At Track & Trail, safety isn’t just a requirement — it’s the foundation of everything we do. Whether we’re working with young people, adults, schools, families, or community groups, every activity we deliver is guided by three core frameworks: our Safety Operating Standard, Safeguarding Policy, and Code of Conduct. Together, they shape how we plan, lead, and review every experience we offer.

 

Our Safety Operating Standard

 

Our Safety Operating Standard provides the practical structure behind our work. It outlines how activities are planned, risk assessed, and delivered to ensure the highest standards of care and professionalism.

 

Before any event begins, our team assesses potential risks, environmental factors, equipment, participant needs, and staff responsibilities. From route planning and equipment checks to emergency procedures and communication systems, nothing is left to chance.

 

This approach allows us to create adventurous, engaging experiences while maintaining a calm, controlled and supportive environment. Safety is not about limiting opportunity — it’s about enabling participants to take part with confidence, knowing they are supported by robust systems and trained professionals.

 

Our Safeguarding Policy

 

Safeguarding is central to who we are. Track & Trail is committed to protecting the wellbeing of every person we work with, particularly children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

 

Our Safeguarding Policy outlines how we prevent harm, recognise concerns, and respond appropriately if issues arise. All staff and volunteers are trained to understand their responsibilities, follow clear reporting procedures, and maintain professional boundaries at all times.

 

We foster an environment where participants feel respected, listened to, and valued. Safeguarding is not just about responding to problems — it’s about creating a culture of trust, awareness, and accountability that supports positive experiences for everyone involved.

 

Our Code of Conduct

 

Our Code of Conduct sets the standard for how we behave, communicate, and represent Track & Trail. It applies to staff, volunteers, partners, and anyone working on our behalf.

 

It promotes professionalism, respect, inclusivity, and integrity in every interaction. From how we speak to participants, manage group dynamics, handle confidential information, and model behaviour, the Code of Conduct ensures consistency and clarity across all areas of our work.

 

By holding ourselves to high standards, we not only protect those we work with, but also strengthen relationships with parents, schools, partners, and communities.

 

Inclusivity

 

Striving for inclusivity in trekking and expedition training means recognising that the spirit of adventure should be open to as many people as possible, regardless of background or experience. At the same time, there are unavoidable physical demands that must be respected to ensure safety. Trekking across rugged terrain, carrying loads at altitude, and enduring long days in unpredictable weather require a baseline level of ability, mental and physical strength, endurance, and resilience.

 

While programs can and should adapt through graded training plans, mentorship, and accessible routes, leaders also have a responsibility to assess participants’ fitness honestly to prevent injury or dangerous situations. True inclusivity, therefore, is not about lowering safety standards but about widening pathways to readiness—providing support, preparation, and realistic progression so that more individuals can meet the physical requirements and take part confidently and safely.

 

A Culture of Responsibility

 

What makes Track & Trail different is not just having policies — it’s living by them. Our Safety Operating Standard, Safeguarding Policy, and Code of Conduct are not documents that sit on a shelf. They are active, working tools that guide daily decision-making, training, planning, and reflection.

 

We regularly review our procedures, train our team, and adapt to best practice to ensure we continue to operate responsibly and professionally. This commitment allows us to deliver inspiring outdoor and trail-based experiences while keeping safety, welfare, and respect at the centre of everything.

 

Our Promise

 

At Track & Trail, we believe that great experiences are built on trust. By governing everything we do through our safety standards, safeguarding principles, and professional conduct, we provide participants, families, and partners with confidence in the way we work.

 

Adventure, learning, and exploration thrive best in environments that are safe, supportive, and well-managed — and that is exactly what we aim to deliver every day.

 

We adhere to the rules, regulations, and guidance set out by our National Governing Body, the Mountain Training Association, and The British Mountaineering Council. Depending on which organisation (client) we are service providers for, we fully integrate their own safety and safeguarding policies.

 

Variations

 

The group comprises Track & Trail, Northstar Blackridge, and No.1 Buckingham Place. Although Track & Trail and Northstar Blackridge are wholly owned subsidiaries of No.1 Buckingham Place, each entity operates as a separate and distinct legal person in all other respects.

 

Northstar Blackridge, delivers highly specialised training programmes that are subject to rigorous selection and assessment phases. Participation is therefore limited to individuals who meet the strict criteria and high standards required to successfully complete the selection process. As this process is mandatory, we are unable to guarantee universal accessibility or inclusivity for involvement in Northstar Blackridge activities. Enquiries pertaining thereto should be directed by email to: operations@northstar-blackridge.uk.

 

No.1 Buckingham Place, although a constituent entity within the Group, is expressly excluded from the scope of the Group Operating Policy set out herein for operational reasons. No.1 Buckingham Place operates pursuant to a separate policy framework; however, notwithstanding that it does not engage with minors, its operating policy upholds an equivalent commitment to the principles and standards embodied in the Group Operating Policy with respect to safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults, and professional conduct. All enquiries pertaining thereto should be directed by email to: enquiries@buckingham-place.uk.

 

View the Full Documents

 

Excepting the variations detailed above, collectively, the documents in the menu below form the rules and regulations of the group. Click on the buttons below to view the full documents (each opens in a new window). We strongly encourage you to study them all carefully.