SECTION C - INSURANCE

Staff arranging trips and outdoor activities should clarify what insurance provision exists and what additional cover may need to be arranged. The details of this can be obtained from the accounts office (e-mail sds). It is the tour leader's responsiblity to be aware of these details (e.g. action in the event of a medical emergency) and he or she must carry a copy of the policy with them on the trip.

Teachers and other staff who participate in activities out of normal working hours or off college premises would be covered by the employers' liability insurance for injuries arising out of their college activity.

The public liability insurance should provide indemnity for injury or damage to third parties if caused by an employee in the course of their school/college employment activities.

Students on trips are normally covered by college insurance if it is pre-arranged. It is crucial however that details of the trip are passed to the accounts office so that they can confirm that the insurance is covered. Some high risk activities (e.g. skiing) might incur a charge which will be payable by the trip funds and so needs budgeting for. A summary of the College Insurance can be found here.

The following are examples of cover that may be appropriate to many outdoor activities, but the list is not intended to be exhaustive. The college may already have policies encompassing the whole range. The college will need to satisfy itself that it has cover appropriate to the visit bearing in mind the following possible requirements:

• Public liability covering claims for negligence;
• Third party liability covering claims against the school/college and its employees;
• Personal accident cover for leaders, voluntary helpers and party members;
• Medical treatment;
• Transport and passenger liability;
• High risk activities (often excluded from standard policies);
• Damage to or loss of personal or hired equipment;
• Programmed and non programmed activities;
• Transport and accommodation expenses in case of emergency;
• Compensation against cancellation or delay (check carefully);
• Compensation for loss of baggage and effects;
• Legal assistance in the recovery of claims; and
• Failure or bankruptcy of the centre or travel company.

The latter five items are particularly appropriate to visits abroad. Where foreign travel is planned organisers should also scrutinise carefully the list of exclusions in their policy.

If college vehicles are being taken abroad then further insurance may be necessary to cover the vehicle and its occupants.

rca 28/05/08
reviewed eaw 19/10/11