Escape Routes (Cymru) Policies
 

Operational Policy Statement

Where National Governing Bodies (NGBs) exist, Escape Routes (Cymru) will operate in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the respective NGBs. Where NGBs do not exist, Escape Routes (Cymru) will operate to current good practices. 
   

Equal Opportunities Policy
1. The Policy
1.1 It is the aim of Escape Routes (Cymru) to ensure that people from all sections of the community have genuinely equal opportunities to participate in all activities available, at all levels. Escape Routes (Cymru) will take all appropriate and reasonable steps to remove barriers and obstacles to such equal opportunities.
1.2 Escape Routes (Cymru) is committed to the provisions of high quality services and activities in a way, which is fair for everyone. Escape Routes (Cymru) will continue to play an active role in all activities available in the promotion of equal opportunities policies and practices.
1.3

Escape Routes (Cymru) will ensure that all present and potential clients/employees receive equally favourable treatment on their merits, irrespective of their age, colour, disability, ethnic origin, race, sexual orientation or gender.
1.4 In terms of activities, employment and service delivery, Escape Routes (Cymru) will not disadvantage any person by conditions or requirements, which can not be justified.
   
2. Implementation
2.1 In pursuance of its Equal Opportunities Policy, Escape Routes (Cymru) will continue to support positive action schemes for those sections of the community and its workforce, where groups are under represented in aspects of the activities available or its organisational levels.
2.2 Escape Routes (Cymru) will monitor the policy to ensure it is implemented and meets the needs of all sections of the community.
   
3.  Issuing of the Statement
3.1 This statement is being issued to ensure that all clients/employees are aware of Escape Routes’ (Cymru) Equal Opportunities Policy and the steps being taken by Escape Routes (Cymru) to monitor and review. It is vital that all clients/employees have a responsibility and a role to play in the promotion of equal opportunities.
   

Child Protection Policy
   
Duty of Care

“The duty, which rests upon an individual or organisation to ensure that all reasonable steps are taken to ensure the safety of any person involved in any activity for which that individual or organisation is responsible”
 
In the outdoor activity environment, safety and keeping people safe is about the appropriate assessment of risk to minimize those involved at all levels of participation. While all participating in the activities have a duty to their neighbours, in organised activity we all have a heightened duty of care and as such we should be aware that the principle risks extend to the quality of control exercised by those in charge. All members of staff should take ‘reasonable’ steps to safeguard those directly taking part in activities and at any time they may be deemed responsible for those in their charge – throughout the organised activity.
 
The Policy

Escape Routes (Cymru) accepts that in all matters concerning child protection, the welfare and protection of the child is paramount. It is the policy of Escape Routes (Cymru) to safeguard the welfare of all young people and others involved in Escape Routes’ (Cymru) courses/programmes/expeditions by protecting them from neglect, physical, sexual and emotional harm.