mountainwise operating proceduresThe instructor will be trained, assessed and deemed competent before leading an activity session. Sessions should be concerned with the development of skills and outcomes specific to the course as designed, but must primarily be safe and, where practicable, enjoyable. Responsibility for safety during and activity session lies with the instructor designated to conduct an activity. The responsibility for individual clients remains with the visiting teacher or group leader who is obliged to withdraw them from an activity if they become concerned for the safety of their charges. If parents, guardians or group leaders are present they retain responsibility for their children. In all other cases the instructor is in loco parentis, which means they have to take responsibility as would be expected of a careful parent. Consent forms will be obtained from the parent or guardian of unaccompanied young people for whom the Mountainwise instructor is in loco parentis. Instructors have the authority to alter the duration or location of any activity if, in their judgement, it becomes necessary to do so. Should it become necessary to cancel or shorten any activity session, responsibility for the group remains with the designated instructor who must take appropriate action to ensure that a suitable alternative activity is organised. Instructors are responsible for ensuring that equipment is not abused. Damage, breakage or loss must be noted on the correct form. Equipment: a) Instructors will be prepared for every reasonable eventuality. b) Careful checks on the condition of equipment should be made on return. Repairs are to be carried out or the need for repairs reported to the person responsible. c) Advice and an example will be given on equipment use, care and transport, to develop in the students a respect of equipment e.g. climbing helmets must be carried carefully and put down the right way up. d) Instructors should be prepared and able to offer advice on gear and other aspects of the sport. e) If instructors use their own gear they must discuss the responsibility of any risk to that gear. Personal gear will be regarded as Mountainwise equipment in the event of it failing and an injury occurring. Instructors carry the responsibility for ensuring that nothing they or their charges do or say brings mountainwise into disrepute. They are responsible for maintaining high professional and ethical standards. At any location where other people are present, they must be given full consideration of their right to continue with their activity without hindrance. As an environmentally conscious organisation, mountainwise expects more than an acquaintance with the Country Code. Participants in all sessions should be made aware of the environment they are in and actively encouraged to assist in conserving that environment. Instructors are expected to be aware of growing concerns relating to health matters, e.g. Weil’s disease and Lyme disease and should take appropriate steps to protect and advise groups. Before and during an particular activity session and notwithstanding previous risk assessments, the instructor will analyse the activity on a basis of safety. The following formula will be used in considering the needs of the students undertaking the activity. a) Assess the hazards in the activity Such action might include: a) Avoidance – where dangers cannot be contained Variables to be considered are: a) The activity itself – e.g. kayaking, climbing and camping The instructor should ensure that local procedural requirements are met. Clients must not be allowed to attempt anything which is beyond the leader’s own “instructional ability”. This is defined as that standard at which he/she is competent to retrieve the situation with efficiency and confidence. A leader’s operating level is normally well below his own ability except where technical difficulties can be adequately safeguarded and/or clients can be relied on to give positive assistance. It is appreciated that at some point – particularly when progression is made to lead climbing, white water canoeing etc. – the leader’s direct control is markedly reduced. He/she must therefore be certain that appropriate skills have been mastered and progression is made. Clients must not be allowed to attempt anything beyond their safe limit as assessed by the instructor. An instructor’s experience often gives him better understanding of those limits than the client him/herself.
the responsibilities of an instructorPreparation and PlanningKnowledge of the activity. Instructors should be familiar with the recommendations of the governing bodies and should join the training bodies of their sport where appropriate. Be familiar with the relevant textbooks and instructors’ manuals for each activity. Knowledge of the group – age, numbers, leaders, ability, health problems, experience, fitness etc. Knowledge of course programmes, aims and timetable. Awareness of any examination or testing syllabus where applicable. Knowledge of weather forecast where applicable. Knowledge of locality – alternative venues. Plan the instructional session to include bad weather alternatives. Plan equipment requirements of the group and ensure that everything is available. Plan any lectures required. Where the safety of the group is at risk, the mountainwise management support the instructors’ decision to curtail the activity. The instructor must be prepared to refuse to take an individual out on an activity if their inclusion in the group will jeopardise their own or the group’s safety. The mountainwise management will be supportive in such circumstances.
CommunicationEnsure that the group is properly briefed, e.g. programme, meeting times, clothing. Clients understanding of briefings and instructions should be checked frequently. Ensure that potential dangers are explained before they are encountered. Ensure that group leaders and other instructional staff are kept informed of particular individual needs or problems. Similarly make reference to group leaders to ensure you are informed of the potential problems, needs or difficulties that may be posed by any of the group members, eg.g. a certain client’s physical or mental abilities. Ensure that feedback of a general nature including problems encountered is passed to other instructors as appropriate, either informally or at instructors meetings. Ensure the group has the opportunity to discuss and review the session at the finish where appropriate.
Instruction and TeachingEnsure the safety of the group. This is the priority. Be prepared to adjust the session content as appropriate to the needs of the clients. Ensure the group are adequately prepared. Be aware of needs e.g. warmth, morale, toilet needs etc. Most programmes aim for maximum interests and enjoyment. Use imagination and look for ways of introducing FUN. Safety precautions must not be relaxed to revitalise a boring venture. Boredom breeds lack of attention to advice and to personal safety. Interest should therefore be maintained. Be enthusiastic, dynamic and flexible in your approach. Lead by example and by becoming involved with your clients in each activity. Set and maintain constants standards of group discipline. Reference to the group’s leader should not be necessary to maintain discipline. Have a working knowledge of the Wildlife and Countryside Act. All rubbish should be taken home, nothing left behind or thrown out of van windows.
Behaviour and MannerThe instructor should be well presented and suitably dressed for every occasion. Punctuality and timekeeping are essential. The instructor should have a responsible, mature manner and be an example of controlled behaviour. He/she should show patience and courtesy; be open to correction and new ideas. Do not swear or show a bad attitude to work. The instructor should demonstrate loyalty and consistency with the aims of mountainwise. The instructor should be prepared physically, spiritually and emotionally for anything that may crop up in the course of his/her work, ensuring he/she is fit in all three respects. Note – Trainee InstructorsThe instructor has authority over any trainee instructor allocated to assist him or her. It is the instructor’s responsibility to ensure that any instructions or directions given to the trainee are adequately fulfilled. The instructor should therefore be aware of the trainee’s standards and not expect too much of him/her.
first aidMountainwise recognizes its responsibilities under the Health and Safety (FIRST AID) Regulation 1981, SI 1981/917
activity emergency proceduresEmergencyCan the emergency be dealt with at the scene?
activity specific and site specificPrinciples of Activity Standard Operating ProceduresFor every activity the principles for the instructors are to ensure the safety, enjoyment and learning of their clients are the same. Brief group carefully on the activity session ensuring they know what will be expected of them and what they can expect of the instructor. Issue equipment. Conduct the session with attention to safety, group involvement, discipline and minimal environmental impact. Close session:
Instructor training and assessment to be competent and based on the standard operating procedures. Instructors are required to operate within the standard operating procedures. Failure to do so will be a matter for disciplinary action. |