TRACK & TRAIL

1. Purpose

 

1.1. This Code of Conduct sets out the standards of behaviour expected of all staff, instructors, coaches, volunteers, and leaders delivering adventure training activities. Its purpose is to ensure the safety, well-being, dignity, and positive experience of all participants, particularly children and vulnerable adults.

 

1.2. All leaders must act professionally, responsibly, and in a manner that promotes trust and respect.

 

2. Scope

 

2.1. This Code applies to anyone working on behalf of the organisation in adventure training, outdoor education, expeditions, residentials, coaching, supervision, or support roles, whether paid or voluntary.

 

2.2. It applies during activities, travel, residential stays, online communication, and any setting connected with the role.

 

3. Core Principles

 

3.1. Adventure training leaders must:

• Put the safety and welfare of participants first.

• Treat everyone with respect, dignity, and fairness.

• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.

• Act with integrity, honesty, and accountability.

• Promote an environment free from bullying, harassment, discrimination, or abuse.

 

4. Professional Behaviour

 

4.1. Leaders must:

• Act as positive role models at all times.

• Use appropriate language and behaviour.

• Be punctual, prepared, and fit to lead activities.

• Follow organisational policies, procedures, and risk assessments.

• Only operate within the limits of their qualifications and competence.

• Maintain a calm, supportive, and inclusive approach.

 

4.2. Leaders must not:

• Use aggressive, humiliating, threatening, or sexualised behaviour.

• Discriminate based on age, gender, disability, race, religion, sexuality, or background.

• Encourage unsafe practices or ignore safety standards.

 

5. Safeguarding and Duty of Care

 

5.1. Leaders have a duty to protect children and vulnerable adults from harm.

 

5.2. They must:

• Follow safeguarding policies at all times.

• Report concerns immediately using the correct procedures.

• Never ignore or dismiss welfare concerns.

• Ensure appropriate supervision ratios are maintained.

• Avoid situations where they are alone with a child where this is not necessary or authorised.

• Use open, observable environments where possible.

 

5.3. Leaders must never:

• Abuse, neglect, exploit, or endanger a participant.

• Engage in inappropriate relationships with participants.

 

6. Physical Contact

 

6.1. Adventure training sometimes requires physical contact for safety and instruction.

 

6.2. Leaders must:

• Use only necessary, proportionate, and appropriate contact.

• Explain what they are doing before making contact.

• Seek consent where possible.

• Be aware of personal, cultural, and emotional boundaries.

• Stop immediately if a participant appears uncomfortable.

 

6.3. Physical contact must never be secretive, unnecessary, or for personal gratification.

 

7. Communication and Boundaries

 

7.1. Leaders must:

• Communicate clearly, respectfully, and professionally.

• Use organisational communication systems where possible.

• Keep communication transparent and appropriate.

• Maintain professional boundaries with adults and children.

 

7.2. Leaders must not:

• Engage in flirtatious or suggestive communication.

• Share personal contact details with children unless authorised.

• Use private messaging, social media, or gaming platforms with children without permission and oversight.

 

8. Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

 

8.1. Leaders must:

• Promote equality and inclusion.

• Respect differences and individual needs.

• Make reasonable adjustments for disabilities or learning needs.

• Challenge inappropriate behaviour or language.

 

8.2. All participants must feel safe, welcome, and valued.

 

9. Health, Safety, and Risk Management

 

9.1. Leaders must:

• Follow all safety procedures and risk assessments.

• Carry out equipment checks before, during, and after activities.

• Report hazards, incidents, and near misses promptly.

• Ensure participants understand safety instructions.

• Stop activities if conditions become unsafe.

 

9.2. Leaders must never compromise safety for speed, pressure, or convenience.

 

10. Use of Alcohol, Drugs, and Smoking

 

10.1. Leaders must:

• Not work under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or substances that impair judgement.

• Follow organisational policies on smoking and vaping.

 

10.2. Alcohol or illegal substances must never be used when responsible for participants.

 

11. Confidentiality and Data Protection

 

11.1. Leaders must:

• Respect confidentiality and privacy.

• Only share information on a need-to-know basis.

• Store and handle personal data appropriately.

• Never gossip about participants or colleagues.

 

11.2. Safeguarding concerns must always override confidentiality.

 

12. Social Media and Photography

 

12.1. Leaders must:

• Follow organisational rules for photos and video.

• Obtain consent before taking or sharing images.

• Use official platforms where required.

• Ensure content is respectful and appropriate.

 

12.2. Leaders must not post images or information that could put participants at risk or cause embarrassment.

 

13. Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing

 

13.1. Leaders must:

• Report any concerns about safety, welfare, abuse, or misconduct.

• Challenge poor practice appropriately.

• Use whistleblowing procedures where necessary.

 

13.2. No leader will be penalised for raising genuine concerns in good faith.

 

14. Breaches of the Code

 

14.1. Failure to follow this Code may result in:

• Training or supervision,

• Suspension,

• Disciplinary action,

• Termination of role,

• Referral to external authorities where appropriate.

 

14.2. All breaches will be treated gravely and dealt with promptly.

 

15. Agreement

 

All staff must confirm they have read, understood, and agree to abide by this Code of Conduct.

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Name:       _______________________
Role:         _______________________
Signature: ___________________        
Date:         _______________________