Group leadership & safety management for overseas

educational visits “Travel if you will, but remember that courage and strength are nought without prudence, and that a momentary negligence may destroy the

happiness of a lifetime. Do nothing in haste; look well to each step; and from the beginning think what may be the end.”

― Edward Whymper, Scrambles Amongst the Alps

Monday, 10 September 2012

Areas we will cover today

•Planning overseas visits safely

•Group Leadership and Management Checklist

•Risk Assessment process

•Top Tips for an enjoyable safe overseas visit

Monday, 10 September 2012

Quiz

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12

Monday, 10 September 2012

Planning Checklist

- Passports (More than six months before they run out of date. Bring spare photocopies in case of theft and store electronically)

-Visas (Do I need them and how long does it take to get them. Can we buy at the airport or do we need to get them in advance?)

-Preparation (Is a scoping, or pre planning visit required? What about maps and travel guides and giving the group important information)

-Travel Insurance (What will it exactly cover us for in an emergency etc?)

- Safety briefing

Monday, 10 September 2012

Planning Checklist

• Dangerous places and activities (Are there any places we shouldn’t go to? Check Foreign & Commonwealth Office website and obtain local embassy details:

• http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/

• - Risk Assessment: (Production of a Risk Assessment for all Activities/Places)

• Airlines and Tickets (What happens if flight is cancelled etc, alternatives plans etc)

• Travelling abroad (Best ways v costs v safety. Reputable companies etc)

Monday, 10 September 2012

Planning Checklist

• Mobile Phones (What networks are best. Will we need to get sim cards?)

• Personal Details, Emergency Contact numbers and Medical Questionnaire Form (Who caries them. )

• Accident/Illnesses. (If one occurs what do I need to do? Process etc?)

• First Aiders and Leaders Qualifications. (Are they up to date and certificates valid?)

• First Aid Kit Group (Is it stocked up with the right things you need. Group members to also carry small 1st Aid Kit?)

Monday, 10 September 2012

Planning Check list

- Group members: Do we all have each others mobile numbers, emergency contact details etc. Hotel/Accommodation addresses and telephones?

- Going out alone or with a group (Some places might not be safe to go out at night)

Arranging a pre-meet up time?

- Check weather conditions in advance and each day as part of group briefing sessions.

Monday, 10 September 2012

Assessing Risk

•Which country has this as its flag?

Monday, 10 September 2012

AfghanistanForeign Office Advice

Monday, 10 September 2012

FCO Advice• There is a high threat of kidnapping throughout

Afghanistan. Local nationals and members of the international community have been the target of kidnaps. Please see our Safety and Security - Kidnap section for more information.

• The potential throughout Afghanistan for protests and attacks against ISAF targets or other sites of western interest is very high.

• On 15 April a Taliban spokesperson announced the launch of the Taliban’s annual Spring offensive which typically sees heightened insurgent activity throughout all of Afghanistan through the Spring and Summer.

• Afghanistan has a high threat of terrorism and specific methods of attack are evolving and increasing in sophistication. No part of Afghanistan should be considered immune from violence and the potential exists throughout the country for hostile acts. Please see the Safety and Security – Terrorism section below for details of recent significant attacks.

Monday, 10 September 2012

Monday, 10 September 2012

Which country has this flag?

Monday, 10 September 2012

No further explanation hopefully needed

Monday, 10 September 2012

FCO AdviceDue to the significant increase in criminal activity in the North Sinai area, we advise against all travel to the Governorate of North Sinai.

• The security situation outside of the resort areas in the Governorate of South Sinai has also deteriorated since early 2012 and there have been a number of hijacks and kidnaps in the interior of the Governorate, although major tourist resorts remain stable and calm.

• There are frequent demonstrations in Tahrir Square, Cairo. Demonstrations are frequent in other larger cities across Egypt, particularly Alexandria, Suez and Ismailia. Demonstrations are often on Fridays but can take place at other times. There is the possibility that demonstrations could take place elsewhere in Cairo, and in other locations in Egypt. You should avoid all political demonstrations and large gatherings, especially those in Tahrir Square.

Monday, 10 September 2012

Risk Assessment Process

Monday, 10 September 2012

Types of Risk Assessment

• Predictive: Done in advance of a situation or event or activity. Predictive risk assessments can be undertaken before an event has occurred, enabling you to implement proportionate controls and have in place contingencies and guidance that you can sensibly apply.

• Dynamic: Consists of on the spot decision making when the nature of the risk changes.

Monday, 10 September 2012

Risk Assessment

Street Crime in Downtown Cairo

Falling off a Camel ride at the Pyramids

Boat trip on the River Nile

Minibus Trip to Sinai

Hazzard Risk Change Change Review Needed Made

1

2

3

4

Score:

Severe 10ptsHigh 8pts

Medium 5ptsLow 1pt

Any score

over 20 is too

much of a risk

Monday, 10 September 2012

Risk Assessment

Street Crime in Downtown Cairo

High 8pts Avoid area especially at night

Group briefingStay at different hotel in other

part of city

After the event experience for

next time

Falling off a Camel ride at the Pyramids

Low Risk 1pt None None Group feedback

Boat trip on the River Nile

Medium Risk 5 pts

-Falling overboard-Crocodiles -Drowning

Is company reputable.

Recommendations Lifejacket

Might change plans based on

recommendation

Dynamic Risk assessment and group feedback

Minibus Trip to Sinai

Severe 10 ptsRisk of Kidnapping

Complete Avoidance

Might not be a good idea

Avoid and go to plan B visit

Alexandria insteadLow Risk 1pt

Dynamic Risk assessment and group feedback

Hazzard Risk Change Change Review Needed Made

1

2

3

4

Score 24 initially: 24 -10 =14 + 1=15

Severe 10ptsHigh 8pts

Medium 5ptsLow 1pt

Any score

over 20 is too

much of a risk

Monday, 10 September 2012

Top Tips• Involve your group

• Plan ahead. (the 7 p’s)

• Make it fun

• More information the better

• Give the group a project to do as part of the planning e.g Finding out information about the country

• Clear Responsibility and Roles

• Use Checklists and keep information close at hand

Monday, 10 September 2012

Some final thoughts

• “A ship is safe in harbour, but that's not what ships are for.” William G.T. Shedd

• Never was anything great achieved without danger.” ― Niccolò Machiavelli

Monday, 10 September 2012