(17): Running Safe Activities

Who is Running Safe Activities for?

This module is for Section Leaders and Section Supporters in Scouting. It helps them recognise the importance of both indoor and outdoor activities as part of a balanced programme. It also provides them with the skills they need to plan and implement exciting, safe and developmental activities for the young people in their section.

What does this material contain?

The module contains approximately one hour and 55 minutes of learning that may be managed in a variety of ways. There is also the optional addition of a further 35 minutes of learning in Appendix 3.

How is this module validated?

The validation of this module is based on the individual’s ability to meet the validation criteria as set out in the Training Adviser’s Guide and the Adult’s Personal File. This means that the adult will be required to demonstrate their ability to plan and implement exciting, safe and appropriate activities for their section.

What information is provided?

The module contains objectives that relate to the importance of indoor and outdoor activities as part of a balanced programme, as well as the roles and responsibilities of leaders and commissioners in organising and approving activities outdoors. The policies, procedures, rules and guidance of The Scout Association relating to activities are also covered. In addition to this it includes the key safety policies and procedures that relate to their role in Scouting.

The objectives for the module are given and are followed by training methods. The content is given in outline with the key points expanded in more detail. Trainer’s notes are also given to provide guidance on methods or other key points.

The information is not, however, a script for the session. Prior knowledge and/or detailed research of the subject matter by the trainer will be required before it can be delivered.

Session details

• Introduction (25 minutes)
• Planning and delivering safe activities (95 minutes)
• Accident and emergency procedures and promoting a culture of safety (30 minutes)

Depending on the number and experience of the participants, trainers and facilitators, these sessions may need to be preceded by introduction and/or integration sessions.

Planning considerations

Module 17, Running Safe Activities, is a compulsory module for Section Leaders and Section Supporters, although it may be validated through prior learning. The learners for this module may have various roles and levels of experience within Scouting. Some will be adults taking on an additional appointment, whereas others may be new to Scouting.

Some pre-session work may need to be done as the trainer needs to understand the roles and responsibilities of leaders and commissioners in planning and approving activities. In particular, they need to understand the factors that need to be taken into account in the planning, delivery and review stages of running activities, including risk assessments, InTouch procedures and reporting near misses and accidents. They will also need to be well acquainted with the rules and guidance provided by The Scout Association.

The number of participants on the course will determine the ways of working. Smaller numbers allow for one-to-one or individual working. It's recommended that large groups (of eight or more participants) are broken up into tutor groups, each supported by a facilitator.

Due to the active nature of this subject area, it may be useful to introduce a practical element. The training material concentrates on policies, procedures and the planning and running of safe and appropriate activities. However, if the resources are available, consideration might be given to providing participants with the opportunity to plan and run an activity for young people (to supplement sessions two or three).

The activity could be as simple as taking a Beaver Scout Colony to the park. However, it is likely that the activity will have to take place on a separate occasion from the training in order to give sufficient time for the necessary arrangements (parental information, InTouch etc) to be made.

For sessions one and two, participants will find it beneficial to work in sectional groups. Beaver Scout Leaders for example, could work together on the Beaver Scout case studies. It is recommended that where there are insufficient participants from a particular section to make a group, individuals should be asked to work in a sectional group with a similar age range.

Aim

To enable adults to plan and run exciting, safe and developmental activities for the young people in their section.

Objectives

• Explain the importance of regular activities as part of a quality, balanced programme.
• Describe the role and responsibilities of leaders, Group Scout Leaders and District Commissioners with regard to activities that do not require formal activity permits (weekly meetings, visits and trips, activities in Terrain Zero, Class C Waters etc).
• Explain how Policy, Organisation and Rules and activities factsheets detail the requirements and provide guidance on a wide range of Scouting activities.
• Plan suitable activities taking into account the age, experience and fitness of the Group, any special needs, the activity involved and the anticipated weather conditions.
• Undertake appropriate risk assessments before and during activities, document and communicate relevant information to all adults and young people involved in a suitable manner.
• Explain the purpose and operation of the InTouch and parental information systems and be able to implement them for all appropriate activities.
• Select adequate and appropriate clothing, footwear, personal and Group equipment for the activity and weather conditions.
• Explain the importance of maintaining the correct adult to young person ratio during all activities.
• Manage a Group during activities through the appropriate use of delegation, decision-making, group control and good communication.
• Understand the role and responsibilities of the leader in charge.
• Outline the difficulties of operating with large numbers of young people as a single group.
• Detail the accident and emergency and reporting procedures to be implemented in the event of an accident, incident or near miss.
• Explain the importance of regular communications and discussion around safety.

Methods

A series of sessions - This module may be delivered as a series of training sessions in a variety of time settings. It could be run during an evening, as part of a day’s provision, or as a series of individual sessions.

Small group - A facilitator with sufficient experience to lead a group through the subject areas may deliver this module on a small group basis.