Planning a Residential Trip – Points to Consider Parochial Church Council Authorisation A detailed description of the holiday or trip should be presented to the Parochial Church Council, so that permission may be given by the PCC, and the holiday covered by the parish insurance. If there are to be any potentially hazardous activities undertaken this description should include a risk assessment, with adequate insurance provision; or alternatively, a written assurance from the activity centre that it has carried out its own risk assessment and has adequate insurance. Risk Assessment: Accommodation & Activities The proposed accommodation should be visited or a detailed scale plan/ layout be obtained of the premises where the overnight stay is taking place, in order to arrange suitable sleeping accommodation. On arrival, leaders should carry out a further risk assessment of the accommodation to ensure the environment is safe for all parties present. All staff/volunteers should familiarise themselves with the Emergency Procedures where they are staying. Any health and safety hazards or other concerns should be reported and dealt with immediately. Where other organisations are hosting, obtain a copy of the organisation’s own safeguarding policy. Sleeping Arrangements Male and female children should have separate sleeping and washing facilities which are private to them. Adults should have separate accommodation, but in close proximity to the children they are supervising. All children should be made aware of who to go to if they have a problem during the night. There should be a rota of staff/volunteers to remain awake, at least until everyone is settled and to ensure that all doors and windows are shut and the premises are secure. Note: For camping trips special arrangements may be necessary to ensure the site is secure at night. No images/video footage should be made in an area of personal privacy e.g. toilet or sleeping quarters. Parental Consent Each child should have the written consent of a parent/carer in order to attend the trip/activity. It is important that parents have full information before giving consent. This should include as a minimum: Aims and objectives of the trip and activities Date of the trip and its duration Details of venue including arrangements for accommodation and supervision Travel arrangements Name of group leader and contact numbers Information about financial, medical and insurance arrangements More stringent safeguards must be put in place before a child under the age of 8 is taken away on residential activities without his or her parent or guardian being present.
Planning a Residential Trip – Points to Consider Parochial Church Council Authorisation A detailed description of the holiday or trip should be presented to the Parochial Church Council, so that permission may be given by the PCC, and the holiday covered by the parish insurance. If there are to be any potentially hazardous activities undertaken this description should include a risk assessment, with adequate insurance provision; or alternatively, a written assurance from the activity centre that it has carried out its own risk assessment and has adequate insurance. Risk Assessment: Accommodation & Activities The proposed accommodation should be visited or a detailed scale plan/ layout be obtained of the premises where the overnight stay is taking place, in order to arrange suitable sleeping accommodation. On arrival, leaders should carry out a further risk assessment of the accommodation to ensure the environment is safe for all parties present. All staff/volunteers should familiarise themselves with the Emergency Procedures where they are staying. Any health and safety hazards or other concerns should be reported and dealt with immediately. Where other organisations are hosting, obtain a copy of the organisation’s own safeguarding policy. Sleeping Arrangements Male and female children should have separate sleeping and washing facilities which are private to them. Adults should have separate accommodation, but in close proximity to the children they are supervising. All children should be made aware of who to go to if they have a problem during the night. There should be a rota of staff/volunteers to remain awake, at least until everyone is settled and to ensure that all doors and windows are shut and the premises are secure. Note: For camping trips special arrangements may be necessary to ensure the site is secure at night. No images/video footage should be made in an area of personal privacy e.g. toilet or sleeping quarters. Parental Consent Each child should have the written consent of a parent/carer in order to attend the trip/activity. It is important that parents have full information before giving consent. This should include as a minimum: Aims and objectives of the trip and activities Date of the trip and its duration Details of venue including arrangements for accommodation and supervision Travel arrangements Name of group leader and contact numbers Information about financial, medical and insurance arrangements More stringent safeguards must be put in place before a child under the age of 8 is taken away on residential activities without his or her parent or guardian being present.
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