Managing Safety

Safety is ‘a way of being and doing’. It is embedded in our culture and in all the activities we provide.

Instructors, leaders, coaches, guides and admin staff take safety very seriously not just when working with participants but in their own lives and with their own families.

One of the six key success factors for Outfit is to ensure there are robust procedures in place and that all staff are suitably trained and qualified in the activities and Checking Ropesprogrammes that are offered.

Risk assessments for all activities are in place and are reviewed and developed appropriately. Other administrative procedures, operations and arrangements support a strong safety management system.

Adventure Activities Licensing Service

Outfit Moray is licensed by the Adventure Activities Licensing Service (AALS) to provide specific activities to young people under 18. Our licence number is L5095/R1230. An annual inspection is carried out and the licence is renewed only if AALS are satisfied that all appropriate safety arrangements and procedures are in place.

We are included in both the Moray and Aberdeenshire Councils’ external providers register and as such Outfit-Moray has demonstrated that all our safety systems and insurance provisions are in place. We are supported in our safety management by our Technical Advisers (Adventure Scotland) who provide advice, guidance and in-house training.

Our partner arrangements also provide momentum and stimulus to discuss, share, improve and develop safety systems and approaches.

Outdoor education must remain available to all and it should not be stifled by inappropriate adherence to rigid guidelines that restrict natural and healthy activity and water it down such that the real value becomes worthless. We need to take safety seriously and outdoor education plays a significant and important role in supporting people to be aware of the environment, and their own abilities. It provides an excellent platform to help individuals learn how to look after themselves, make judgements and sound decisions and take responsibility for their actions.