Safety and risk management
The following summary of Safety and Quality Management Indicators is intended to provide visitors with an accurate and robust overview of Cumbria Outdoors' proven record for providing high quality safely managed outdoor education for all.
Adventure Activities Licence
We hold an Adventure Activities Licence, this means we have been inspected by the Adventure Activities Licensing Service (AALS), and that our risk analysis and management systems were found to be satisfactory. Find out more. Our licence details are as follows:
Reference number: Hawse End Centre R0035
Specified activities: Kayaking; Open Canoeing; Improvised Canoe Rafting; Rock Climbing; Abseiling; Sailing; Ghyll Scrambling; Caving; Mine Exploration; Off-Road Cycling; Hill Walking & Mountaineering
Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge
Hawse End Centre has been awarded AHOEC (Association of Head of Centres) Gold Standard Award, found here, a nationally recognised quality award which is endorsed by the NAHT (National Association of Head Teachers) but also incorporates the Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge, found here This means that we have been inspected and meet national standards in the following areas:
We deliver what we say we do - We take account of the needs of users - We have an emphasis on learning outcomes - We operate in a healthy and safe environment.
Adventuremark
Hawse End Centre holds the Adventuremark accreditation. This means that our operating arrangements meet the Adventure Activities Industry Advisory Committee Provider Accreditation standards.
Staff competence and qualifications for adventure activities
All our outdoor leaders hold relevant National Governing Body (NGB) qualifications. Where activities are out of scope of the National Governing Bodies, outdoor leaders have been assessed as competent by an appropriately experienced and qualified person, consistent with the requirements of the Licensing Regulations. Copies of certificates are available for inspection with our appointed technical advisors on site.
Risk Assessments, Operational Procedures and Equipment
Risk Assessments, operational procedures and equipment for adventure activities are inspected as part of our Adventure Activities Licence inspection. Risk Assessments for other areas including catering, buildings and facilities are in place, and we comply with relevant legislation and Cumbria County Council policies and procedures. All equipment provided is fit for purpose. Records of PPE checks are available for inspection with our appointed technical advisors on site.
Safeguarding
We are committed to the Cumbria County Council Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults policies. As a registered body with the Disclosure and Barring Service, we can verify that as part of our recruitment procedures all employees have undergone an Enhanced DBS/CRB Disclosure.
Supervision Arrangements for Children and Young People
Visiting staff have overall responsibility for the supervision of their group, which includes the supervision of children when not on activities, including overnight. Our outdoor education leaders temporarily assume this responsibility during activity sessions for which they are responsible. At the end of each activity session we hand back that responsibility to visiting staff.
Responsibility for safety
All participants, including children and young people, have a responsibility for the safety of themselves and others. They are expected to follow safety instructions, act reasonably with common sense relative to their age, and are encouraged to share any concerns or issues with staff, in confidence if necessary. On arrival, a full induction will be given, where safety around the centre(s) is explained.
Transport
In addition to transport for activities (some of which are included in the price) we can offer minibus transport at a minimal cost to and from our centres if travelling within county. We have two 15 seater minibuses and one 17 seater minibus available for in-course transport.
The minibuses are operated within the Cumbria County Council minibus policy, and comply with current legislation, each having a 'Section 19' minibus permit.
Insurance
We are covered by Cumbria County Councils Public liability insurance: Zurich Municipal: Policy number: QLA-08AC02-0013
We do not provide personal accident or cancellation insurance and strongly recommend you arrange this cover for yourself.
Fire Protection
A comprehensive Fire Risk Assessment of all residential centres has been undertaken on behalf of Cumbria County Council by a competent person possessing the requisite knowledge, skills, experience, and training.