sell in small volumes to minimise cost and waste.
• We promote the use of re-usable nappies and reduction of waste by displaying publicity
material supplied by our local council and other recognised bodies.


 Premises:

• Our building was extensively refitted in 2011 to reduce energy usage. Measures included
double glazed entrance doors, resealing of existing windows, fitting of thermal blinds.
• Our heating system is on a timer and only heats the building for the periods of occupancy.
• All electronic equipment is turned off and unplugged when not in use.



Working Environment:


We strive to maintain a healthy, risk-free and pleasant environment for our members, volunteers and
staff. We conduct bi-monthly health and safety checks and also have a published risk assessment.

Version 1.0 created November 2011