Safety and Risk Management
RISK MANAGEMENT SUMMARY
Purpose:
The following summary of Safety and Quality Management Indicators is intended to provide client group leaders with an accurate and robust overview of Cumbria Outdoors proven record for providing high quality residential outdoor education opportunities for young people that are stimulating, enjoyable and safely managed.
1. Contact Details
Gavin Smallbone
Head of Operations
Cumbria Outdoors
Hawse End Centre
Portinscale, Keswick,
Cumbria, CA12 5UE
2. Adventure Activities Licence
Hawse End Centre holds an Adventure Activities Licence from the Adventure Activities Licensing Service (AALS). This means that we have been inspected by the Adventure Activities Licensing Service (AALS), and that our risk analysis and management systems were found to be satisfactory. We are inspected annually and our licence details are as follows:
Reference number: Hawse End Centre R0035
Specified activities: Kayaking; Open Canoeing; Rock Climbing; Abseiling; Sailing; Gorge Scrambling; Caving; Mine Exploration; Off-Road Cycling; Improvised Rafting; SUP; Hill Walking & Mountaineering.
These details can be checked on the Licensing Service’s Website where more can be found about what holding a licence means.
3. Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge
Hawse End Centre has been awarded AHOEC (Association of Head of Centres) Gold Standard Award, 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. 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
Our accreditation can be checked at Council for Learning Outside the Classroom
4. Adventuremark
Hawse End Centre holds the Adventuremark accreditation. This means that our operating arrangements meet the Adventure Activities Industry Advisory Committee Provider Accreditation standards. Our accreditation can be checked at Holders | Adventure Activity Associates
5. Staff Competence and Qualifications for Adventure Activities
All Cumbria Outdoors Outdoor Leaders hold a portfolio of relevant National Governing Body (NGB) qualifications. Where activities are out of scope of the National Governing Bodies, 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.
6. Risk Assessments, Operational Procedures and Equipment
Risk Assessments, operational procedures and equipment for adventure activities are inspected as part of our Adventure Activities License inspection. Risk Assessments for other areas including catering, buildings and facilities are in place, and we comply with relevant legislation and Cumberland 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.
7. Child Protection
Cumbria Outdoors safeguards students & staff by being committed to the Cumberland Council Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults policies.
As a Registered Body with the Disclosure and Barring Service / Criminal Records Bureau Cumbria Outdoors can directly verify that all employees have undergone an Enhanced DBS/CRB Disclosure including checks against the ISA Children’s Barred List Information, as well as the ISA Vulnerable Adults Barred List Information, as required as part of our recruitment procedures.
8. Supervision Arrangements for Children and Young People
Client staff (e.g. Teachers, Youth Leaders) who bring groups to Cumbria Outdoors Residential Centres have overall responsibility for their supervision in loco parentis, which includes the supervision of children when not on activities, including overnight.
Cumbria Outdoors Outdoor Leaders temporarily assume this responsibility during activity sessions for which they are responsible. At the end of each activity session, Cumbria Outdoors staff hand back that responsibility to client staff.
Clients are formally inducted with information regarding how to proceed in the event of an emergency overnight, including fire. These details include a list of emergency telephone numbers, including those of senior Cumbria Outdoors staff.
9. Clients’ responsibility for safety
Participants on our courses, including children and young people, also 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.
10. Transport
Cumbria Outdoors has three minibuses available for in-course transport. The minibuses are operated within the Cumberland Council minibus policy and comply with current legislation. Cumbria Outdoors holds a ‘Section 19’ minibus permit for each minibus.
11. Insurance
Cumbria outdoors is covered by Cumberland Council: Zurich Municipal policy starts on the 1st May annually
Policy number: QLA-08AC02-0013
The employers liability comes under the same insurance policy number but is identified by the letter EL
Other Insurance arrangements:
Cumbria Outdoors does not provide personal accident or cancellation insurance for clients. We strongly recommend that clients arrange such cover themselves.
12. Fire Protection
A comprehensive Fire Risk Assessment of all residential centres has been undertaken on behalf of Cumberland Council by a competent person possessing the requisite knowledge, skills, experience and training.
DECLARATION
I declare that the information provided is true and accurate to date.
Gavin Smallbone
Head of Operations - Cumbria Outdoors
Children and Family Wellbeing
Cumberland Council
8th October 2024