Leadership

The trip leader has a common law duty to act as a repsonsible parent would in looking after young people in his or her care under the particular circumstances of the visit. There is also a responsibility within the conditions of employment to maintain order and discipline and for safeguarding the health and safety of pupils, whether on school premises or on authorised activities elsewhere.

The quality and competency of leadership is the single most important factor when planning any trip or outdoor activity. Activity organisers are responsible for the selection of suitable experienced and competent leaders. Special training and experience are essential for all those who take students on potentially hazardous activities. The school must ensure that all staff or instructors who take responsibility for students on outdoor education activities have received adequate leadership training in the particular activity, hold relevant qualifications and have appropriate levels of competence for the activities which they will undertake.

Leaders should have a sound knowledge of first aid, life saving and emergency evacuation techniques appropriate to the activity. Ideally they should hold a recognised first aid qualification.

Organisers should ensure that the authority and chain of responsibility for each trip or activity is defined precisely and understood clearly, and that proper arrangements are made for reporting and accountability. The larger and more complex the activity, the more important such measures become.

All leaders carry a high degree of responsibility for the general safety and welfare of participant students. Where potentially hazardous activities are undertaken, consideration should be given to appointing independent safety officers, reporting to the activity organiser, either for the activity as a whole, or for specific elements of the activity.

Organisers should ensure that all leaders are familiar with and conform to any guidelines or procedures detailed by the school.

rca 20/9/09
reveiwed eaw 19/10/11