Adventure Expeditions Code of Conduct
It is important to Adventure Expeditions (AE) that all participants are safe and that all programmes operate for everyone’s benefit and enjoyment. Equality, diversity and the different needs of the individuals that we work with (both as staff and participants) are of primary importance to us. We value your individuality highly. We want you to feel safe and excited to join your programme - we therefore ask all participants to adhere to the following Code of Conduct and look forward to welcoming you to your programme.
Duty of Care
Whilst participating in an AE programme, AE has a Duty of Care toward you and your fellow participants. This means that AE staff and instructors will assume responsibility toward your wellbeing that any reasonable and careful staff member or instructor would take in similar circumstances. As such, we expect you to listen to and adhere to advice and other communications given to you. Instructions may be for your own health, safety and wellbeing or those of others around you (fellow participants, staff members/instructors or members of the public). If an AE instructor issues a direct instruction or request to you, you must follow this direct instruction or request immediately.
Respect for Others and Team Working
During your programme with AE, you will be working in teams or groups with others. It is important that you show respect for your fellow participants or team mates at all times. AE expects you to moderate your language and actions to show respect for others at all times and to participate fully in all activities or team roles that you undertake. We have a zero-tolerance approach to any forms of bullying or exclusion. Your behaviour towards others should be both appropriate according to the activities that you are taking part in (e.g. helping your team work towards a specific goal or aim) and we expect you to give your best endeavours at all times. Disruptive or threatening behaviour will not be tolerated on any AE programme.
Risk Management
Being in the outdoors is hugely rewarding and brings exciting challenges. There are also potential hazards and risks. Therefore, we expect you to act responsibly and sensibly, ensuring that you listen to the advice of your instructors and don’t take unnecessary risks. It is also everyone’s responsibility to alert your instructors and other group members of potential hazards as soon as you become aware of them.
Local Communities and the Natural Environment
We expect all our participants to respect and care for the locations that our programmes operate in and/or the communities we visit or pass through during AE programmes. This means being respectful of local residents, campsites and other campers or users of the outdoors, members of the general public and the natural environment. Failure to do so will severely limit the success of both your programme and potential future programmes. Speakers to play music out loud are not permitted on programmes. Participants are expected to fully adhere to the policy of ‘Leave No Trace’ in the outdoors at all times.
Equipment & Kit List
You will be provided with Joining Information in advance of your programme which will specify any equipment that you need to arrive at your programme with. Failure to bring the items listed on the personal kit list may result in you not being able to take part in or enjoy your programme. Please ensure that you read through your kit list carefully and bring ALL items listed. If you have any questions please make sure that you contact us in advance - we are happy to help with further information and advice as needed. You may be issued with AE kit throughout your programme. You are expected to look after AE kit and any costs incurred by AE for loss or damage through negligent behaviour will be invoiced to you or your group.
Medical Information & Fitness
Ahead of your programme, you will be required to complete an AE Consent Form which asks for information regarding any medical needs, illnesses, injuries or sports injuries that may affect you during your programme, along with details of any medications that you take or may need during your time with us. You will not be permitted to join your programme without completing a Consent Form and supplying this information. Please let us know about any anxieties you may have and/or issues with mental health that you may need our support with. We can usually help with any additional needs that you have but ONLY if we know of these in advance so that information and assistance can be put in place - we are here to help and we are experienced in dealing with a wide range of conditions and needs. If you are not able to safely take part in some/all of the activities that form your programme then AE reserves the right to withdraw you from the programme. Please also make sure that you have the appropriate level of fitness for the programme that you are joining us for and please do get in touch if you need more information about this - we will always do everything we can to help people who are committed to completing expeditions and residentials, or joining our Activity Days.
Disciplinary Procedure
If any participant fails to adhere to this Code of Conduct, we will issue a reminder of the standards expected and outlined here (a ‘yellow card’ - first warning). If a second reminder is required, we will unfortunately have to ask you to leave the programme (a ‘red card’ will be issued) to ensure the continued safety and wellbeing, or respect due to others. If you are issued with a ‘red card’ and are asked to leave the programme then this will be at your own expense. There may be times where it is necessary for us to issue a ‘red card’ immediately. Instances may include (but are not limited to): physical abuse, intimidation, incidents where safeguarding procedures must be invoked, and/or causing actual or potential danger to life and limb. Instances such as these will mean that you will be asked to leave your programme with immediate effect.
Please note that the below section may not be relevant to younger children or non-residential programmes.
Alcohol and Drugs
AE operates a zero-tolerance policy on the use of alcohol and drugs. You should inform us in advance of your programme start date if you are taking any prescribed medication. The use of illegal drugs and/or the consumption of alcohol while on programme with us are not permitted at any time. Any participant involved in consumption of illegal drugs will be required to leave the programme immediately.
If you are joining AE through a school or other group programme, the policy of your school or group with regard to alcohol will be followed. Should alcohol consumption be permitted by your school or group, then consumption in moderation ONLY will be permitted by AE.
Sexual Activity
Participants are asked to join AE programmes with a view to giving their best endeavours towards the activities that they are taking part in and with respect for others in mind. Sexual activity between participants is therefore not condoned by AE in line with these expectations - there can be a serious impact on group or team dynamics where relationships or sexual activity is present as well as potentially serious implications for health, safety and wellbeing for all involved. AE expects that no sexualised behaviour is displayed or undertaken by participants during programmes. This may include kissing, tent/bed sharing or any other actions that may cause other group members or others present to feel uncomfortable.
Contact Us
01433 651 449
info@adventure-expeditions.net