Safety and Safeguarding Policy

Introduction and Commitment

Adventure Safe is committed to providing a safe and positive environment for all individuals who participate in our training courses, whether they are staff, learners, volunteers, or visitors. We recognise our responsibility to safeguard the well-being of everyone involved in our activities and to protect them from harm. This policy outlines our commitment to safety and safeguarding best practices and provides a framework for ensuring a secure and supportive learning environment, taking into account relevant legislation including the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012.

Core Principles

Our approach to safety and safeguarding is guided by the following core principles:

  • Paramountcy of Welfare: The welfare and best interests of all individuals, particularly children and vulnerable adults, are our primary concern. This principle aligns with the underlying spirit of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006.
  • Prevention: We will take proactive steps to identify potential hazards and implement measures to prevent harm from occurring.
  • Protection: We will establish and maintain procedures to protect individuals from abuse, neglect, and other forms of harm, ensuring these procedures are compliant with relevant legal frameworks.
  • Partnership: We will work collaboratively with learners, parents/guardians, partner organisations, and relevant authorities to promote safety and well-being.
  • Empowerment: We will empower individuals to understand risks, make informed decisions, and contribute to a safe environment.
  • Accountability: All staff, volunteers, and associates of Adventure Safe are responsible for adhering to this policy and contributing to a culture of safety and safeguarding.

Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to all activities undertaken by Adventure Safe, including:

  • All training courses (First Aid, outdoor safety, and any other courses offered).
  • Off-site practical sessions and expeditions.
  • Online learning platforms and resources.
  • Interactions with learners, parents/guardians, and partner organisations.
  • Recruitment and management of staff and volunteers, ensuring compliance with the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 regarding barred individuals.
  • Senior Leadership Team:
    • Ensuring the development, implementation, and review of this policy, keeping abreast of legislative changes including those within the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012.
    • Allocating sufficient resources for safety and safeguarding measures.
    • Promoting a culture of safety and safeguarding within the organisation.
    • Ensuring appropriate training and support for all staff and volunteers regarding their responsibilities under this policy and relevant legislation.
  • Instructors and Trainers:
    • Adhering to this policy and all related procedures.
    • Maintaining a safe learning environment during training sessions.
    • Identifying and addressing potential hazards during activities.
    • Responding appropriately to any concerns or disclosures related to safety or safeguarding, in accordance with reporting procedures.
    • Acting as positive role models and promoting respectful behaviour.
  • Administrative Staff and Volunteers:
    • Being aware of this policy and their role in maintaining a safe environment.
    • Following safe working practices.
    • Reporting any concerns related to safety or safeguarding.
  • Learners:
    • Being responsible for their own safety and the safety of others where appropriate.
    • Following instructions from instructors.
    • Reporting any concerns about safety or well-being.

Risk Assessment and Management

  • Adventure Safe will conduct thorough risk assessments for all training activities and locations, identifying potential hazards and implementing control measures to minimise risks.
  • Risk assessments will be regularly reviewed and updated as necessary, considering any implications from the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 regarding data handling and individual liberties.
  • Specific attention will be paid to risks associated with outdoor environments, First Aid training scenarios, and the involvement of children or vulnerable adults.
  • Emergency procedures will be in place and communicated to all relevant individuals.

Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults

Adventure Safe recognises its responsibility to safeguard children (under 18 years of age) and vulnerable adults (individuals who may be at greater risk of harm or exploitation due to their personal circumstances). We will:

  • Implement safe recruitment practices for all staff and volunteers, including appropriate background checks (e.g., DBS checks in the UK) as mandated by the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, ensuring that barred individuals are not employed in regulated activity.
  • Provide safeguarding training to all staff and volunteers to enable them to recognise and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns, highlighting their duties under relevant legislation.
  • Establish clear procedures for reporting safeguarding concerns, ensuring that all allegations are taken seriously and dealt with promptly and appropriately, in line with local safeguarding board procedures and legal requirements.
  • Design and deliver training in a way that minimises the risk of harm or abuse.
  • Ensure appropriate supervision ratios for activities involving children or vulnerable adults.
  • Maintain open communication with parents/guardians and relevant agencies regarding safeguarding matters.
  • Have a designated Safeguarding Lead who will be responsible for overseeing safeguarding matters and acting as a point of contact, ensuring their practices align with the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and related guidance.

Safe Operating Procedures

  • Adventure Safe will develop and implement Safe Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all key activities, including:
  • Delivery of First Aid training (including infection control and realistic scenario management).
  • Conducting outdoor practical sessions (including equipment checks, environmental considerations, and emergency procedures).
  • Use of specific equipment and resources.
  • Transportation of learners.
  • Online learning environment safety, considering data privacy aspects relevant to the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012.
    These SOPs will be regularly reviewed and updated to reflect best practices and any changes in legislation or guidance.

Photography and Digital Media

  • Adventure Safe will seek explicit consent before taking or using photographs or videos of learners, particularly children and vulnerable adults, ensuring compliance with principles of data protection and individual freedoms as outlined in the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012.
  • Clear guidelines will be in place regarding the appropriate use and storage of digital media.
  • Staff and volunteers will be trained on responsible use of digital media and online safety.

Confidentiality and Information Sharing

  • All information related to safety and safeguarding concerns will be handled with sensitivity and in accordance with data protection legislation, including considerations arising from the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012.
  • Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis and in line with our safeguarding procedures and legal obligations.
  • Learners will be informed about how their personal information is handled.

Allegations and Concerns

  • Adventure Safe will have clear procedures for managing allegations or concerns relating to the safety or well-being of individuals.
  • All allegations will be taken seriously, recorded accurately, and investigated promptly and fairly, adhering to legal frameworks.
  • We will work in partnership with relevant authorities (e.g., police, social services) as required.
  • Support will be provided to individuals who raise concerns or are affected by allegations.

Training and Development

  • All staff and volunteers will receive appropriate induction and ongoing training on safety and safeguarding matters relevant to their role, including their responsibilities under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012.
  • This training will include recognising signs of abuse and neglect, reporting procedures, and understanding this policy.
  • Records of training will be maintained.

Review of the Policy

This Safety and Safeguarding Policy will be reviewed at least annually or sooner if there are significant changes in legislation, guidance, or our operational practices, ensuring ongoing compliance with the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012. Feedback from staff, learners, and partner organisations will be considered during the review process.

Communication of the Policy

This policy will be made readily available to all staff, volunteers, learners, parents/guardians (where applicable), and partner organisations through our website, course materials, and other appropriate channels.