Did you know that every activity you do needs to have a risk assessment which is recorded, up to date and shared to help everyone Stay Safe this Summer?
Recorded: this means you need to be able to prove that you had one for the activity. The template from The Scouts is a great place to start but you can use your own format if it covers everything you need.
Up to date: just because you’ve done a risk assessment for an activity you’ve done before, it doesn’t mean you can just use this if you repeat the activity without any review. Things may have changed. Make it obvious that you’ve reviewed the risk assessment and that it’s up to date.
Shared: all of the adults who are helping to run the activity, and the Young Leaders, should be aware of the risk assessment. The young people should be aware of any risks and how to avoid harm where appropriate.
Equipment: has the camping and cooking equipment been checked that it is safe to use? Have you kept a record sheet of what’s been done and if repairs are required? Has the trailer been serviced before its used and pre use checks recorded? Has the first aid kit been used recently and checked that it’s in date and everything’s there?
Training: ensure that all your mandatory training is up to date as well as any activity qualifications or permits. Activity centres or activity providers may require the person running a self-led activity or if you have booked an instructor led activity to complete their training or paperwork before you start.
Out of hours contact 24/7: In an emergency situation where you need to speak to someone or seek advice please call 0208 236 0040 where an out of hours service 24/7 will triage you to the correct person. Alternatively contact the Scouts, on duty Critical Incident Manager, Safeguarding Officer or Media Officer please call 0345 300 1818 (local rate) or 020 8433 7100.
We have more information here, Staying Safe - Risk Assessments to help you ensure young people and yourselves are staying safe this summer.
If you are struggling with any aspects of risk assessments please contact us and we will guide you through the process.
Kind Regards
Hertfordshire Scouts