The QED Assurance


Because experiential training - especially if it involves the outdoors - is sometimes misunderstood and misused, we believe that it is helpful to set out our basic philosophy and Code of Practice for courses in which we use the outdoors. In summary these are:

BASIC PHILOSOPHY:

The outdoors is one of many ways of developing individuals and teams. We believe that it is best used as a means to examine how people manage difficult situations and each other, and then reflect upon performance to establish ways in which people can work more effectively together.

This is a dynamic process and exercises are designed to meet the learning needs of each particular group and client.

Review of interpersonal and team processes is an indispensable part of learning.

The outdoors is useful in that it enables people to perform stimulating, memorable and unusual tasks in memorable, unusual and stimulating settings. As a result, awareness of individual and group issues is heightened. Review enables this awareness to be transformed into action.

Learning on programmes should be supported by follow-up at work.

CODE OF PRACTICE:

1. All outdoor exercises are properly supervised by the appropriate number of suitably qualified and skilled trainers.
2. All outdoor equipment and safety equipment is supplied, and is inspected before each course and replaced as necessary.
3. A properly qualified member of staff acts as safety officer on all programmes and has the power of veto over all exercises and equipment.
4. We undertake not to apply, or allow others to apply, undue psychological pressure to course delegates. In effect, all activities are voluntary.
5. All exercises are designed to cater to a wide variety of physical fitness levels.
6. Individual performance on exercises is confidential to staff and fellow-delegates and will not be communicated to employers.
7. All delegates and staff (including visiting tutors where appropriate) are covered by the appropriate liability insurance for all activities.