There are lots of activities that can be provided properly and safely by Leaders using their Scout Leader training and imagination, but several adventurous activities also need specialist skills. Within the Association generally, and the County in particular, there are many experts who can help, and the activities information pages identify some. However, using outside organisations to provide instruction, equipment and opportunities to broaden the horizons further is a great way to satisfy various elements of the scout programme. In all circumstances it is wise to carefully consider the process for safety and responsibility and the two useful factsheets - FS 120084 & FS 120086 will guide through the stages as below.
How to offer Adventurous Activities to young people
Commercially Led Activities Index - (Factsheet FS 120086)
- Check POR
- Check whether AALA license is required
- If not, check NGB qualifications of those running the activity
- Check provider has personal liability insurance required
- Check whether further insurance is required
- Complete a risk assessment
- Appoint a home contact
Scout Led Activities Index - (Factsheet FS 120084)
- Check POR
- Check factsheets
- Check if authorisation is required
- Check wheather further insurance is required
- Check whether HQ needs notifying
- Complete a risk assessment
- Appoint a home contact
Notes
Step 1 Look for the hazards
Step 2 Decide who might be harmed
Step 3 Identify the precautions and set in place appropriate control measures
Step 4 Consider contingencies
Step 5 Review your assessment and revise if necessary
Risk Assessments - (Factsheet FS 120000)
Use the Surrey Scouts risk assessment form available via your DC, ACC or ACC(Activities).
1.
POR (Policy, Organisation and Rules) is the Scout Associations formal rule book and is available either via the scoutbase website or disk. Chapter 9 deals with activities
2. A wide variety of
factsheets, are available to help with the details of most activities.
2a. Many activity centres etc. are required to be licenced under the Adventurous Activity Licencing Regulations. They will display their licence on literature or on request.
2b. Instructors may be required to have National Governing body qualifications, e.g. mountain leader (ML), British Canoe Union (BCU) or Royal Yachting Association (RYA) instructor's certificates.
2c. If any clause in the contract that a professional provider asks you to sign contains an indemnity clause that affects their responsibility, check that it is satisfactory with the HQ Legal or Activities sections.