[skip to content]

Best practise for running activities

 

It is expected that extra care will be taken by everyone working with children and young people. This requirement underpins Girlguiding UK's Safety and Safeguarding Policy and informs all the work we do.

When planning any activity or event, Leaders need to consider the risks involved and how to manage them.

Here is a checklist for you to follow when undertaking an activity not listed in these pages.

Seek permission and advice

You will need to inform your Commissioner that the activity is taking place. Your Commissioner and local Outdoor Activities Adviser will be able to offer advice and information on activities and help you to run them safely.

You must ensure that all participants under 18 have written permission to take part from a parent.

 

Carry out a risk assessment

Click here for guidance on completing risk assessments for activities.

Download a risk assessment form.

 

Use a qualified instructor

Look for an instructor with an appropriate Girlguiding UK or national governing body qualification.

 

Use a reputable commercial activity provider

Where no qualification exists, look for a reputable activity provider which has suitable in-house staff training and its own public liability insurance. You can verify the quality of a provider by checking it has one of the following endorsements:

The above endorsements are not applicable in Northern Ireland, where you should ask your local Outdoor Activities Adviser to recommend an approved provider.

For certain activities that fall into the categories of trekking, climbing, caving or watersports, an AALA licence is a legal requirement. However, if the instructor is offering the activity on a voluntary basis this licence is not required.

 

Use an experienced instructor

Where neither of the above are possible, ensure the instructor you use:

  • has up-to-date knowledge of the activity
  • is proficient at the activity
  • has experience of safely and effectively instructing groups in the activity
  • has experience of safely and effectively instructing the relevant age group.
 

Criminal Record Disclosure

If the activity involves one-to-one unsupervised instruction, the instructor requires a criminal records check. The activity provider is responsible for carrying out the check and for providing evidence in the form of written confirmation that the check has been carried out.

All persons taking part in guiding activities must agree to abide by the Girlguiding UK Safety and Safeguarding Policy. Click here to download the policy and agreement form and ask the activity instructor or, if applicable, the activity centre manager to sign it.

 

Should I go ahead with the activity?

If you are in doubt about the activity, call the Girlguiding UK Information Team on 0161 941 2237 or email activities@girlguiding.org.uk and provide details. We will then advise if the activity is authorised, or seek advice from Girlguiding UK's insurers if necessary.

If after researching the activity and seeking advice you are not completely satisfied that you can provide the participants with a safe experience, choose another activity.