SAFETY POLICY, STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES AND …- Windsurfing 25 - Mountain Walking 26 - Low Level Walking 27 - Single Pitch Rock Climbing & Abseiling 28 ... Most of us think that

2016 Master Copy May 2016 1

CHRISTIAN ADVENTURE

HOLIDAYS

SAFETY POLICY

STANDARD OPERATING

PROCEDURES

RISK MANAGEMENT

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

2016


Content Page Guidelines for reading this Policy 4 Definitions and Responsibilities 5 1. Introduction - Purpose of the document 6 2. Safety 7 2.1 The Nature of Hazard, Risk and Safety 7 2.2 Principles of Safety 7 2.3 Management and Responsibility for Safety and Good Practice 8 2.4 Safety Policy 9 2.4.1 Statement of Safety Policy - in Relation to Outdoor Activities. 9 2.4.2 Insurance 10 2.5 Risk Assessments Standard Activities 10 2.6 Risk Assessments for Other Activities 10 2.7 Equipment 10 2.8 Training Development and Assessment of Leaders 11 2.9 Leader Records 11 3. Standard Operating Procedures 12 3.1 Standard Operating Procedures - General 12 3.2 The Responsibilities of a Leader 13 3.3 First Aid and Accident/Incident Reporting 15 3.3.1 Procedures for Monitoring Accidents/Incidents and Near Misses 15 3.3.2 Informing the Health and Safety Executive 15 3.4 Emergency Procedures 15 3.5 Action to be taken in the Event of a Serious Incident 16 3.6 Change of Venue 17 3.7 Recording of Safe Return 17 3.8 Action in the Event of an Overdue Group 18 4. Standard Operating Procedure - Activity Specific 18 4.1 Principles of Activity Specific Standard Operating Procedures 18 4.2 Risks and Hazards 18 4.3 Activity Specific Briefings 18 4.4 Activity Specific Risk Assessments: 18

- Kayaking 19 - Open canoeing 21 - Rafting 23 - Sailing 24 - Windsurfing 25 - Mountain Walking 26 - Low Level Walking 27 - Single Pitch Rock Climbing & Abseiling 28 - Ghyll Scrambling / Gorge Walking 29 - Off Road Cycling 30 - Swimming incl Wild Swimming 31 - Power Boats 32 - Driving - All Vehicles 33

5. Standard Activities Daily Briefing and Checklist 34


6. Equipment Checking and Control 35 6.1 Unsafe Equipment 35 6.2 Buying or Replacing Equipment 35 6.3 Annual checks and records 35 7. Qualifications Matrix and Technical Advisors 36 8. Daily Leader’s Meetings Minutes 38 9. Monitoring 38 10. Recording Safe Return 39 11. Daily Paperwork Systems 39 12. Recruitment of Leaders 40 Appendices 1. National Governing Bodies 41 2. Acknowledgements 41 3. AALS Definition of In and Out of Scope 41 4. Daily Leader Meeting Minutes 42 5 Standard Activities Daily Briefing and Checklists 43 Kayaking 44 Open canoeing 45 Rafting 46 Sailing 47 Mountain activitivies 48 Ghyll Scrambling 49 Off Road Biking 50 6 Activity Monitoring Check Report 51 7 Risk Assessment Form for other activities 53 8 CAH venue specific leader competence syllabi: 54 Kayaking/ canoeing on Derwent Water 54 Improvised Raft building 56 Ghyll/Gorge Scrambling 57 Low Level Walking 58 9 CAH Child Care Documents 60 10 New Leaders’ Declaration 68 11 Letters to Referees and Reference Questionnaire forms 69 12 Full job descriptions of staff working at a holiday week 72 13 Changes to this Manual since 2015 74 Note that all changes in the text of this document since 2015 are in red.


Guidelines for reading Safety Manual Most of us think that manuals are for dummies! I guess that very few of us, when getting a new gizmo bother looking at the Instruction booklet, especially as it is in 26 languages, or the one-at- a time pictures do not help much. In any case, trial and error works quite well, and the worst that you can do is loose some data, and it can be downloaded again quite easily. When we come to outdoor Adventure Activities however the scene changes...trial and error carries the risk of not losing data, but losing life...and that cannot be downloaded again and rebooted. The Safety Manual is written with hindsight, from lessons learned, in most cases by other people’s misfortune, and the lessons were learned the hard way, by injury, grief, discomfort and pain. Some people think that the Manual is too long and dry. These guidelines are an attempt to help the people of this opinion. I have written a summary below, and put the parts you should read in some order of priority. NOTE - read the whole of the summary below before starting to read the Manual. NOTE - this is only for general leaders - Heads of Activities please read it all.

• Please read ALL of Sections 1,2 and 3 - this is important information about how we as leaders should be operating in accordance with our AALS licence. The important thing to be aware of is 4.1 Principles of Activity Specific Standard Operating Procedures - point 5: "Leaders are required to operate within the standard operating procedures. CAH accepts no responsibility for leaders acting outside these procedures."

• Section 4 contains the Risk Assessments for each activity we engage in - as a priority please read any in relation to the activity/ies which you are personally involved in. For most people I think this will be 1, 2 or 3 - some are not a full page.

• Section 6.1 Unsafe Equipment - Please read. • Section 7 Qualifications Matrix - please read the bits relevant to your activity - this will be 1 or 2 small boxes of text.

(sailors please read the 3 lines of text below the box relating to Sailing) • Section 10 - please read the 5 lines of text concerned with "Recording Safe Return" • Mountain Activities - please read Appendix 3. • Appendix 5 are the STANDARD ACTIVITIES DAILY BRIEFING AND CHECKLISTs - as a priority please read those

in relation to the activity/ies which you are involved in. For most people this will be 1 or 2. These will be found in the Activities folder which the main leader for your activity keeps.

• Appendices 9, 10 and 11 – including new content – and whilst not part of our AALS Licence please do read it all as it provides crucial information in relation to our child protection policy and it is important this is read and known.

• (By my reckoning this is about 30-35 pages of text to be read)

Here are a list of all other sections which I would refer to as "Reference Pages" in that you don't need to read and know them, instead you just need to know they are they for when you might need them (this includes any parts of Sections from the above summary which you have not read because they do not relate to the activity/ies you are involved in)

• Front Cover & Contents Page • Section 5 Description of STANDARD ACTIVITIES DAILY BRIEFING AND CHECKLIST (the actual briefings and

checklists have been covered above) • Section 6.2 Buying or Replacing Equipment • Section 8 DAILY LEADERS MEETING MINUTES • Section 9 - MONITORING • Section 11 DAILY PAPERWORK SYSTEMS • Appendix 1 - NATIONAL GOVERNING BODIES • Appendix 2 - ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS • Appendix 4 - DAILY LEADERS MEETING MINUTES template • Appendix 6 - ACTIVITY MONITORING CHECK REPORT • Appendix 7 - RISK ASSESSMENT FORM FOR OTHER ACTIVITIES • Appendix 12 - Letter to referee and Reference Form example • • Any queries please liaise with Rachel Parnham or Henry Arnett


Manual Definitions and responsibilities of people mentioned in the Safety

Week Director Person with overall responsibility for a specified holiday week

Activity Leader Person directly responsible for specific activity for the holiday week

Group Leader Person who is responsible for leading a group on an activity.

Assistant Leader Competent person assisting the Activity/Group Leader

Director of Operations Person with responsibility for the operations of CAH

Responsible Officer Technical expert with overall responsibility for equipment and general programmes

Treasurer Responsible for handling and checking all the financial matters for CAH

Booking Secretary Responsible for taking bookings of Adventurers on behalf of CAH

Training co-ordinator Responsible for organising the Training of CAH Leaders including the Training Week

Training Week The Week held before each season to train Leaders in CAH activities

Adventurers Young person coming on holiday with CAH aged 12 – 17 inclusive for whom CAH have responsibility

Technical Advisor Nominated Advisor on technical and safety matters

Equipment co-ordinator

Responsible for the purchasing, checking, storage and logging of equipment

See also Appendix 12 of this manual for fuller definitions of the jobs for staff serving at a week of a holiday Page xx


Section 1 INTRODUCTION – Purpose of the document This documents the Safety Policies and Procedures for Christian Adventure Holidays. For completeness, it also includes Child Protection issues, and recruitment procedures. Adventure activities can be hazardous by their very nature, and we attempt to quantify and manage those hazards to ensure the safety of all Adventurers and their Leaders. This document sets out how we do this. It is generally held that safety in Adventure pursuits depends on five basic issues. People. They should be qualified, experienced, well managed and well briefed. Procedures. Procedures that have been demonstrated to give the best chance of a safe Adventure experience should be documented, understood and applied by the leaders at all levels. Venues Venues used should be suitable for the experience of both the Adventurers and also the Leaders in charge of them, allowing for actual and expected weather conditions Safe Return Those back at base will know which venue each group is intending to use with a plan of activities which will enable them to know when the group is expected to return to base, and where to send potential rescuers to look for the group. Equipment The equipment used must be well maintained, and suitable for the experience of the Leaders, Adventurers, and the venues in which it is used. The following document sets out how Christian Adventure Holidays strives to provide a safe Adventure experience: we do this because we owe this to our Adventurers, but also because we are legally required to have and use such a document. The document also records how we protect children in our care from abuse, how we select our leadership team, how we expect our leaders to behave, and our Constitution which tells us what we can and cannot do, and how we operate. The most important person, as far as a good, safe, and fun Adventure experience is concerned is the Leader We hold a licence from the Adventure Activities Licensing Service (AALS) in the following activities:- Kayaking, Open Canoeing, Improvised Rafting, Dinghy Sailing, Windsurfing, Mountain Walking, Single Pitch Rock Climbing, Ghyll Scrambling / Gorge Walking and Off Road Cycling, all in summer conditions. . All Kayaking, Open Canoeing, Improvised Rafting, Dinghy Sailing, Windsurfing, Single Pitch Rock Climbing and Ghyll Scrambling / Gorge Walking is carried out in scope. Mountain Walking and Off Road Cycling may or may not be in scope depending on where it is done. This is what the AALS give the generic of Trekking i.e. Off Road Cycling and Mountain Walking. When these activities are pursued out of the scope of the licence we operate as though we are in scope, as far as safety procedures are concerned, although the level of leader qualifications may be relaxed slightly. In scope, means that we have to have a licence to do the activity. Out of scope means that we do not need to have a licence to do it. The AALS definition of in and out of scope is provided in Appendix 3.


Section 2 SAFETY 2.1 The Nature of Hazard, Risk and Safety Outdoor activities may also be described as adventure activities. Inherent in challenge and adventure is an element of risk. It is recognised that all reasonable precautions should be taken to reduce the element of risk without an activity becoming so boring as to devalue it completely. CAH is concerned with managing risk so that the adventure deriving from perceived risk to the Adventurer is balanced by an acceptably low actual risk that pertains through good management of the activity by the Activity/Group Leader and CAH. Safety in outdoor activities derives from:

1. Identifying the hazard 2. Relating the hazard to the group and to the conditions 3. Determining the risk, i.e. the likelihood of a hazard causing harm 4. Managing the activity so that the risk is controlled

Complete elimination of risk is not possible and perhaps not desirable and therefore no guarantees of safety can be given, but assurances can be given that all reasonable care and sensible preparatory arrangements have been taken. 2.2 Principles of Safety Safe practice is an attitude of mind, it is a blend of confidence, competence and adaptability in the handling of potential dangers without causing unnecessary risks of harm. There are two principal strands in ensuring safe practice within an outdoor activity programme:

1. Leaders are trained and competent in both the technical and social skills required.

2. A framework of organisational practice and procedure within which the Leaders can exercise sound judgement to meet the needs of their Adventurers, whilst fulfilling their responsibilities to the organisation.

Effective communication is critical to all aspects of safe practice, between Week Directors and co-leaders, and between all leaders and Adventurers. Strategies are in place to ensure communication takes place effectively. In the interests of safety, it may be necessary to cancel or modify activities due to adverse weather conditions, unavailability of appropriate backup or the changing needs of the Adventurers.


2.3 Management and Responsibility for Safety and Good Practice The responsibility for safety during a CAH week, lies with the Week Director. They delegate implementation of this to the Activity Leader. CAH Leaders recognise their responsibility to exercise a duty of care for all their participants in outdoor activities. The Week Director is responsible for:

1. The implementation and monitoring of the safety policy, the response to emergency situations and the investigation of incidents.

2. Gathering consent forms and other relevant information from participants who are unaccompanied young people and for whom the Week Director is in loco parentis. Consent and medical forms are sent to each parent/guardian 8 weeks before the start of each week.

Each Assistant Leader is responsible in two directions:

1. To their Activity Leader for the operation of the outdoor activity programme within the standard operating procedures.

2. To the Adventurers in their charge to ensure the outdoor activity experience is safe and enjoyable.

LINES of RESPONSIBILITY The Director of Operations reports to the Trustees

Director of Operations

TECHNICAL ADVISOR RESPONSIBLE OFFICER

WEEK DIRECTOR

ACTIVITY LEADER

ADVENTURER ASSISTANT LEADER

Group LEADER


2.4 Safety Policy 2.4.1 Statement of safety policy - in relation to outdoor activities. In accordance with the requirements of the Adventure Activities Licensing Regulations (Consultative Document) 1995, the following statement of Safety Policy is published. 1. It is the policy of CAH to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of

everyone whilst using the facilities of CAH including when under instruction. 2. Within this general policy CAH will endeavour, as far as it is reasonably practicable:

a. To provide and maintain safe equipment and systems of work, free from risks to health. In particular, to regularly inspect all safety equipment.

b. To provide such protective clothing and equipment as is necessary to ensure the health and safety of

everyone involved in Activities. Through the maintenance of the equipment inventory and annual budget allowance, to ensure that worn out and damaged equipment is replaced.

c. To encourage Adventurers to bring suitable clothing for the activities wherever possible; these will be

checked as being suitable before use. 3. Regular checks of safe working practice will be conducted, through leaders meetings and annual

appraisals.(a daily activity record is kept for every activity – see 3.3.2,) these are reviewed at the leaders meeting each day and any necessary changes implemented. Incident book reviewed daily. Weekly handover log for each activity is produced – recording issues related to equipment, incidents, accidents, near-misses and resulting changes implemented. At the annual directors meeting all safety issues logged are reviewed and any necessary changes to procedures minuted and implemented. Safety issues – changes in particular – are discussed at every AGM

4. All leaders and Adventurers are reminded of their own duties and obligations under Health and Safety Legislation: “It shall be the duty of every leader and Adventurer:

a. To take reasonable care for the health and safety of himself and of other persons who may be affected by his acts or omissions, and

b. As regards any duty or requirement imposed on any other person by or under any of the relevant statutory

provisions, to co-operate with him so far as is necessary to enable that duty or requirement to be performed or complied with.”

5. All leaders must study this statement. It will be reviewed, added to or modified from time to time and may

be supplemented in appropriate cases by further statements.


2.4.2 Insurance CAH is covered by Public Liability Insurance against any legal liability towards leaders, Adventurers or members of the public. 2.5 Risk Assessment Absolute safety can never be guaranteed. Risk assessments and risk management can improve the safety margin in outdoor activities, but do not guarantee total safety. Risk assessment is an ongoing process, and the undertaking and communicating of that assessment is the responsibility of every leader. Results of Risk Assessment can be passed on at the daily leaders’ meetings. For each activity an initial risk assessment has been made, the results recorded and incorporated in the relevant standard operating procedures. This risk assessment is intended to establish the criteria for safe practice. 2.6 Risk Assessments for Other Activities Risk assessment forms are produced in Appendix 7 of this document to be used for activities where there are no current formalised risk assessments. 2.7 Equipment All outdoor activity equipment will meet the national and international standards. Life jackets: BS 3595 Buoyancy aids: BCU/BACT Standard BA83

Helmets:

Watersports: of a design recommended by the BCU Cycling: purpose designed, SNELL & ANSI certified Mountain Activities: UIAGM standards Ropes/climbing equipment: UIAGM standards

All of the safety related equipment is checked regularly to ensure that it is fit for purpose. Annual checks are also made and the results of these checks are recorded. Other information is noted viz. date of check, qualifications of checker, condition of item. The records are kept in the Checking and Inventory Log, under the heading Equipment Condition Log. It must be noted that a tick in the Inventory section only implies that the item is present, not that the equipment is serviceable. All boats used for sailing, power boats and dinghies, are included in the Sailing Equipment Checking and Inventory Log. All dinghies will have their inherent buoyancy checked before use each season by a capsize and held there with a person on the hull side for 15 minutes on both sides, the tanks are then to be checked for water ingress, max 10 lit per side, total 20 lit This is to be recorded in the Checking Log section. A logbook is kept of climbing rope usage.


2.8 Training Development and Assessment of Leaders Training opportunities take place in three ways: 1. Training Week.

2. Development Fund - CAH will provide assistance with funds for the improvement of level of qualifications held.

3. ‘On the job’ informal training. New leaders are strongly encouraged to go on the Training Week. Development includes the need for Leaders to undertake and communicate ongoing risk assessments. Training reviews and training needs analyses will take place throughout the year. Positive encouragement is given to Leaders to improve their level of qualification held, and maintain their personal level of competence. Where available, the coaching/leadership qualifications of the national governing bodies (NGB’s) will be the focus of training activity. Each week keeps a record of each leader’s qualifications to participate in a particular activity. 2.9 Leader Records Every leader is to complete a Leader Application Form annually. This is done on-line.

References will be taken up, two for a new leader, one for an existing one.

Every Leader must bring to Bassenfell the ORIGINALS of his or her claimed qualifications, and log books as applicable. This also includes their DBS documentation.

These are logged by the Director’s appointees. These appointees have their qualifications logged by the Director Any Leader who does not produce, on arrival, such documentation of qualifications, will not be permitted to partake in any position of responsibility, until the said documents are produced at the Leader’s own cost. They may be permitted to assist in a helping role as appointed by the Director.


Section 3 STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES 3.1 Standard Operating Procedures-General 1. The Standard Operating Procedures - General together with the Standard Operating Procedures Activity Specific, form the CAH safe practice and working statements. 2. The Leader will be trained, assessed and deemed competent before leading an activity session. Directors need to ensure that this is the case, a personal award eg 2* or ML training is not an assessment of competence to lead. 3. Sessions should be concerned with the development of skills, but must be primarily safe and enjoyable. 4. Responsibility for safety during an activity session lies with the Activity/Group Leader designated to conduct the

activity. The Leader is in loco parentis for an activity, which means they have to take responsibility as would be expected of a careful parent.

5. Consent forms will be obtained from the parent or guardian of Adventurers for whom the Week Director is in loco parentis for the overall week. 6. Activity/Group Leaders have authority to alter the duration or location of any activity if, in their judgement, it

becomes necessary to do so. 7. Should it become necessary to cancel or shorten any activity session, responsibility for the group remains with

the Activity/Group Leader who must take appropriate action to ensure that a suitable alternative is organised. 8. Leaders are responsible for ensuring that equipment is not abused. Damage, breakage or loss must be noted and the equipment supervisor informed as soon as practicable. Equipment: a. Leaders will be prepared for every reasonable eventuality. b. Careful checks on the condition of equipment should be carried out or the need for repairs reported to the person responsible. c. Advice and example will be given on equipment use, care and transport, to develop in the Adventurers a respect for equipment. 9. Leaders carry the responsibility for ensuring that nothing they or their charges do or say brings CAH into disrepute. They are responsible for maintaining high standards. 10. Leaders should accept responsibility for the continuing risk assessments and good practice through feedback. 11. At any location where other people are present, they must be given full consideration of their right to continue with their activity without hindrance. 12. Leaders are expected to be aware of growing concerns relating to health matters e.g. Weil’s disease, and should take appropriate steps to protect and advise group members. 13.1 Before and during a particular activity session and not withstanding previous risk assessments, the


Leader will analyse the activity on a basis of safety. The following formula will be used in considering the needs of the Adventurers undertaking the activity:

(i). Assess the hazards in the activity

(ii). Decide whether those hazards should be left alone, reduced or eliminated.

(iii). Take appropriate action consistent with good practice to contain the hazards at the required level. Such action might include:

a. Avoidance - where dangers cannot be contained

b. Care - where skill and watchfulness can reduce the risk to acceptable levels.

c. Protection - where specific equipment is needed.

d. Cancel activity.

13.2 Variables to be considered are:

(i). The activity itself e.g. sailing ,climbing, kayaking

(ii). The Leader No two people will respond in exactly the same way.

(iii). The party Skilled exponents, novices or unfit.

(iv). The equipment Purpose made, or make do.

(v). The weather Wind, rain, temperature, sun.

(vi). Time available Daylight hours, travel time.

(vii). The venue Selected for appropriate needs.

14. Adventurers must not be allowed to attempt anything which is beyond the Leader’s own ‘instructional ability’. This is defined as that standard at which he is competent to retrieve the situation with efficiency and confidence.

NB. A Leader’s operating level is normally well below his own personal ability. 15. Adventurers must not be allowed to attempt anything beyond their safe limit as assessed by the Leader. A Leader’s experience often gives him/her better understanding of these limits than the Adventurer himself/herself. 3.2 The Responsibilities of a Leader 1. Preparation and planning

a. Knowledge of the activity. Leaders should be familiar with the recommendations of the governing bodies of their sport where appropriate. Be familiar with the relevant text books and instructors manuals for each activity.

b. Knowledge of the group - age, numbers, leaders, ability, health problems, experience, fitness etc. c. Knowledge of course programmes, aims, and timetable. d. Knowledge of weather forecast where applicable. e. Knowledge of the locality - alternative venues. f. Plan the session to include bad weather alternatives. g. Plan equipment requirements of the group and ensure that everything is available. h. Plan any lectures required. i. Where the safety of the group is at risk, the Week Director will support the Leader’s decision to


return to the centre. j. The Leader must be prepared to refuse to take an individual out on an activity if their inclusion in

the group will jeopardise their own or the group’s safety. The Week Director will be supportive in such circumstances.

2. Communication

a. Ensure that the group is properly briefed e.g. programme, meeting times, clothing. b. Understanding of briefings and instructions should be checked frequently. c. Ensure that potential dangers are explained before they are encountered. d. Ensure other leaders are kept informed of particular individual needs or problems. e. Ensure that feedback of a general nature including problems encountered is passed on to other

leaders as appropriate, either informally or at meetings. f. Ensure that the Centre is kept informed of any departure from the programme, particularly any late

return, and that the Centre is immediately informed of any serious incident. 3. Instruction and teaching

a. Ensure the safety of the group. This is the priority. b. Ensure that the group are adequately prepared. c. Be aware of needs e.g. warmth, morale, toilet needs. d. Most programmes aim for maximum interest and enjoyment. Use imagination and look for ways of

introducing fun. Safety precautions must not be relaxed to revitalise boring ventures. Boredom breeds lack of attention to advice and to personal safety. Interest should therefore be maintained.

e. Be enthusiastic, dynamic and flexible in your approach. Lead by example and by becoming involved with your charges in each activity.

f. Set and maintain constant standards of group discipline. Reference to Activity/Group Leaders should not be necessary to maintain discipline.

g. Have a working knowledge of the Country Code. All rubbish should be taken away and nothing left behind.

4. Behaviour and Manner

a. The leader should be well presented and suitably dressed for every occasion, particularly for instruction, meals and duty evenings. Punctuality and good time-keeping are essential.

b. The leader should have a responsible mature manner and demonstrate a Christian example of controlled behaviour. He/ She should show patience and courtesy.

c. The leader should demonstrate loyalty and consistency with the aims of CAH. d. The leader should ensure that personal lifestyle does not interfere with the ability to do the job e.g.

late nights and diets. The leader should be prepared physically, spiritually and emotionally for anything that may crop up in the course of his/her duties, that he/she is physically fit in all three aspects. (This includes arriving at CAH fully prepared).


3.3 First Aid and Incident Reporting We would encourage all leaders to hold a nationally recognised First Aid qualification. First Aid kits are supplied for use when on activities. Replenishment of items used should be made as soon as possible. Incidents are either an Accident, or a Near Miss. In both cases an Incident report will be completed. An Incident is when there is a harmful outcome to a person, equipment, property or the environment. This would include, for example, all cases of administration of First Aid or advice given; a bike hitting something and damaging the bike, even though the rider was unhurt; oil or fuel, leaking from an outboard into the lake; in all cases an Incident Report sheet is completed. A Near Miss is an event that results from unsafe behaviour, or unsafe conditions, or both, where the incident did not result in harm, loss or damage, but could have done. Examples would be blisters, (unsafe condition, in that it could lead to infection, or increasing the risk of an accident by slowing the group and distracting the leaders). Adventurers getting cold or very wet (unsafe condition). Other examples could be unintended gybes in the dinghies, as these risk head injuries and capsize, (unsafe behaviour). The sheets for reporting Incidents are provided in the Activity Files, but once completed must be stored in the Incident book. RIDDOR standard sheets are provided, but usually this is now filed online. See 3.3.2 below. The book is monitored daily by the Week Director. This is used in risk assessment to identify potential changes necessary to maintain safe practice. . All Incidents and Near Misses are discussed at the daily leader’s meeting (see Section 8) 3.3.1 Procedures for Monitoring Incidents and Near Misses Any immediate action that may be deemed necessary is agreed at that stage. Events recorded in the Incident Book are further reviewed at a meeting of Directors which is held after the end of the holiday season and any further changes to procedures agreed and put into place. see 2.4.1.3 3.3.2 Informing the Health and Safety Executive The Health and Safety Executive must be informed if any of the following Incidents occur to a leader or adventurer whilst under our care at camp.

• death • major injury • any injury requiring admittance to hospital for more than 24 hours; • Incidents resulting in over 7 day injury (An over-7-day injury is one which is not "major" but results in the injured

person being away from work OR unable to do their full range of their normal duties for more than five days). The Director or their aide can report incidents by phoning - 0845 300 9923 Or on line at www.hse.gov.uk/riddor 3.4 Emergency Procedures The emergency procedure for every activity is shown on the following flow chart but can be summarised: a. ensure the safety of the remainder of the group b. administer First Aid to the casualty c. seek aid and evacuation where appropriate NB Never assume a fatality


The Week Director or the person deputising for him, will then implement the “Action in event of a serious incident” procedure. In order to avoid an emergency, it will be up to the Leader’s considered judgement as to when an activity will be abandoned. Where a group is overdue on its return from an activity session, investigation as to the cause will be initiated after 1 hour. Emergency procedures will then be implemented at the discretion of the Week Director or his designee. See Sections 3.7 and 3.8 below. 3.5 Action to be Taken in the Event of a Serious Incident . In the event of a serious or fatal incident Christian Adventure Holidays will expect its leaders to follow the procedures set out below.

a. Make sure that all other members of the party are accounted for and are safe.

b. Establish the nature of, and extent of any injuries.

c. Administer appropriate First Aid as required.

d. Advise other leaders in the party of the incident and that the Serious Incident Procedures are in operation.

e. Establish the name(s) of the injured, the appropriate outside help required, and call the relevant emergency se The message must be taken in writing by the person going for help.

The message is to include:

Name(s) of the injured Date time and location of incident

Nature of injuries Nature of help required

Action taken so far

f. Ensure that an adult from the party accompanies casualties during evacuation and to the hospital, if taken

there.

g. Ensure that the remainder of the party are adequately supervised, and arrange for their return to the Centre as soon as possible.

h. An adult should stay at the incident site to liaise with emergency services, until the incident is over.

i. Inform the Centre as soon as possible of the Incident. Office: 01768 776366

Keep a record of all witnesses and keep any equipment in use at the time in original condition. If appropriate take photos of the scene, water levels, weather conditions etc.

k. Do not discuss or admit liability of any sort, regardless of the circumstances.

l. Do not divulge the name(s) of any casualties to the media. Do not make statements of any sort, or discuss what happened with the media. This will now be done by Pharos Emergency Response.

m.

Control access to telephones until contact is made with the parents or guardians of any casualties. It may be necessary to control the use of mobile phones in some way.

n. The following people should be contacted by the Director or his aide:


1 Pharos Incident Management:- see instructions in Director’s file

2.

The parents/guardians of the casualty. There is a contact number on each child’s medical form, kept at the Centre.

3 The Christian Adventures Holiday Chairman, Henry Arnett 01302 4536063 mob 07788831886

4 The Director of Operations James Place Tel:01159 140879 07808825100

As soon as possible, the Director of Operations will contact:

Technical Advisor for the activity involved:

Sailing, Peter Chambers 01670 514220

Kayaking, Open Canoeing,

Rafting

Andy Oxley 01768 776366

Windsurfing Martin Ashby-Smith 01282 432954

Rock Climbing, Abseiling, Hill

Walking & Mountaineering, Gorge Scrambling

Andy Oxley 01768 776366

Off Road Cycling Rich Martin (Cyclewise) 01768 898775

COPT Roger Dix 01768 483233

3.6 Change of Venue In the event of a change of venue of an activity taking place after leaving Bassenfell the following procedures will be observed:- Watersports a) A message is to be left at Nichol End, if that was to be the starting point. b) Leave a phone message at Bassenfell informing of the change. c) Leave a written message visible, from the outside, in one of the vehicles. Mountain Activities a) As above but specify the new parking place for transport, and leave a new route card in the vehicle. ALL CASES The changes are recorded at Bassenfell and the new information put up on the notice board. 3.7 Recording Safe Return The Activity/Group Leader is to leave a list of all participants in the activity, leaders and Adventurers, on the notice board. Also to be included is a PLAN for the day, DETAILS of the route to be used (as applicable) and an EXPECTED TIME OF RETURN to Bassenfell. Pro Formas are provided. On return, the Activity/Group Leader, or a designated person is to check off each name on the list, and report any absences to the Director or his designate.


3.8 Action in the Event of an Overdue Group The Director or his designate must be kept aware of any overdue group. After 30 minutes an attempt to contact the group by mobile phone should be made. After 1 hour, consideration of route, weather, group size and leadership skills, an assessment must be made as to the most appropriate action to be taken. In the event of a watersports group being late, Nichol End should be telephoned for information and help. In the event of a mountain activity group being late, we are informed by Keswick Police that they should be called after 2 hours.

Section 4

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES - ACTIVITY SPECIFIC 4.1 Principles of Activity Specific Standard Operating Procedures For every activity the principle for the leader is to ensure the safety, enjoyment and learning of their Adventurers.

1. Brief the group carefully on the activity session ensuring they know what will be required of them.

2. Equipment issue. Ensure that if Adventurers use their own equipment or clothing, that it is suitable for the particular activity.

3. Conduct the session with attention to safety, group involvement, discipline and minimal environmental impact.

4. Close session:

a. Collect and return equipment

b. Brief Adventurers on what is required of them next.

5. Leaders are required to operate within the standard operating procedures. CAH accepts no responsibility for leaders acting outside these procedures.

4.2 Risk and Hazards Potential hazards have been identified and listed for each activity. In all cases the risk varies from minor injuries to the worst case of death. 4.3 Activity Specific Briefings Briefing notes for both leaders and Adventurers are to be used daily and during the day if the activity changes. These should be checked off and signed off on the list for the day as evidence that the briefings have been completed. (see Appendix 5) 4.4 Activity Specific Risk Assessments The following sections are not by any means exhaustive lists and are complemented by guidelines for each sport. See also Appendix 7.


KAYAKING

Hazards 1. Drowning 2. Falling in and immersion in cold water 3. Hypothermia, heatstroke, heat exhaustion, sunburn 4. Head injuries 5. 6.

Cuts and abrasions Entrapment in obstacles above and below water level

Risk Management: Essential Criteria

a. The Group Leader and Assistant Leaders will conform to the Qualifications Matrix in Section 7 b. There will be a maximum total group size of 12 people.(of which 8 can be Adventurers) c. Adventurers/other adults to Group Leader ratio will not exceed 8:1 and should be lower with

more challenging groups and / or conditions. d. Safety procedures and risk disclosure will be included in a briefing to the group. e. The Group Leader is responsible for determining that all the participants can swim 25m in light

clothing. It is possible to include non-swimmers at the discretion of the Activity Leader. f. Buoyancy aids will be worn by everyone when on the water. Leaders will check that these are

properly fitted. Unless the air and water temperatures are very high, wetsuits will be worn, these must be properly issued, fitted and checked for fit by a leader.

g. The Group Leader will make a decision as to whether helmets will be worn on the lake following considered judgement with regard to the group and activities planned. Helmets will always be worn on moving water.

h. Discipline of the group should be such that kayakers do not get spread out, away from the Leaders; i.e. close enough to be heard at all times. Extra care on group control is required when in the vicinity of launches, or on their line of travel.

i. Safety equipment will include a means of towing, first aid kit, spare clothes and survival equipment as appropriate to the weather and air and water temperatures.

j. The Group Leader must be in the position of maximum usefulness and control safety throughout the session, including the start of the session, informal lunchtime sessions, and the end of the session.

k. Leaders are to check that all equipment is in good condition, before and after each session. l. The Group leader should carry a suitable safety knife. m. Group to avoid getting too close to other water users, wildlife and reeds

Leaders Guidelines

a. Leaders should plan to have a fun, safe day where some learning (of skills, developing relationships, appreciating the environment) occurs.

b. Leaders must make themselves familiar with local access and parking arrangements. c. Leaders should check the trailer lights, number plates and lashings. It is the driver’s own legal

responsibility to ensure they are safe. d. Leaders should be take into account the weather conditions, with a plan to use suitable

venues. They should undertake dynamic risk assessment and appropriate route decisions during the day.

e. Less experienced Group Leaders (although they may be L2 or site specific qualified) should gain knowledge of Derwentwater and its geography / wind conditions from more experienced leaders (canoe, kayak or sailing) before taking groups across the lake. Derwentwater can be extremely challenging to take a group across in high wind conditions.

f. Leaders should always manage the group, so that they can deal effectively and safely with any


‘worst case scenario’ incidents that may arise g. A Group Leader should have means of communication with a rescue boat h. All kayaks must have at least one rear buoyancy bag correctly fitted.

Method of Review:- 1) Completion of Daily Plan sheet, 2) Recording of any ‘near miss’ incidents, and accidents, 3) Daily Leaders Meetings, 4) AGM and Directors meetings Method of Review:- Incident Book & Daily Leaders Meetings AGM and Directors meetings


Open Canoeing

Hazards 1. Drowning 2. Falling in and immersion in cold water 3. Hypothermia, heatstroke, heat exhaustion and sunburn. 4. Head injuries 5. 6.

Cuts and abrasions Entrapment in obstacles above and below water level


a. The Group Leader and Assistant Leaders will conform to the Qualifications Matrix in section 7 b. There will be a maximum total group size of 8 open canoes. c. Adventures/other adults to Group Leader ratio will not exceed 8:1 and should be lower with

more challenging groups and / or conditions. d. Safety procedures and risk disclosure will be included in a briefing to the group. e. The Group Leader is responsible for determining that all the participants can swim 25m in

light clothing. It is possible to include non-swimmers at the discretion of the Activity Leader. f. Buoyancy aids will be worn by everyone when on the water. Leaders will check that these

are properly fitted. . Unless the air and water temperatures are very high, wetsuits will be worn, these must be properly issued, fitted and checked for fit by a leader

g. Discipline of the group should be such that canoeists do not get spread out, away from the Leaders; i.e. close enough to be heard at all times. Extra care on group control is required when in the vicinity of launches, or on their line of travel.

h. The Group Leader will make a decision as to whether helmets will be worn (on the lake or rivers) following considered judgement with regard to the group and activities planned.

i. Safety equipment will include a means of towing, first aid kit, spare clothes and survival equipment as appropriate to the weather and air and water temperatures.

Risk Management: Essential Criteria – Continued j. The Group Leader must be in the position of maximum usefulness and control safety

throughout the session, including the start of the session, informal lunchtime sessions, and the end of the session.

k. Leaders are to check that all equipment is in good condition. l. The Group leader should carry a suitable safety knife. m. Group to avoid getting too close to other water users, wildlife and reeds

Leaders Guidelines

a. Leaders should plan to have a fun, safe day where some learning (of skills, developing relationships, appreciating the environment) occurs.

b. Leaders must make themselves familiar with local access and parking arrangements. c. Leaders should check the trailer lights, number plates and lashings. It is the driver’s

own legal responsibility to ensure they are safe. d. Leaders should be aware that open canoes are more susceptible to being blown by the

wind, so should plan to use suitable sheltered venues and undertake dynamic risk assessment and appropriate route decisions during the day.


e. Less experienced Group Leaders (although they may be L2 or site specific qualified) should gain knowledge of Derwentwater and its geography / wind conditions from more experienced leaders (canoe, kayak or sailing) before taking groups across the lake. Derwentwater can be extremely challenging to take a group across in high wind conditions.

f. Leaders should always manage the group, so that they can deal effectively and safely with any ‘worst case scenario’ incidents that may arise

g. A Group Leader should have means of communication with a rescue boat

Method of Review:- Incident Book & Daily Leaders Meetings AGM and Directors meetings


RAFTING Hazards 1. Injury – during raft building e.g. trapped fingers and bodily entrapment 2. Capsize or collapse of raft 3. Paddle injury 4. Hypothermia, heat stroke, heat exhaustion and sunburn 5 Drowning

Risk Management: Essential Criteria a. The Activity/Group Leader will conform to the Qualifications Matrix in Section 7. b. Adventurer : Leader ratio will not exceed 6:1 plus qualified escort boat cover if used. There will be a maximum total

group size of 12 persons. (of which 8 can be adventurers) c. Safety procedures and risk disclosure will be included in the briefing. d. Everyone must wear a buoyancy aid/lifejacket and helmet when on the water. Leaders will check to ensure that

these are properly fitted. . Unless the air and water temperatures are very high, wetsuits will be worn, these must be properly issued, fitted and checked for fit by a leader

e. The Activity/Group Leader is responsible for determining that participants can swim 25 m in light clothing. It is possible to introduce non-swimmers to Rafting at the discretion of the Week Director or his designee.

f. The Activity/Group Leader must be present at the activity, supervising the construction stage and be available to participate in rescue, should this be necessary, when rafts are on the water. The Leader should carry a safety knife

g.

Participants should be made aware of potential hazards, such as launches, gusting wind and slippery stones underfoot before they launch their rafts.

h. A suitable rescue craft will be on standby when rafts are on the water. i. Rafting is site specific of Derwentwater, no other venue to be used.

Leaders Guidelines A weather forecast must be obtained and considered to make an appropriate plan for the activity. a. If in doubt about the conditions do not proceed with the activity b. Leaders must check the kit of parts before each session to ensure that there are no rough or splintered sections

that may cause injury to participants c. Be aware of any site – specific hazards and warn participants about them d. Carefully explain the geographical restrictions of the activity e. Spare clothing should be available along with a towel, unless wetsuits are worn, and sunscreen worn if required. f. Maintain interest in the activity by making it competitive and time-bound

Method of Review:- Incident Book & Daily Leaders Meetings AGM and Directors meetings


SAILING Hazard 1. Falling overboard 2. Head injury from the boom 3. Drowning 4. 5

Hypothermia, heat stroke, heat exhaustion and sunburn Entrapment in boat parts when capsized or inverted, eg. shrouds

Risk Management: Essential Criteria a. The Activity/Group Leader will conform to the Qualifications Matrix in Section 7. b. Adventurer : Helm Leader ratio will not exceed 3:1. c. Sailing boat : Rescue boat will not exceed 6:1. There will be a maximum total group size of 12 persons per

rescue boat in use. d. Safety procedures and risk disclosure will be included in the briefing. e. Everyone must wear a buoyancy aid or life jacket. Leaders will check to ensure that it is properly fitted. . Unless

the air and water temperatures are very high, wetsuits will be worn, these must be properly issued, fitted and checked for fit by a leader

f. The Activity/Group Leader is responsible for determining that all the participants can swim 25m in light clothing. It is possible to introduce non-swimmers to sailing at the discretion of the Week Director or his designee.

g. The Helm Leader must be on the water during sailing, either in the boat with the Adventurers, or in the rescue boat if the Adventurers are sailing alone.

h. Adventurers sailing alone must be aware of hazards on the lake and given an area in which to sail (all boats must be within reach of the Leader in an emergency). A system of signals should be devised to convey instructions.

i. Leaders should reef the sail in wind strengths in which they themselves do not feel completely confident. The amount of control Adventurers have should be restricted in gusty and strong winds.

j. k. l. m.. n

The rescue boat must only be used by qualified leaders holding RYA Powerboat. At least one person in one of the powerboats must hold RYA Safety Boat. Dinghy occupants must not go forward of the lower shrouds of the Omega boats at any time whilst on the water. In the event of an inversion, and an entrapment it may be necessary to lift the bow of the boat as high as possible to give an air space for the trapped crew member. All dinghies will have mast head buoyancy panels or floats, Be aware that the sail buoyancy panel on the Omegas are not sufficient, particularly if the main is reefed. The Sailing Leader will carry out a random check of one dinghy each day. Helms will check their boats each day on return to the sailing base. Each helm will carry a safety knife. Boats will be checked for water ingress into the buoyancy space by an annual capsize test, normally carried out

at Training Week, and this logged in the Inventory.

Leaders Guidelines A weather forecast must be obtained and considered to make an appropriate plan for the activity.

a. If in doubt about sailing conditions - don’t. b. The Activity/Group Leader must always check how the boats are left secured at the end of the day. Continually

be on the look out for parts that may be suffering wear and tear and report them. c. Ensure that the Adventurers wear adequate clothing. It is always colder on the lake than on the land.

Adventurers must bring spare clothing and a towel if they are not equipped with wetsuits , and sunscreen. d. Sailing can be boring in cold, quiet conditions - make sure there is plenty to think about. E.g. devise games,

races, set courses, change crew round regularly and have small breaks rather than one long break Method of Review

• Incident Book & Daily Leaders Meetings, AGM and Director’s meetings


WINDSURFING

Hazards 1. Falling from the board 2. Hypothermia, heat stroke, heat exhaustion and sunburn 3. Drowning 4. Injury from the boom or mast


a. The Activity/Group Leader will conform to the Qualifications Matrix in Section 7. b. Adventurer : Leader ratio will not exceed 6:1. The maximum total group size will not exceed 12 persons (of

which 8 can be adventurers) c. Safety procedures and risk disclosure will be included in the briefing. d. Adventurers will wear a buoyancy aid or life jacket. The Leader will check that this is properly fitted. . Unless the

air and water temperatures are very high, wetsuits will be worn, these must be properly issued, fitted and checked for fit by a leader

e. The Activity/Group Leader is responsible for determining that all the participants can swim 25m in light clothing. It is possible to introduce non-swimmers to windsurfing at the discretion of the Week Director or his designee.

f. Adventurers will be made aware of the hazards and the limits of the designated sailing area. g. Leaders should choose the right size rig for the Adventurers, accounting for their size and the wind strength. h. Adventurers should wear wetsuits and footwear.

Leaders Guidelines A weather forecast must be obtained and considered to make an appropriate plan for the activity. a. Ensure that Adventurers have spare clothing and a towel. b. The Activity/Group Leader must ensure that equipment is left secure and in a state of good repair. All damage

must be reported using the appropriate system. c. In case of no wind, the Activity/Group Leader should be prepared to play games, developing balance and

confidence using the boards and rigs. Method of Review Incident Book & Daily Leaders Meetings AGM and Directors meetings


MOUNTAIN WALKING

Hazards 1. Getting lost 2. Slips and falls 3 Burns/injury from cooking appliances 4. Hypothermia, heat stroke, heat exhaustion and sunburn

Risk Management: Essential Criteria a The Activity/Group Leader will conform to the Qualifications Matrix in Section 7. b Consider the ability of the group (adventurers and adults). c Consider your own ability and experience as a leader. d Obtain and consider the weather forecast. e Adventurer : Group Leader ratio will not exceed 8:1. The maximum total group size will not exceed 12 persons

(of which 8 can be adventurers) The Group Leader will be a minimum of Summer ML assessed. Group sizes will be a maximum of 12 (of which 8 can be adventurers). At least one other leader should be an experienced hill walker, able to be relied upon in an emergency.

f Adventurers and accompanying adults will be briefed before an activity. g Steep ground (e.g. Helvellyn ridges). Where routes involving steep ground are planned the leader will

demonstrate the following. • The leader has completed the route before, and can demonstrate suitable experience of taking groups

on similar ground. • Consideration of falling rocks and use of helmets. • An extra briefing is undertaken on the risks and moving on steep ground. • A reduction in group size is considered.

h Expeditions. The leader will prepare the group, ensuring the following are considered.

• Use of stoves and fuel handling, adequate food and water. • Adequate shelter.

i. A route card will be left at the Centre and should be clear, with adequate information.

Leaders Guidelines A weather forecast must be obtained and considered to make an appropriate plan for the activity. a. The Activity/Group Leader should give attention to improving the Adventurers knowledge of the mountain

environment. b. Be prepared with first aid for blisters, insect bites, ticks etc. c. Method of Review

• Incident Book & Daily Leaders Meetings • AGM and Directors meetings.


LOW LEVEL WALKING Activities covered by this assessment include hill walking below 600m and low level walks, subject to being out of scope. (For definition of out of scope see Appendix 3) Hazards 1. Getting lost 2. Slips and falls 3. Hypothermia, heat stroke, heat exhaustion and sunburn

Risk Management: Essential Criteria a The Activity Leader will be an ML assessed person and the Group Leader will have attended ML training or be an

experienced hill walker. If the Group Leader is an experienced hill walker they should have previously completed the walk and hold a valid first aid certificate. If the whole week is only doing low-level walks the Activity/Group Leader will have attended ML training.

b Consider the ability of the group (adventurers and adults). c Consider your own ability and experience as a leader. d Obtain and consider the weather forecast. e Adventurer : Group Leader ratio will not exceed 8:1. The maximum total group size will not exceed 12 persons

(of which 8 can be adventurers) f Adventurers and accompanying adults will be briefed before an activity. g A route card will be left at the Centre and should be clear, with adequate information and as accurate as

possible. h Where routes are only just out of scope (for example 500m height), the leader will demonstrate the following.

• The leader can demonstrate suitable experience of taking groups on the same route, or on similar ground.

• A reduction in group size is considered. Leaders Guidelines A weather forecast must be obtained and considered to make an appropriate plan for the activity. a. The Activity/Group Leader should give attention to improving the Adventurers knowledge of the local

environment. b. Be prepared with first aid for blisters, insect bites, ticks etc. c. Method of Review



SINGLE PITCH ROCK CLIMBING & ABSEILING

Hazards 1. Falls from height 2. Falling rocks 3. Injury whilst climbing. 4. Hazards associated with steep ground.


a The Activity/Group Leader will conform to the Qualifications Matrix in Section 7. b Adventurer : Leader ratio will not exceed 8:1.

Group sizes will be a maximum of 10 (of which 8 can be adventurers). At least one other leader should be an experienced rock climber.

c Adventures and accompanying adults will be briefed before an activity. d Group Control. The Activity/Group Leader is in control of the group for the whole day. Any non qualified adults

taking part, whilst assisting in group control to some extent, should be carefully managed and treated as one of the group and included in the ratios.

e Solo climbing by Adventurers will not take place, except when low level bouldering. f Helmets will be worn by everyone at all times when climbing. Leaders will use their discretion at lunchtime and

while approaching and departing from the crag. g To consider the impact of swings associated with falls whilst climbing, consider using a back rope. h Brief the group about areas that are out of bounds, access paths and steep ground. i Whilst abseiling, or waiting at the top to abseil within 3m of the edge, Adventurers will be fastened to a safety

rope. j Adventurers must be told how to carry and protect gear in transit as well as when in use. k Leaders will visually check equipment each time it is used and record usage in the appropriate logbook. l Ensure jewellery (rings, bracelets, watches) are removed at the beginning of the session. m Risk of falling rocks.

When abseiling treat the area below the crag as a no-waiting zone. The only people to enter this zone are the abseiler, and an assistant when the abseiler reaches the bottom.

Leaders Guidelines A weather forecast must be obtained and considered to make an appropriate plan for the activity. a On some routes and under extremely close supervision Adventurers may belay each other. The belay system

will have been checked by the Group Leader. b Method of Review



GHYLL SCRAMBLING / GORGE WALKING

Hazards 1. Hostile environment, hypothermia 2. Inappropriate venue 3. Oversized group 4. Tired or exhausted group 5. Injury due to falling 6. Head Injuries 7. Drowning


a. The Activity/Group Leader will conform to the Qualifications Matrix in Section 7. b. Adventurer : Leader ratio will not exceed 8:1 plus an accompanying Assistant Leader.

Group sizes will be a maximum of 10 (of which 8 can be Adventurers). c. Safety procedures and risk disclosure will be included in the briefing. d. Helmets will be correctly fitted and worn by all members of the group (including leaders) at all times. Other safety

equipment is listed in briefing notes, including appropriate footwear and clothing for each site. A safety rope will be used where appropriate.

e. All ghylls or gorges used have site-specific training, no other venues are to be used. f. Ensure there is no loose clothing, jewellery or hair which might catch on any trees, branches, or become

entangled in any rope system. g. Leader briefings are used to ensure correct group control. h. Leaders will take careful note of weather forecasts, and assess water levels before setting off. i. Wetsuits, buoyancy aids, belts and waterproof jackets will be worn when appropriate, trousers over wetsuit. .

Wetsuits must be properly issued, fitted and checked for fit by a leader

Leaders Guidelines A weather forecast must be obtained and considered to make an appropriate plan for the activity. a. The Activity/Group Leader conform to Section 7 of this document b. The Assistant Leader will be site trained in house by a person qualified as an Activity/Group Leader as above. c. Trainers, wellies or rubber walking boots owned by CAH are ideal. d. Only Honister Beck (ascent) and Stonycroft Gill to be used. e. Leaders will make themselves familiar with local access, parking, ascent and descent routes. f. Safety equipment to be taken is specified in the Activity briefing notes. g. Poor swimmers may need to be fitted with a buoyancy aid.

Method of Review Incident Book & Daily Leaders Meetings AGM and Directors meetings


OFF ROAD CYCLING

Hazards 1 Falling off 2 Collision with traffic, other cyclists and fixed objects

3 Heatstroke, heat exhaustion and sunburn

Risk Management: Essential Criteria a. The Activity/Group Leader will conform to the Qualifications Matrix in Section 7. b. Adventurer : Leader ratio must not exceed 4:1. The maximum total group size will not exceed 12 persons (of

which 8 can be adventurers) c. Safety procedures and risk disclosure will be included in the briefing. d. Particular care will be taken in briefing the group before departure as to the Activity/Group Leader’s expectation

of them. e. Supervision must be firm and close; not allowing the group to become too spread out. Frequent stops need to be

made to encourage the weaker members and keep them together. Leaders must be strict in their supervision, insisting on good road sense, and careful when following another rider.

f. Leaders will ensure the entire group is fitted to their bikes, have had an opportunity to try them out, and have demonstrated they are able to ride them satisfactorily using the gears and brakes before departing.

g. Helmets must be worn at all times when riding h. Route cards must be left in the Centre for all rides. i. No luggage is to be suspended loose on the cycles, e.g. over the handlebars.

Leaders Guidelines A weather forecast must be obtained and considered to make an appropriate plan for the activity. a. Leaders must be able to deal with emergencies e.g. punctures and loose chains, and carry appropriate first aid

and repair gear. b. Cycles must be treated with care at all times and stacked carefully when not in use. c. Cycling is potentially the most dangerous of all the activities we undertake and must be treated accordingly. d. Cycling should be restricted to hard tracks or paths wherever possible. Consideration must be given to the return

journey to allow for terrain, gradient and wind strength/direction allowing its completion in a reasonable time. Method of Review Incident Book & Daily Leaders Meetings AGM and Directors meetings


SWIMMING

Indoors Hazards 1. Drowning 2. Injury from a slip, fall, jump or dive 3. Cramp 4. Illness caused by chemical imbalance in the water Risk Management: Essential Criteria

a. CAH hire a commercial pool for all indoor swimming. All swimming that takes place is therefore under their guidance and supervision and uses their lifesavers. Method of Review Incident Book & Daily Leaders Meetings AGM and Directors meetings

Wild Swimming Wild swimming is classed as swimming in a lake, pond, tarn or river, as opposed to a constructed swimming pool, and are not wearing a buoyancy aid. If Adventurers are deeper than knee deep then this is considered to be wild swimming. Hazards 1. Drowning 2. Injury from a slip, fall, jump or dive 3. Cramp 4. Injury from sharp objects in water (eg broken glass) 4 Hypothermia and “gasp factor” Risk Management: Essential Criteria a. The group leader has recent experience of wild swimming and is competent to supervise the group safely b. The group leader will ensure

i. appropriate venue with limits set, ii. the weather is appropriate iii. appropriate activities are undertaken, iv. appropriate safety cover / lifesaving skills are readily available to deal with any reasonable eventuality (eg being able to rescue the swimmer furthest away that suddenly had cramp) v. Swimmers wet their bodies before fully entering the water

c. The group leader will carefully monitor the amount of time people spend in the water and ensure no one gets unduly cold

d. The group will have a means of dealing with cold people (eg , a very warm sunny afternoon, spare dry warm clothing, warm drinks, group shelter and survival bag)

e. The group leader will ensure that the general public are respected (e.g. not invading personal space, controlling noise, controlling how people get changed)


POWER BOATS

Hazards 1. Falling overboard 2. Injury from propeller 3. Hypothermia heat stroke, heat exhaustion and sunburn 4. Drowning 5. Engine failure 6. Collision


a. The Leader manning the craft will conform to Qualifications Matrix in Section 7. b. This is a working boat and not entertainment for Leaders/Adventurers. c. Safety equipment carried in the boat should include oars, towing bridle, towline, spare starting cord, tool kit, knife,

fire extinguisher, anchor, starting cord, spare fuel, drinking flasks, flares, survival bags and first aid kit. These should be stored appropriately and checked daily.

d. Fuel for outboard. Make sure correct fuel is used and there is sufficient for the period of operation, plus some spare.

e. The fuel tank and battery should be adequately secured. The engine clamps should be secured to prevent accidental loosening.

f. Never carry more than a total of eight people at any one time. g. All passengers and crew must wear buoyancy aids. h. The boat is fitted with an isolation switch and kill-cord which should be used in accordance with RYA safety

procedures. If there is more than one person aboard qualified to drive the boat then each potential driver will have a kill-cord attached to them, so that a driver change has to be made by killing the engine. A driver must never remove their kill cord from their body whilst the boat is on the water.

i. Leaders should be familiar and practised in all emergency procedures relating to the rescue of both people and equipment.

j The crew should be dressed in adequate clothing. k. There will always be at least one person in one of the powerboats who holds RYA Safety Boat when the fleet

fleet is out on the water ll. The risk of fuel lines becoming detached from the fuel tank.

Leaders Guidelines

a. Boats should only be used for rescue cover or as a teaching platform. Do not carry any unnecessary passengers.

b. Always use the kill cord. If there is no-one at the helm the kill cord will be disconnected from the control box and the engine stopped

c. Understand starting procedures thoroughly. Nichol End staff will advise. Method of Review Incident Book & Daily Leaders Meetings AGM and Directors meetings


(extracted from The Highway Code 124) Type of vehicle

Built-up areas * mph (km/h)

Single carriage -ways mph km/h)

Dual)carriage-ways mph km/h

Motorways mph km/h)

Cars & motorcycles (including car-derived vans up to 2 tonnes maximum laden weight)

30 (48) 60 (96) 70 (112) 70 (112)

Cars towing caravans or trailers (including car-derived vans and motorcycles)

30 (48) 50 (80) 60 (96) 60 (96)

Buses, coaches and minibuses (not exceeding 12 metres in overall length)

30 (48) 50 (80) 60 (96) 70 (112)

DRIVING - ALL VEHICLES

Hazards 1. Collision 2. Driving off the road 3. Entrapment in a disabled vehicle 4. Falling out of the vehicle


a. All passengers will wear seatbelts where fitted including in minibuses. b. Check all the doors are closed securely, taking particular note of the back doors. c. Do not lock doors whilst passengers are being carried. d. National maximum speed limits will not be exceeded for all vehicles carrying Adventurers.

Leaders Guidelines

a. It is the driver’s legal responsibility to ensure any trailer is connected up safely and the load secured. b. When reversing to hitch a trailer, do not allow an assistant to stand between the vehicle and the trailer. c. Report any faults or accidental damage on hired vehicles using their system. d. People will appreciate being driven in a manner which is sensitive to their needs as passengers. Remember you

may have some poor travellers who will only mention it when they become unwell. e. Drive carefully and responsibly at all times, especially when you are transporting a group. f. Allow plenty of time for the journey to avoid having to rush. i.e. start early and finish an activity promptly. g. Never be tempted to race or keep up with another vehicle. h. Only allow one person per seat. No vehicle should carry more than the legally permitted number. i. National speed limits appropriate to the vehicle are not to be exceeded. The table below shows the maximum

speed limits as per The Highway Code. Further information can be found in The Highway Code - Sections - 117-126: Control of the vehicle. Method of Review Incident Book & Daily Leaders Meetings AGM and Directors meetings


Section 5

STANDARD ACTIVITIES DAILY BRIEFING AND CHECKLIST A series of checklists has been produced to be used at leader and Adventurer briefings which take place before the Activity takes place. Leaders doing the briefings must ensure that all the items on the lists have been communicated to the participants and leaders. Mountain Walking, Ghyll Scrambling / Gorge Walking and Single Pitch Rock Climbing share lists as do Sailing and Windsurfing. These are to be found in Appendix 5 of this document.

Section 6

EQUIPMENT CHECKING AND CONTROL

6.1 Unsafe Equipment Any leader has the authority to declare a safety-related item of equipment to be unsafe. Any item of equipment, whatever it is, found to be faulty, will have a tag tied to it which records what the item is, it’s ID where available, and what the fault is. In this event:- a. Small items of equipment The item is put in the quarantine box and must not be used until inspected,

repaired or replaced. A red tag is completed and tied to the item

Any items so treated are to be inspected by the appropriate Activity/Group Leader. They and only they have the authority to either put the item back into use, or approve repairs.

b. For a sailing dinghy, the procedure is as follows:-

Each dinghy has a tag holder fixed to the hull. In default condition this presents the message “STOP DO NOT USE THIS BOAT”. Each helmsman has a green tag which has a checklist, which is checked off before the boat is launched.

In the event of any minor faults being noted, these are recorded on the reverse of the green tag and if deemed safe to use the Sailing Activity Leader countersigns to this effect. The green label is inserted into the holder and this covers the previous message. In the event of a fault that compromises safety to the point that the Sailing Activity Leader is not prepared to allow the boat to be used, a red prohibition tag is tied to the boat. The fault is noted on the rear of this label. In the case of Safety Critical faults the Sailing Activity Leader signs these off.

c. For a Mountain Bike The seat is to be removed and put in the quarantine box, or fitted backwards. A red tag is is completed and tied to the bike.

Any items so treated are to be inspected by the appropriate Activity Leader. They and only they have the authority to either put the item back into use, or approve repairs.

d. For a Kayak, open canoe or raft parts

A red tag stating the damage to be attached to the item and returned to behind the boat store

Any items so treated are to be inspected by the Activity Leader. They and only they have the authority to either put the item back into use, or approve repairs.


6.2 Buying or Replacing Equipment In the event of vital equipment failure the Activity Leader should contact the Responsible Officer. If there is a perceived need to buy or replace equipment then the Activity Leader should contact the Equipment co-ordinator. If Responsible Officers are not available at the immediate time when equipment is needed, Activity Leaders should liaise with their Week’s Director to agree on best course of action. Responsible Officers should be contacted as soon as possible to be made aware of situation. Note that most purchasing is done by the Equipment coordinator and they must be consulted before purchases are made. Further information relating to buying or replacing equipment is provided for Activity Leaders within the activity paperwork folder (see Section 11). 6.3 Annual checks of Equipment, and recording results. A database is kept of all the equipment that we use on activities. This consists of an inventory, which is checked off at the beginning and end of each week of activity, and a record of the annual, pre-season condition checking that is carried out by competent persons. The initials of the checker(s), and their qualifications are recorded. Where practical the items of equipment are numbered for identification purposes. Sailing dinghies are checked for hull buoyancy integrity at our Training Week held prior to the holidays by capsizing them for 15 minutes on each side, and measuring the water ingress into the hull.


Section 7

QUALIFICATIONS MATRIX All in scope activities Technical Advisors Kayaking BCU Level 4 Coach (Inland Kayak) Open Canoeing (‘Canadian’) BCU Level 4 Coach (Open Canoe) Rafting Sailing or Kayaking as outlined plus experience of rafting Sailing RYA Senior Instructor Inland Windsurfing RYA Instructor (Windsurfing) Mountain Walking MIC or MIA + Winter ML Single Pitch Rock Climbing MIC or MIA + Winter ML Ghyll Scrambling / Gorge Walking MIC or MIA + Winter ML Off Road Cycling MBLA British Cycling Coach Activity Leaders and other staff

RAFTING Activity Leader RYA Dinghy Instructor or BCU Level 2 Coach (Inland

Kayak) with experience in activity. Assessed by Technical Advisor

Safety Boat (if used) RYA Power Boat 2 Assistant Leader Competent rafter (preferably with RYA Dinghy Instructor or

BCU Level 2 Coach as above) SAILING (Activity Leader and Power Boat Leader may be one and the same person)

Activity Leader RYA Senior Instructor,

Assistant Leaders RYA Seamanship Skills Power Boat Leader RYA Safety Boat Assistant Power Boat Drivers

RYA Power Boat 2 with sailing experience There will be at least one person on board one of the powerboats with RYA Safety Boat

WINDSURFING Activity Leader RYA Level 1 Instructor

Assistant Leader Competent windsurfer MOUNTAIN WALKING Activity Leader Summer ML

KAYAKING Activity Leader BCU/UKCC Level 3 Coach (kayak), or CAH Venue Specific assessed, Or Level 2 Coach with a statement of Competence to operate on Derwentwater, given by the Technical Advisor, or a level 4 Coach who has experience of conditions on Derwentwater

Assistant Leaders Competent Kayaker (preferably BCU Trainee Level 2 or Level 1 Coach)

OPEN CANOE (additional skills to include open canoeing in the activity)

Activity Leader BCU Level 2 Coach (Inland Kayak) plus 3 star Open Canoe or signed off as competent by Technical Advisor


Group Leader Summer ML LOW LEVEL WALKING Activity Leader Summer ML,

(ML trainee where the week has no Summer ML Site specific assessed.)

Group Leader ML trainee or experienced hill walker, both to be site specific assessed.

SINGLE PITCH ROCK CLIMBING & ABSEILING

Activity Leader SPA Group Leader SPA

GHYLL SCRAMBLING / GORGE WALKING

Activity Leader Summer ML or SPA with site training by Tech Ad or his nominated person (plus activity water experience as follows. A white water safety course or someone used to operating in a water environment, e.g. sailor/ kayaker/ canoeist/ windsurfer/ caver/ lifeguard so they have experience of people getting cold in water).

Group Leader Summer ML or SPA with site training by Tech Ad or his nominated person (plus activity water experience as follows. A white water safety course or someone used to operating in a water environment, e.g. sailor/ kayaker/ canoeist/ windsurfer/ caver/ lifeguard so they have experience of people getting cold in water).

Assistant Leader Site trained in house by a person qualified as an Activity/Group Leader

OFF ROAD CYCLING Activity Leader SMBLA Trail Cycle Leader (assessed) Assistant Leader SMBLA Trail Cycle Leader or Regular competent mountain

biker Technical Advisors Name contact Qualifications

Sailing, Peter Chambers 01670 514220 07811860995

RYA Racing Coach , RYA SI Tidal

Kayaking, Open Canoeing, Rafting

Andy Oxley 01768 776366

BCU Level 4 Coach Inland Kayak, Open canoe Sea Kayak,

Windsurfing Martin Ashby-Smith

01282 432954 RYA Instructor (Windsurfing)

Rock Climbing, Abseiling, Hill Walking & Mountaineering, Gorge Scrambling

Andy Oxley 01768 776366 MIA plus Winter ML

Off Road Cycling Richard Martin 01768 898775 MBLA British Cycling Tutor


Section 8 DAILY LEADER’S MEETING MINUTES Notes on completion of Minutes These standardised minutes / agenda ensure that records are kept of meetings relating to licensable activities and safety issues, they should be completed every day and filed in the CAH Director File for the duration of the holiday week. The meeting relating to activities should follow the format of the minutes / agenda and the completed documents signed as approved by the Week director or his designate. Item 3.0 may include, but is not restricted to, details of Adventure days, wide games and overnight expeditions. It should include any arrangements for Adventurers not taking part in activities.

Section 9 MONITORING The Week Director, or a suitable nominee, will regularly monitor groups to ensure that the procedures are being carried out as prescribed. It is recommended that each in scope activity be monitored once during a Week. Areas to be checked are as follows.

1. Qualifications of the Leaders 2. First Aid provision 3. Paperwork, including the notes of where activity is to be. 4. Briefings 5. Equipment taken. 6. Personal protective equipment taken and supplied

An Activity Monitoring Check Report has been produced as Appendix 6 of this document to facilitate the monitoring process. Completed check reports are filed in the relevant Activity File.


Section 10 RECORDING SAFE RETURN

1. See page 19 Section 3.7 of this manual.

2. The Activity/Group Leader leaves a list on the board of who he has, together with the other information required.

3. On return any leader who brings anyone back, whether Adventurer or leader, crosses those people off the

list, as soon as is possible.

4. The Activity/Group Leaders check regularly to ensure that groups are returning, other groups, as well as their own.

5. Late groups are reported to the Week Director or his/her designate as per Section 3.8.

Section 11 DAILY PAPERWORK SYSTEMS These systems have been put into place to reduce the workload on Activity Leaders whilst working on a holiday week. An Activity folder is produced in advance for each activity. The folder includes:

• Activity related paperwork and Guidelines • Daily Activity Plan and Review • Copies of any other documents and forms that may be needed during the week


Section 12 Recruitment of leaders All leaders will be DBS checked, every three years. This is done through the umbrella organisation CCI (UK) In order to reduce delays which may be caused by a leader being recruited just before a holiday and there being insufficient time for DBS checking it was decided that we would accept leaders who had a check applied for but not necessarily had the reply, provided that they had been checked by us in the past, within a max of 3years 3 months. In the event of there being a disclosure following DBS checking (ie the applicant has a record of an offence of some sort) then the BBS representative for CAH will approach the Director of the week that the applicant hopes to attend, the CAH Trustee who has oversight of that week, and the Chairman of CAH. They, and only they, will know who is involved and what the offence is. These three will then do a risk assessment, and decide if the applicant is to be accepted. In addition to this, all leaders must complete an application form every year. In this application we ask for two referees, one of whom is a Church Leader. The application form is completed on-line. In the case of a new leader both references are taken up. For an existing leader, the policy is that the Church referee is taken up each year, in this case a short form reference may be used as long as the referee offered is the same as in the previous year. Directors will send an annual application to the Director of Operations The Director of Operations will send an application to his Director, if attending a holiday week, or to the Trustees of CAH if not. Documents relating to CAH’s Child Protection Policy and the forms used have been included in the Appendices. Document / Form Reference CAH Child Care Document Appendix 8 New Leader Declaration Appendix 9 Protection of Children Statement Appendix 10 “Working with Young People guidelines” and “Guidelines for Financial Support” Appendix 11 Letter to referee and Reference form and short reference form Appendix 12 On arrival at a holiday all leaders will submit original copies of their qualifications and their DBS certificates to their Activity Leader, these will be recorded by the Activity Leader.


Appendix 1 NATIONAL GOVERNING BODIES

NAME ADDRESS TELEPHONE WEBSITE / EMAIL / FAX British Canoe Union

John Dudderidge House Adbolton Lane West Bridgeford Nottingham NG2 5AS

0845 370 9500 www.bcu.org.uk [email protected] 0115 982 1797

RYA England

RYA House Ensign Way, Hamble Southampton Hampshire SO31 4YA

0845 345 0400 www.rya.org.uk 023 8060 4299

RLSS UK Lifesavers, River House High Street, Broom Warwickshire, B50 4HN

01789 773 994 www.rlss.org.uk [email protected] 01789 773 995

Mountain Leader Training UK

Siabod Cottage Capel Curig Conwy LL24 0ES

01690 720272 www.mltuk.org/ [email protected] 01690 720248

Appendix 2

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Reference has been made from the following bodies: Abernethy Trust Ltd. Adventure Activities Licensing Regulations Consultative Document 1995

Appendix 3 AALS DEFINITION OF IN AND OUT OF SCOPE FOR "TREKKING" ACTIVITIES In scope is "Travelling in any place which is moorland (open uncultivated land at any height above sea level) or on a mountain which is above 600m and from which it would take more than 30min travelling time to walk back to an accessible road or refuge is subject to licensing. Woodland forests and other cultivated land is excluded from the definition only where it is less than 600m above sea level. A road which does not have the width or surface to be used by an ordinary road going ambulance would not be classed as an accessible road. A refuge is a building offering shelter for the party in an emergency and it must be either occupied or have some means of summoning help. The distance which can be covered in the 30 minutes travelling time will never be more than 2.5km and will be less if there are uphill sections on the route back. It must also be a route that can be walked safely and so must not have any unfordable rivers or precipitous ground on it. Time of year and weather conditions may mean that a road is not an accessible road, or a seasonably open or occupied building is not a refuge at some times of the year." See also Section 1.


Appendix 4 DAILY LEADER’S MEETING MINUTES Please note that this agenda is to cover our obligations under the Licence, and covers activities covered by the Licence.

Day: Date: Week Director:

Present:

Actions from previous meetings will be covered in the main body of this meeting.

1.0 REVIEW OF THE DAY

1.1 See Activity Files for Review of following activities (circle activity that took place, cross out activity that did not take place) Kayaking, Rafting, Sailing, Windsurfing, Mountain Activities, Ghyll Scrambling/Gorge Walking, Off Road Cycling, Other Activities (specify). Were activity files completed for all activities taking place?

1.2 Were there any safety issues that occurred during the day? Please make a note of issues and the outcome of discussion from the leaders meeting (continue overleaf if required)

2.0 LEADER’S BRIEFING FOR NEXT DAY

2.1 Weather Forecast Was the forecast provided in the leaders meeting? YES / NO Source: Has this been recorded? YES / NO - If yes, where: If no record kept then a record must be made and retained, state where it is stored:-

2.2 See Activity Files for Briefing for Next Day of following activities (circled indicates activity due to take place, crossed out indicated activity not planned to take place) Kayaking, Rafting, Sailing, Windsurfing, Mountain Activities, Ghyll Scrambling/Gorge Walking, Off Road Cycling, Other Activities (specify).

3.0 ANY OTHER BUSINESS

(continue overleaf if required)


Appendix 5 STANDARD ACTIVITIES DAILY BRIEFING AND CHECKLISTS The following pages of this appendix are copies of the check lists used each day at the beginning of each activity. They are used for both the Adventurers and leaders who meet together at the beginning of the activity. They are for:-

• Kayaking / Open Canoeing • Rafting

• Sailing and Windsurfing

• Mountain Activities (Rock Climbing, Abseiling, Hill Walking & Mountaineering)

• Gorge Scrambling

• Off Road Cycling


Kayaking Daily Briefing and Checklist

Ensure all leaders are aware of:

• The planned activity for the day and transport. Copy to be left at the Centre • Medical issues and non swimmers • Which equipment is to be issued (see Inventory) • Adventurers ability levels

Ensure leaders bring the following equipment as appropriate:

• First Aid Kit • Drinks, Lunches • Any medication required by Adventurers • Spare clothing / Survival shelter • Phone numbers/ Phone / VHF Radio • Towlines • Safety knife • Helmets if required • Sun cream if required • Phone numbers and mobile phone or other contact device and map

Ensure all Adventurers are aware of:

• The plan for the day • Who the first-aiders are

Explain the Safety Rules and reasons why:

• Always wear a buoyancy aid when on the water. This must be checked for fit by a Leader • Wear adequate clothing as appropriate, e.g.:- wet suit, waterproof jacket, warm jumper • Obey leaders’ instructions at all times • Never go out in a canoe unless a Leader is already on the water • Canoe together. Do not to paddle off alone. • Keep away from the launches and other lake users • Wear seat belts in the minibuses

Ensure Adventurers bring the following equipment as appropriate:

• Waterproof cagoule • Wetsuit The wetsuit must be issued to you by a Leader, do not just pick your own. It must be a tight fit to work • Trainers • Hat and Spare jumper (in BDH container if available) • Buoyancy Aid (do not use as a cushion) • Water bottle • String for glasses if required • Sun cream if required • Medication if required • Helmet if required

Any Questions?


Open Canoeing Daily Briefing and Checklist

Ensure all leaders are aware of: • The planned activity for the day and transport. Copy to be left at the Centre • Medical issues and non swimmers • Which equipment is to be issued

Ensure leaders bring the following equipment as appropriate: • First Aid Kit • Drinks, Lunches • Any medication required by Adventurers • Spare clothing / Survival shelter • Phone numbers; Phone / VHF Radio • Towlines • Safety knife • Helmets if required • Sun cream if required




• Wear seat belts in the minibuses • Always wear a buoyancy aid when on the water. This must be checked for fit by a Leader • Discuss risk of head injury, raise awareness of keeping head safe (e.g. wear helmets or avoid contact

with paddles) • Wear adequate clothing as appropriate, e.g.:- wet suit, waterproof jacket, warm jumper • Obey Leaders’ instructions at all times • Never go out in a canoe unless a Leader has given specific permission • Canoe together. Do not paddle off alone. • Keep away from the launches and other lake users


• Waterproof cagoule • Wetsuit The wetsuit must be issued to you by a Leader, do not just pick your own. It must be a tight fit

to work • • Trainers • Hat and Spare jumper (in BDH container if available) • Buoyancy Aid (do not use as a cushion) • Water bottle • String for glasses if required • Sun cream if required • Medication if required • Helmet if required

Any Questions?


Rafting Daily Briefing and Checklist


• The planned activity for the day and transport. Copy to be left at the Centre • Medical issues and non swimmers • Adventurers ability levels • Adventurers Briefing • Which equipment is to be issued (see Inventory)

Ensure Activity Leader/leaders bring the following equipment as appropriate:

• Buoyancy aid, wetsuit if appropriate and windproof clothing • Helmet • Knife • Drinks, Lunches, Emergency rations • First Aid Kit • Any medication required by Adventurers • Spare clothing • Phone numbers and Mobile phone or other communication device • Sun cream if required • Map of lake • Money • Throw-line or reaching aid • Phone numbers and mobile phone or other contact device and map


• The plan for the day • Who the first-aiders are • How to signal or shout for help


• Always wear a life jacket or buoyancy aid when on the water. This must be checked for fit by a Leader • Obey leaders’ instructions at all times. • Helmet as appropriate • Adventurers must not be on the water until they are instructed and unless an escort (safety or open boat) is

present • Keep away from the launches and other lake users • Potential risks with the necessary controls in place to minimise risk of injury • Hazards of the Power Boat if used. • Wear seat belts in the minibuses


• Personal buoyancy – buoyancy aid or lifejacket • Waterproof jacket • Wetsuit . The wetsuit must be issued to you by a Leader, do not just pick your own. It must be a tight fit to work • Warm jumper • Helmet • Spare clothing – to be kept in a barrel by leader • Any required medication • Sun tan lotion

Any Questions?


Sailing and Windsurfing Daily Briefing and Checklist




• First Aid Kit • Drinks, Lunches • Safety knife to be collected from the powerboat tool boxes, and returned there at the end of the day. • Any medication required by Adventurers and list of Adventurer’s requirements • Spare clothing • Phone numbers/ Phone / VHF Radio • Sun cream if required • Phone numbers and mobile phone or other contact device and map




• Always wear a buoyancy aid when on the water. This must be checked for fit by a Leader • Wear adequate clothing as appropriate, e.g.:- wet suit, waterproof jacket, waterproof trousers, warm

jumper • Keep behind the shrouds when sailing in the Omegas, do not climb on the foredeck • Helmet as appropriate • Obey leaders’ instructions at all times • Never go out in a boat unless the rescue boat is already on the water • Sail together. Do not sail off away from the other boats • Do not leave the boat if it capsizes • Keep away from the launches and other lake users • Wear seat belts in the minibuses • Never swim to a powerboat unless instructed to by one of the powerboat leaders


• Waterproof jacket and trousers • Wetsuit. The wetsuit must be issued to you by a Leader, do not just pick your own. It must be a tight fit to work • Trainers/ wet boots • Hat and jumper • Buoyancy Aid (do not use as a cushion) • Strap for glasses if worn • Sun cream if required • Medication if required • Helmet if required

Any Questions?


Mountain Activities Daily Briefing and Checklist Ensure all leaders are aware of:

• The planned activity for the day and transport, with potential problems. Copy to be left at the Centre • Medical issues • Which equipment is to be issued (see Inventory) • Adventurers ability levels


• Suitable maps covering the whole route • Compass, Whistle • Rope • First Aid Kit, Bivvy Bag or survival shelter • Emergency rations, Drinks, Lunches • Full set of waterproofs • Torch • Sun cream • Any medication required by Adventurers • Spares of: Sweaters, gloves, hats, socks • Phone numbers and phone.


• The plan for the day Explain the Safety Rules and reasons why:

• Adventurers must obey leader’s instructions. • Always stay in one group, never go off out of sight on your own • Control your temperature by putting on clothes or taking them off as needed • If you have any soreness in your feet get a leader to look at them as soon as you feel discomfort.


• Waterproof cagoule and over-trousers • Warm jumper, gloves and a woolly hat. • Trousers (not jeans) • Sun cream • Medication • Properly fitting walking boots. • Lunch and a water bottle filled with water • Small rucksack

Any Questions?


Gorge Scrambling Daily Briefing and Checklist




• First Aid Kit • Drinks, Lunches • Any medication required by Adventurers • Spare clothing • Sun cream if required • Rope • Dry bag • Group shelter • Caving Belt per person • Phone numbers and mobile phone or other contact device and map


• The plan for the day • Signals to be used in the Ghyll or gorge


• Always do as you are instructed • Always wear a Helmet. This must be checked by the Leader • Wear adequate clothing as appropriate, e.g.:- wet suit, ghyll specific overtrousers, buoyancy aid and

cagoule, warm jumper, boots • Do not crowd the person in front • Stay together. • Wear seat belts in the minibuses


• Ghyll specific overtrousers, buoyancy aid and cagoule. • Wetsuit. The wetsuit must be issued to you by a Leader, do not just pick your own. It must be a tight fit to work • Trainers or old rubber boots or wellies • Jumper • Strap for glasses if worn • Sun cream if required • Medication if required • Helmet

Any Questions?


Off Road Cycling Daily Briefing and Checklist Ensure all leaders are aware of:

• The planned activity for the day, with potential problems. Copy to be left at the Centre • Medical issues • The safety rules • Adventurers ability levels • Which equipment is to be issued (see Inventory)


• OS maps covering the whole route, Route plan • Compass, Whistle • First Aid Kit, Bivvy Bag or survival shelter • Emergency rations, Drinks , Lunches • Bike repair equipment and cycle pump • Appropriate jacket • Helmet • Torch • Sun cream • Any medication required by Adventurers • Spare clothing • Phone numbers and phone


• The plan for the day and lunch location • Who the first-aiders are


• Adventurers must obey leader’s instructions • Never go off out of sight on your own • If the group needs to split up then there will be a Leader with each group • No skids, wheelies. ‘no-handed’ riding, endos or other tricks • Wear a fastened helmet at all times when cycling

Ensure Adventurers bring the following equipment as appropriate: • Helmet • Waterproof cagoule and over-trousers • Warm jumper, gloves and a woolly hat, shorts or tracksuit style bottoms • Sun cream • Medication • Lunch and a water bottle filled with water • Small rucksack

Any Questions?


Appendix 6

ACTIVITY MONITORING CHECK REPORT Activity checked Date Checked by Activity/Group Leader Assistant Leader Additional Leaders

Non qualified adults present

Number of Adventurers on activity = Total group size= Max group size allowed= LEADERSHIP and QUALIFICATIONS Have the Activity/Group Leader adequate Qualifications? YES NO Has the Assistant Leader? YES NO Have the Additional Leaders? YES NO Are there sufficient Leaders? YES NO Is there at least one qualified First Aider? YES NO BRIEFINGS Was the Adventurer’s Briefing properly carried out? YES NO Did the Adventurers understand what was said? YES NO Was the record of the meeting properly completed? YES NO IF NO to any of these what was inadequate? Was the leader's Briefing properly carried out? YES NO Did the leaders understand what was said? YES NO Do the leaders know what is expected of them? YES NO Was the record of the meeting properly completed? YES NO IF NO to any of these what was inadequate? THE ACTIVITY Has the group obtained an up to date weather forecast? YES NO Has the group left adequate note of their intended route or area of activity? YES NO Did the Leaders check the Adventurer’s equipment properly before setting off? YES NO Did the Leaders take adequate emergency and safety equipment with them? YES NO Are you happy with the way the Leaders run the activity? YES NO If NO what changes are required?


Did the activity run smoothly to plan? YES NO If NO what happened? Did the Leaders cope with this adequately, and if any procedures had to be brought into action were these done correctly? For example, change of Venue.

YES NO

IF NO what would you recommend? RETURN TO BASSENFELL Were all Adventurers and leaders correctly and promptly recorded as returned?

YES NO

Were all Adventurers informed about what to do with equipment on return? YES NO PAPERWORK. Please inspect the plans for the day and routes / venues / records of weather forecast. Are these sufficiently clear to present a true and understandable summary of the Day? Y N Are the routes and venues recorded well enough for you to send them help? Y N Could these documents be presented to a law court as evidence of good practice? Y N

SCORES YES NO

Are you happy with what you saw and what recommendations would you make to improve the activity for the Adventurers? Signature Print Date Time The Activity/Group Leader and the Assistant Leader have seen this report Signature Signature Comments

File with daily logs and reports


Appendix 7 RISK ASSESSMENT FORM FOR OTHER ACTIVITIES Use this for an activity involving Adventurers for which we do not have a prepared risk assessment. On completion store this in the daily file. Activity description Location of proposed activity Date of assessment List hazards:- Who is affected by these risks? How likely are the hazards to cause harm? Scale of 10 from 1 = almost impossible to 10 = inevitable What is the worst possible outcome? List existing controls Are these controls adequate to contain the hazard? YES NO If NO what additional controls need to be put into place to properly contain the hazard before the activity takes place? Compiled by Checked by


APPENDIX 8

CAH VENUE SPECIFIC LEADER COMPETENCE SYLLABI

Kayaking/ canoeing on Derwent Water Syllabus In order to operate as a group leader on Derwent water, the person must be 1. BCU (or UKCC) Level 2 Coach or above OR 2. Have the following prerequisites and successfully passed the skills assessment and group assessment Prerequisites 1. Completed one of the following courses (within the last 10 years)

• BCU Level 1Coach • BCU Level 2 trainee Coach

• UKCC Level 1 Coach • UKCC Level 2 trainee Coach

OR show >20 hours of logged kayak instructing experience (outside of CAH) 2. Current First Aid qualification (minimum 8 hours, including hypothermia)Logged paddling experience (at least 3 trips

/ sessions in the last 12 months) Skills Assessment on Derwent Water (minimum of 2 hours duration and 2km paddled, no adventurers present)

Personal Skills 1. Demonstrate ability to perform all two star skills and relevant three star skills

• Efficient and strong forward and reverse paddling • Efficient steering: competent sweeps, stern rudders • Competent manoeuvring: Low brace turn, Bow rudder, Draw stoke • Ability to prevent capsize: Low and high brace on the move • Perform a Eskimo Roll after being pushed in holding the paddles normally

2. Demonstrate ability to help weaker paddler • Demonstrate tows without use of tow line • Demonstrate efficient use of tow line, towing two boats • Demonstrate efficient X Rescue • Demonstrate how to deal with a simulated cold group member • Demonstrate how to rescue a paddler in an upturned kayak in deep water

Coaching Skills 1. Demonstrate ability to coach three strokes and run suitable exercises to develop skills in these strokes 2. Explain 5 activities to practice and learn kayaking skills and / or provide enjoyment to the group, giving suitable

rules, venue limitations and scenarios of when they might be used 3. Demonstrate group control strategies, indicating what is acceptable and unacceptable group control General knowledge 1. Give an accurate current weather forecast, stating the source 2. Suggest suitable venues given different weather conditions 3. List five hazards associated with kayaking on Derwent water and steps required to manage these hazards 4. Demonstrate knowledge of emergency procedures


Group Assessment on Derwent Water (minimum of 2 hours duration, minimum of four adventurers present) 1. Brief the group about planned activity 2. Ensure group are correctly equipped 3. Run suitable warm up session 4. Organise safe launching of group 5. Coach group in handling their kayaks 6. Lead group safely 7. Ensure group have fun Assessor The prerequisites, skills and group assessments can be assessed by an experienced and current Level 3 (or above) Coach. The assessor has to be entirely happy that the candidate possesses the necessary skills and maturity to run a safe fun session operating independently. The assessor will then recommend the candidate to the Week’s director. The overall responsibility as to the suitability of a person to be a group leader is with the Week’s director.


Improvised Raft Building Sessions Training Syllabus Group leader Pre requisites: Current first aid certificate (Min 8 hour including hypothermia, BCU 2 star and safety rescue training or RYA Basic Skills and Powerboat level 2 plus suitable group instructional experience/ decision making maturity Activity leader responsible for overall supervision - A BCU level 2 coach (or above) OR a Sailing SI (or nominated activity leader) operating on the same lake will give the OK for the session Topic Learning outcomes Why Raft build Assessing participants needs

Aims and Objectives of session – focus of session Pre session checks Medical conditions / parental consent

Risk assessment in place Emergency procedure Safety equipment Assistants briefing

General hazards and risk assessment Need to control moving barrels and planks Maximum number of participants Clumsy paddles Trapped hands / feet Total capsize: trapped person Weather Hypothermia

Possible venues: specific hazards Onshore / offshore breeze Lake / river bed Distance from base / clothing available Interactions with public on the bank Other water users

Plan B Causes for changing plan / aborting session Need for consent for any possible plan B

Safety cover Pros and cons of Kayak / open canoe / rib Tethers Assistant on bank?

Safe manual handling Need to instruct and demonstrate Raft design Various design options:

two rafts of four / one raft of eight out riggers planks / sheet of ply wood

Building raft Involving the whole group Different ways to effectively secure barrels T ime limit / decorative points

Raft games Relay races Fancy dress In the style of… Standing changing places/changing rafts supermarket dash capture the flag

Motivating the group Time fillers

Treasure / chocolate warm up – mobilisation pulse raiser, stretch Trust games / drama

Dealing with incidents Trapped finger / bashed head Epileptic / diabetic / asthmatic Multiple capsize

Ending session Supervise carefully Storing kit, reviewing skills


Gorge Scrambling Training Syllabus In order to operate as a group leader in Stoney Craft Gill (Newlands valley) and /or Hause Gill (Seathwaite / Honister) the person must have:

1. A current 16 hour first aid certificate (that included hypothermia and drowning CPR) and be suitably equipped to look after a group in the gorge

2. Successfully completed a relevant NGB assessment (Summer ML or SPA or Local Cave leader)

3. Experience of people getting cold in water (through leading water activities or attending a white water safety course)

4. Experience of a variety of gills in a variety of water levels (a minimum of 5 separate occasions in gills, including at least 3 different gills)

5. Successfully completed a site specific training with the technical advisor or a person nominated by him.

Skills Assessment

1. Demonstrate familiarity with parking, access points, emergency and standard egress points for the Gill

2. Demonstrate ability to identify hazards and have suitable group management strategies to deal with them

3. Demonstrate how to deal with a minimum of 2 simulated incidents including dealing with a cold person.

4. Demonstrate suitable fitness to lead 5. Be suitably equipped as if leading a group of 6 adventurers 6. Demonstrate ability to enthuse and run a fun session 7. Demonstrate ability to entertain group if held up in Gill 8. Demonstrate suitable safety protection using a rope if required

Knowledge Assessment General knowledge

1. Give an accurate current weather forecast, stating the source 2. Demonstrate knowledge of CAH emergency procedures 3. Suggest strategies for motivating adventurers 4. Enthuse about other gorges personally experienced

Site specific knowledge

1. Give expectations of water levels and reasons why 2. Demonstrate knowledge of suitable strategies for different water levels


Low level walks TrainingSyllabus In order to operate as a group leader on low level walks the person must have successfully completed an MLT assessment (Summer ML / WGL ) OR:

1. A) Have attended a formal training course: Summer ML training / WGL training / BEL/BELA/BETA

OR B) Have extensive personal and group walking experience.

AND 2. Passed the Venue Specific Leader Competence assessment as outlined below.

Prerequisites

1. Current First Aid qualification (minimum 8 hours, including hypothermia)

2. Logged personal walking experience A) Minimum of 20 walks (with at least 3 walks over 4 hours duration in the last 12 months) if

formal training course attended. OR B) Minimum of 40 walks (with at least 3 walks over 4 hours duration in the last 12 months) if no

formal training undertaken. These walks should involve an element of planning, navigation and remoteness.

3. Logged group experience (minimum of 10 sessions working with teenagers)

4. List of walks (with routes outlined) to be assessed as competent to lead.

5. Present a detailed route card for one of the listed walks

6. CRB checked and verified as suitable Skills Assessment on one of listed walks (minimum of 4 hours duration, no adventurers present) (maximum 2 candidates: 1 assessor ) A walk from the candidates list of walks, deemed to be one of the more challenging / most hazardous, will be chosen by the assessor on the assessment day and will be led by the candidate.

9. Demonstrate ability to navigate the route, and off the planned route, as if the visibility was poor

10. Demonstrate ability to identify hazards and have suitable group management strategies to deal with them

11. Demonstrate how to deal with a minimum of 2 simulated incidents 12. Demonstrate knowledge of escape routes 13. Demonstrate suitable fitness to lead 14. Be suitably equipped as if leading a group of 6 adventurers 15. Demonstrate ability to enthuse and educate about mountain environment and walking skills

(e.g. be able to explain map reading skills, give examples of flora / fauna)


Knowledge Assessment General knowledge

5. Give an accurate current weather forecast, stating the source 6. Apply the weather forecast stating it’s effect on route choice 7. Demonstrate knowledge of CAH emergency procedures 8. Suggest strategies for motivating adventurers

Specific walk knowledge

1. Know where parking is best achieved for each walk 2. Know what equipment /clothing /footwear is required for each walk 3. Identify any specific hazards / areas where extra care is needed on each walk 4. Give accurate time estimates of selected walks given selected walking speeds 5. Suggest suitable escape routes at selected points on selected walks 6. Suggest suitable venues given different weather conditions

Assessor The prerequisites, skills and knowledge assessment can be assessed by an experienced Summer ML award holder. The assessor has to be entirely happy that the candidate possesses the necessary skills and maturity to lead a safe, fun walk operating independently. The assessor will then recommend the candidate to the Week Director. The overall responsibility as to the suitability of a person to be a group leader is with the Week Director.


Appendix 9

CAH - Child Care Document

THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE ON CHRISTIAN ADVENTURE HOLIDAYS

Christian Adventure Holidays has a deep concern for the wholeness and well-being of each individual. It seeks to safeguard the welfare of all people, regardless of age, who come into contact with the organisation. It is the responsibility of each individual within the organisation to prevent physical, sexual or emotional abuse of children and young people. Disclosure of abuse, and concerns that it may have taken place, will be addressed sensitively, to ensure the child or young person does not suffer harm. Confidentiality will be maintained at all times, with information passed to others only on a “need to know” basis, and with the child’s or young person’s knowledge. Henry Arnett Secretary to the Trustees Christian Adventure Holidays Registered Charity Number 1156296 25 Checkstone Avenue Bessacarr DONCASTER DN4 7JY


Christian Adventure Holidays (C.A.H) actively seeks to reveal the love of God to young people. We seek to ensure that they are treated respectfully as individuals. Our role, as leaders, is to promote welfare and safeguard the young people in our care. We must provide a ‘duty of care’ when they are with us. We have a legal obligation to provide a safe and secure environment for all young people entrusted to us. All leaders must accept that the welfare of the young people is our priority. The highest standards towards our young people will be sought in all activities. It is the duty of all the leaders to prevent any situations that will affect the safe guarding of our young people’s welfare. All leaders on C.A.H. will be subject to the DBS disclosure process as part of their application. In line with current legislative practices this document has been produced to offer advice to all those involved in Christian Adventure Holidays (C.A.H.). It sets out the standard of care we are expected to provide and offers guidelines on how this can be achieved. This document should be read in line with the C.A.H. Standard Operating Procedures that outlines more specific risk and safety issues with regard to specific activities. (The policy is broadly based on that used by the Urban Saints, with minor changes to make it suitable for use at C.A.H.) WHAT GENERAL HEALTH AND SAFETY MATTERS DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT? In all that you do, bear in mind the following general risk assessment guidelines, based on advice given by the Health and Safety Executive :

1.Look at what you do in your Group and decide what might constitute a risk. 2.Look at what can be done to prevent risk and see whether it is being done. 3.Decide whether more needs to be done. 4.Put into practice the measures you decide upon and review them regularly. Here are some more detailed guidelines ( for general activities not included in the safety

manual e.g. games in and around Bassenfell Manor) : • For mixed Groups, there must always be a male and female Leader present. • Ensure there is a right ratio of adults to children:

- there should be 2 adults for up to 8 children, plus one extra adult for each additional twelve children.

- additional adults may be needed occasionally for particular activities.

• Fire exits should be kept clear, the location of fire-fighting equipment known and evacuation procedures familiarised.

• The location of the nearest telephone should be known. • Toilets should be hygienic. • The premises should be checked for any hazards, e.g. piles of chairs that might fall over,

equipment with sharp edges. • All electrical equipment in use should be checked regularly by a suitably trained person. • A first-aid kit should be available and kept up-to-date. (Please note that pain killers must not


be kept in the kit nor administered to young people.) • Food and drink should be prepared hygienically and carefully. • It is recommended that parents give:

- consent for their children to take part in the normal activities of the C.A.H., and - details of any medical conditions, or other information, that will help you to give the best

possible care to their children. - contact person or phone number if parent(s) unavailable.

• An Incident book is kept in which all events that require any medical help of any nature are recorded, as are “near miss” situations. Full instructions in this are given in Sections 3.3 to3.8 of this manual.

WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT FORMING APPROPRIATE RELATIONSHIPS WITH YOUNG PEOPLE? Working with them gives us a tremendous opportunity to show the love of God to the young people who come along, but we carry a heavy responsibility to interpret God’s love appropriately. We are not the children’s parents and should not attempt to take on the more intimate aspects of parenting, tempting though this may be. Attempts to establish inappropriate emotional and physical relationships with young people of any age betrays the trust of their parents and will almost certainly be destructive to the young people and Leader alike. Most children enjoy physical contact with adults, and vice versa, but it is always best if the young person initiates such contact. It is the child that needs to make the choice whether they have physical contact or not. Never force your attentions on a child. Every child is entitled to their own personal ‘space’ and integrity - we have no right to ‘invade’ it. This must be respected DO WE NEED CHILD CARE ADVISORS IN OUR TEAM ? C.A.H. has appointed Judith Armstrong as Child Care Advisor she will:

• Keep up to date with best practice guidelines.

• Be the person to whom the Directors in C.A.H. refer to for advice should any case of abuse be suspected.

• Liase with the Designated person for Child Protection referrals at Bassenfell Manor. WHAT CONSTITUTES GOOD PRACTICE WHEN WORKING WITH CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE? Leaders should:

• Ensure that they are not alone with a young person where their activity cannot be seen. This may mean leaving doors open, or two groups working in the same room.


• Treat all young people with respect and dignity befitting their age – watch language, tone of voice and ‘body language’.

• Not engage in any of the following:

− Invading the privacy of young people when they are showering, toileting or getting to bed.

− Rough, physical or sexually provocative games, making sexually suggestive or flirtatious comments about or to a young person.

− Inappropriate and intrusive touching in any way.

− Any scape-goating, ridiculing or rejecting a young person.

• Control and discipline young people without using physical means.

• Not let youngsters involve you in any attention-seeking that is overtly sexual or physical in nature.

• Not invite a young person to be with you alone. Staff should not develop a “special relationship” with a young person or show favouritism to one or a small group.

• Not give lifts to young people on their own other than for short journeys. If they have to be alone, ask them to sit in the rear of the car.

WHAT COURSES OF ACTION CAN I TAKE TO MAINTAIN DISCIPLINE?

• The Leader who flies spectacularly off the handle at the first sign of trouble is probably playing into the hands of youngsters who love a bit of free entertainment!

• The following ACTION LIST takes you through various levels of action you could take depending on the young person causing the disruption and the seriousness of the incident. Experience will ultimately show you when each action is best used.

ACTION LIST A. Carry on, but make eye contact and hold until the young person gives you their complete

attention. This avoids stopping the flow of what you are doing.

B. Stop, make eye contact and wait, making it obvious from your body language (folded arms, expression of dissatisfaction) that you are not carrying on until there is order. You MUST wait until the young person is settled, possibly adding additional action. Go back and make frequent eye contact with them once you have started again.

C. Stop, make eye contact and point to the guilty person, addressing them by name and asking them to stop doing the specific action that is causing the disruption. You may have to ask more than once, so avoid saying `I won't ask you again...'! Wait until order is restored. Make frequent eye contact once you have started again. It may be wise to remove any objects that are acting as distractions and have another Leader supervise the child.

D. An occasional CONTROLLED display of anger can be very effective at showing your displeasure, but don't reward bad behaviour by getting so upset you lose your temper.

E. If steps A to D have failed then give the young person a polite warning that further repetition of the disruption will result in them being removed from the Group, with possible further consequences. The warning is best done by taking the young person to one side, but it can be done publicly if you are sure this will not inflate the young person’s ego in front of their


friends. A public warning can actually act as a deterrent to the rest of the Group too. Be prepared to act on your warning, using other Leaders to remove them from the group and supervise them until you can talk with them later or are prepared to allow them back into the Group. Never use physical force unless you need to remove a young person for their own safety.

F. If you have severe trouble from an individual or a group of youngsters and you are fearful for the safety of persons or property, then call the Police.

G. Taking any of the actions above is NOT a sign of weakness.

H. The suggestions above can be applied simultaneously to individuals within a small disruptive group of, say, 3 or 4, as long as the majority of the rest of the group are co-operative. If you find that all, or the majority of your group, are too disruptive then you really do need to seek advice from the Director etc.

WHAT IS APPROPRIATE CONTACT BETWEEN YOUNG PEOPLE AND THEIR LEADERS AFTER THE CHRISTIAN ADVENTURE HOLIDAY? A lot of young people like to keep in contact with their leaders after their week on C.A.H.; to continue the relationships built up over the week. Leaders can be effective role models for the young people. A lot of young people benefit from the spiritual guidance and general support and advice given during their week’s holiday and this can continue afterwards. ‘Appropriate contact’ should follow the general guidelines given in this document in respect to the role of leader and their behaviour towards a young person. During C.A.H. young people will often use this ‘safe’ environment to discuss issues relevant to them. During the week, there is support for leaders and procedures to follow if young people disclose more ‘sensitive’ information. It is important for leaders to safeguard themselves when in contact with young people afterwards. Leaders often use counselling skills when talking to young people but are not counsellors. There is a clear difference - a counsellor is accountable to their supervisor and de-briefs after each contact with a client. If you find that your contact with a young person is becoming too personal or sensitive or if you feel too involved you need to actively deal with this. There is a range of actions that will provide support for the young person but also re-establish a more appropriate relationship between you and them:

• You must contact one of the Child Care Advisors – as soon as you perceive things are becoming uncomfortable. They will be willing to discuss the issues with you and provide support and guidance.

• Suggest the young person gets in contact with or speaks directly to their youth leader (if they attend a church).

• Suggest the young person talks to a ‘responsible adult’ that they know who is in direct contact with them.

• Advise the young person of the many agencies and support networks that can provide specialist help. Yellow pages, directories and doctors can provide lists of such agencies.

It is important to emphasise to the young person that you do not want to let them down but that you are not equipped nor qualified to deal with such difficult issues and be honest with them if you feel out of your depth. Explain that it is more appropriate for them to get specialised and regular support and that you remain just a friend.


WHAT ARE THE MAIN TYPES OF CHILD ABUSE ? Legislation distinguishes children ‘in need’ from children ‘at risk’. A child in need reflects a child whose basic needs are not being met. A child at risk is when the child is suffering from more serious abuse.

Physical :- Where the children’s bodies are hurt or injured.

Emotional:- Where children don’t receive love and affection, may be frightened by threats or taunts, or are given responsibilities beyond their years.

Sexual:- Where adults (and sometimes other children) use children to satisfy sexual desires.

Neglect :- Where adults fail to care for children and protect them from danger, seriously impairing health and development. WHAT ARE THE MAIN SIGNS OF ABUSE ?

The following may indicate abuse, but do not jump to conclusions as there could be other explanations:

Physical:- Unexplained or hidden injuries, lack of medical attention.

Emotional:- Reverting to younger behaviour, nervousness, sudden under achievement, attention seeking, running away, stealing, lying.

Sexual:- Pre-occupation with sexual matters evident in words, play, drawings: being sexually provocative with adults, disturbed sleep, nightmares, bedwetting, secretive relationships with adults or children: tummy pains with no apparent cause.

Neglect ;- Looking ill-cared for and unhappy, being withdrawn or aggressive, having lingering injuries or health problems. WHAT GUIDELINES SHOULD I FOLLOW IF I SUSPECT A YOUNG PERSON IN MY GROUP IS BEING ABUSED? For all workers, the most important consideration is to safeguard and promote the welfare of the young people with whom they come in contact. Any allegations of abuse must be taken seriously. C.A.H. has a duty and a legal obligation to report all allegations of abuse to the relevant authorities. Allegations may come directly from the young person. Allegations may refer to a family member, or someone outside the family such as a teacher, youth leader etc. No groups are exempt from being abusers or from being abused. 1. What to do if a young person displays signs of abuse: • Discuss the matter with your Director immediately. • Keep a note of your observations, as well as dates and times using the Child Protection Report

form. Hand this to the Director. (see sample form at the end of this Appendix, copies are provided in the Director’s file)

• The Director will: a) Contact the Designated Person in the Bassenfell Management team for Child Protection

referrals, or Judith Armstrong 07708 964217 If they are not available they should contact


one of the Child Care Advisors or the CCPAs , the Churches Child Protection Advisory Service, for advice. The CCPAS Helpline is on 01322 660011.

b) Communicate with the associated persons throughout the referral.

2. What to do if a young person wants to talk about abuse: • Accept what they say.

• Look at the young person directly.

• Do not promise confidentially or say that you can keep it secret.

• Keep calm and do not appear shocked.

• Never push for information, listen carefully but do not ask questions (a trained professional will do this)

• Helpful things to say: ‘I believe you’, ‘I am glad you have told me’

• Avoid saying : ‘I can’t believe it’ ‘Why’?, How?, ‘Who’?, ‘Where?’

• Be aware that the young person may have been threatened.

• Reassure the young person that they are not to blame. That you believe them and they are right to tell.

• Let them know you will need to tell someone else, who it is and why.

• End on a positive note.

3. AFTER THE DISCLOSURE Once a young person has confided in you about any sort of abuse: • Document all conversations in as much detail as possible, using the C.A.H. Child Protection

Report form, explaining the circumstances in which they spoke to you and recording what the young person tells you, your response as to what happens next, the date and time. If you make hand-written notes and later type them up, keep the original notes too.

• Refer the matter to your Director immediately who carries out the action below, do not talk to anyone else about this.

• Any worker accused of abuse should be suspended while the referral action is taken. 4. Referral The Director and/or the C.A.H. Child Care Advisor will refer the matter to The Designated Person in the management team at Bassenfell Manor who is responsible for Child Protection issues, having explained to the young person that they are going to do this and assured them that you are only going to act in their best interests.

• If advice is needed while thinking through a situation, the Director and/or the Child Care Advisor will phone the Churches Child Protection Advisory Service ( CCPAS) Helpline on 01322 660011

• Do not talk to the parents or alleged abuser. • Ask The Designated Person what role you will now have to play.


Child Protection Report Form (sample of information on this form) Copies of the actual form will be available in the Director’s File. Name of Young Person............................................................................. Name of Leader with whom the concern has been shared............................................. Date and time of concern shared / / 201 at ............................. Summary of concern:- this to include where, and how, the information was shared, and what the shared information was. Response/Action: include who has been informed, what was the discussion, what action will be taken. Signed and dated by the Leader and the Director The form will be headed “Strictly Confidential” and carry a watermark to that effect. The footer will detail how and where it is to be securely stored.


Appendix 10

CHRISTIAN ADVENTURE HOLIDAYS

LEADERS’ DECLARATION

I understand the nature of my role and responsibilities as a leader, working with young people on Christian Adventure Holidays. I have never been convicted or cautioned for a criminal offence, nor am I currently subject to criminal charges other than as stated below. (Work with young people is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and all, even “Spent”, offences must be disclosed. It is a criminal offence to falsify any information on this form and Christian Adventure Holidays will report anyone suspected of doing so).

Offence Date Sentence

I confirm that I have received a copy of “WORKING WITH YOUNG PEOPLE”. I have read and understood the guidelines for safeguarding young people and I accept my responsibility to care for the young people with whom I come into contact. Full Name……………………………………………………Date of Birth…………… (Block Capitals) Previous Names………………………………………………………………………… (Block Capitals) Address…………………………………………………………………………………. (Block Capitals) ………………………………………………………………..Post Code……………… Previous Addresses (last five years)……………………………………………………. (Block Capitals) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………...Continue overleaf if necessary I declare that the information on this form is true. I give permission for an authorised officer of Christian Adventure Holidays to undertake the necessary checks with the Disclosure and Barring Service, through the auspices of CCI. I understand that the information is confidential and will not be disclosed to any other party. Signed …………………………………………………………. Date …………………..


Appendix 11

CHRISTIAN ADVENTURE HOLIDAYS

Insert Week Director Name Insert Week Director Address

Name Address

Date Dear Referee The person at the top of the enclosed form has asked to join one of our activity teams and has given your name as a referee. It would help us if you could kindly answer the attached questions as fully and honestly as possible to indicate whether you think the applicant is a suitable person as a leader for Christian Adventure Holidays. Brief details about these are given below to help you. What are Christian Adventure Holidays? Christian Adventure Holidays seek to give young people a wonderful time on an activity holiday and draw them closer to the living God. The CAH leadership team consists of approximately 22 people working together for a week, the week is coordinated by the appointed leader named at the bottom of this form. What does the team member do?

• Work with, befriend and take responsibility for young people. • Present the Christian gospel in a variety of ways: stories, drama, games etc. • Take part in outdoor activities with young people. • Join in daily worship and prayer within a team. • Work hard with others from the team. • Prepare material to use with young people.

Serving on an activity can bring its own pressures which are often different from those normally encountered at home. Information you can give regarding any medical complaints or criminal convictions are considered highly important as it may affect the applicants’ suitability, we therefore ask that referees give absolute priority to the safety and needs of the young people we serve. We assure you that anything you write will be treated as confidential. Thank you for your time and help in this matter. Please pray for the applicant as they seek to serve God in this way. If your local church would like to consider financially supporting the applicant please indicated this in your reply. Yours faithfully CAH Week Director Registered Charity number 1156296.


FULL CONFIDENTIAL REFEREE’S QUESTIONNAIRE Name of applicant: Name of referee: NB: As this form w ill need to be photocopied please ty pe or use black ink. If the space is insufficient for y our answ er to any questions please use the rev erse side. 1. In what context do you know the applicant and how long have you known him/her? 2. Give a brief description of the applicants’ personality. 3. In your view, what are the applicants: a) strengths b) weaknesses 4. Please give brief details of any Christian Work in which you know the applicant has been engaged in in recent years, and your impressions 5. How does the applicant respond to working: please tick the appropriate box for each Poor Adequate Fair Good Excellent a) in a team b) under a team leader c) with both men and women 6. Any further comment e.g. doctrinal views etc 7. To the best of your knowledge is there any reason why the applicant would be considered unsuitable to work with young people? If yes, please state your reasons overleaf for their unsuitability. Signed: Date: Please return this form to the person named at the top of the accompanying letter.


SHORT CONFIDENTIAL REFEREE’S QUESTIONNAIRE For a leader present at the previous year’s holidays, and have had references taken up in the past with the same referee. Name of applicant: Name of referee: You were a referee for the above person last year and to save you time I would like to ask if there has been any reason for your opinion of the applicant to change in the last year. The attached letter reminds you of what we are looking for in our leaders. There are just two questions that I would ask you to answer 1. In what context do you know the applicant and how long have you known him/her? 2. To the best of your knowledge is there any reason why the applicant would be considered unsuitable to work with young people? If yes, please state your reasons below for their unsuitability. Signed: Date: Please return this form to the person named at the top of the accompanying letter.


Appendix 12

JOB DESCRIPTIONS OF STAFF AT A WEEK OF HOLIDAY This is a fuller job description of the staff that are utilised at a week of one of our Holidays, It does not include support staff who are not on site, such as Trustees Week Directors Each Week Director is responsible for planning organising and running a holiday week and his or her responsibilities will include: 1. Recruiting staff and ensuring that they have the necessary qualifications and experience for the proposed

activities. 2. Ensuring compliance with the current Legislation and the Safety Policy of the Association, and the

Constitution. 3. Ensuring that the aims of the Association are achieved. 4. Maintaining any contact that may be required with the parents or guardians of those taking part in the

Adventure Holiday, for the duration of the Holiday. 5. Liaising with any venue where the Association may be based. 6. Advising the Training Director of the qualifications of the staff prior to the commencement of each holiday

week 7. Encouraging staff to gain qualifications to enhance their skills. 8. Monitoring the performance of all leaders and their activities against the specifications in the Safety Policy and

where appropriate taking action to maintain a safe operation. 9. Delegating tasks to suitably skilled and qualified staff. 10. Building a leadership team that is concerned for, and effective in promoting the well-being of all those

participating in the Adventure Holiday. 11. Leading the command and control response to any Serious Event that may occur during the Adventure

Holiday, except where the Director of Operations may instruct otherwise. The Week Director reports to the Trustees, via the Director of Operations. Activity Leader The Activity Leader is responsible for planning organising and running a specified activity at a holiday week and his or her responsibilities will include:- 1. Assisting in the recruitment of staff and ensuring that they have the necessary qualifications and experience

for the proposed activity. 2. Ensuring compliance with the current Legislation and the Safety Policy of the Association, and the

Constitution whilst leading the activity. 3. Managing each day of activity, and ensuring that proper records are kept as specified by the Safety Policy. 4. Managing the Group and Assistant leaders over the week of the holiday. 5. Checking and controlling the equipment used. 6. Delegating tasks to suitably skilled and qualified staff. 7. Advising the Group Leader on the planned activity each day, and approving same if needed The Activity Leader reports to the Director of the holiday week


Group Leader The Group Leader is the person who is responsible for leading a group of young folks and assistant leaders on a specific activity session that may take place during the Holiday Week, this person may also be the Activity Leader, and his or her responsibilities will include :- 1. Ensuring compliance with the current Legislation and the Safety Policy of the Association, and the

Constitution whilst leading the activity. 2. Planning each day of activity, and ensuring that proper records are kept as specified by the Safety Policy. 3. Assisting in the management of Assistant Leaders over the week of the holiday. 4. Checking and controlling the equipment used. 5. Delegating tasks to suitably skilled and qualified staff. The safety of the complete group taking part in the

specific activity session for which the Group Leader is responsible. The Group Leader reports to the Activity Leader

Assistant Leaders An Assistant Leader is a competent person who assists the Group Leader, his or her responsibilities will include:-

1. Ensuring compliance with the current Legislation and the Safety Policy of the Association, and the Constitution whilst assisting in leading the activity

2. Assisting the Group Leader(s) over the week of the holiday. 3. Checking and controlling the equipment used.to highlight to the Group Leader circumstances where he/she Is

not confident of his/her suitability for taking on particular tasks, especially as these may affect the safety of the group.

The Assistant Leader reports to the Group Leader

Catering staff The Catering Staff are responsible for dealing with all aspects of catering at a week of holiday, his or her

responsibilities will include :- 1. Planning meals and ordering food for the week. 2. Producing the meals. 3. Serving the meals. 4. Ensuring that hygiene standards are maintained. 5. Occasionally looking after children who are unable to go on activities during the daytime The catering staff report to the Week Director


Appendix 13 Changes to the Manual since 2015 Page Alterations 17 Section 3.5 Action to be taken..... CAH Chairman now Henry Arnett

. Unless the weather and water temperatures are very high wetsuits will be worn, these must be properly fitted and checked by a leader 25 Sailing Risk Assessment Additional text at note k.. . Be aware that the panels in the Omega sails are insufficient on their own, particularly if the mainsail is reefed, 34 Power Boating Risk Assessment, note h. Additional text. If there is more than one person aboard qualified to drive the boat then each potential driver will have a kill-cord attached to them, so that a driver change has to be made by killing the engine. A driver must never remove their kill cord from their body whilst in the boat, on the water. 47-53 Appendix 5, Daily Briefings. All have added to them the question at the end, :- Any Questions? 20-28 Appendix5,DailyBriefings:Kayaking, Open Canoeing, Rafting, Sailing, Windsurfing, Ghyll/Gorge walking :- Ensure Adventurers bring the following equipment as appropriate: the following inserted:-The wetsuit must be issued to you by a Leader, do not just pick your own. It must be a tight fit to work 57 Appendix 8, CAH VENUE SPECIFIC LEADER COMPETENCE SYLLABI:- Additional Syllabi are inserted for Rafting, Ghyll/Gorge walking, Low level walks

20-28 Section 4.7 Standard operating procedures/ Risk Assessments:- Kayaking, Open Canoeing, Rafting, Sailing, Windsurfing, Ghyll/Gorge walking the following inserted:-