The Off-Site Safety Management course (OSSM) was designed in response to concerns about safety in off-site activities. It addresses the content of legislation in this area and provides an opportunity for attendees to explore the application of the legislation in practical situations.
The OSSM course will be appropriate for those working in a range of different situations where they are responsible for taking children/young people/adults out of their everyday environments (e.g. on geography or environmental field trips, on sporting away events, or on organised activities). It aims to equip attendees with the ability to apply knowledge, understanding and problem solving skills in a range of contexts.
Aims
To develop knowledge and understanding of off-site safety management procedures and the ability to apply this to a range of different contexts.
To develop ability to plan, manage and evaluate off-site activities in order to ensure the safety of the participants.
To develop skills that are relevant to the workplace and which can be adapted to meet different circumstances.
To encourage further study and promote the value of continuing professional development.
Target Group
The scheme is designed for adults working with both young people and adults where they will be required to plan, manage and evaluate off-site safety policies, procedures and activities. It will be particularly appropriate for teachers, lecturers, trainers and youth workers who are seeking to develop their knowledge and skills in off-site safety management. It is also relevant to those who work in organisations seeking compliance with the new British Standard, BS 8848: the specification for the provision of visits, fieldwork, expeditions, and adventurous activities, outside the United Kingdom.
Prior Learning
Although there are no formal entry requirements in terms of prior learning, attendees may find it helpful to draw on previous knowledge and experience of managing safety issues in the workplace. Basic understanding of planning processes, risk assessment and safety management may also provide useful starting points.
Guided Learning Hours
It is suggested that an average delegate with the recommended prior learning should take around 15 guided learning hours to acquire the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary to meet the assessment objectives successfully. However this figure is for guidance only and will vary depending on individual delegates and the mode of delivery.
Progression
The Off-Site Safety Management course has been designed to aid delegates in developing knowledge and understanding that would enhance their performance in the workplace and thus assist in preparing them for greater responsibility.
Opportunities for addressing spiritual, moral, ethical, social and cultural issues
Tutors delivering a course on Off-Site Safety Management would have opportunities to address these issues throughout the course. Delegates will need to consider all of these issues when planning events for particular groups. They will need to consider the appropriateness of activities for different target groups where children/young people/adults have different social and cultural values and to identify issues that may arise in meeting these needs. Additionally, as attendees will be responsible for the members of the group who are in their care, they will need to consider moral, ethical, social and cultural issues in relation to the influence that they will have over those for whom they are responsible. Attendees will need to consider issues when taking responsibility for children, young people and other adults in a range of different contexts including day trips, overnight visits and overseas excursions.
Opportunities for addressing health and safety issues, environmental issues and European developments
Health and Safety issues are central to the purpose of the Off-Site Safety Management course and opportunities to address these issues will be present throughout the course of study. Delegates will be able to address health and safety in a range of different contexts and to review the different issues affecting children/young adults/adults in different contexts. Environmental concerns can be addressed in terms of identification and evaluation of potential offsite visits and also in terms of the impact of leading groups into particular areas. Delegates will be able to explore the range of information on environmental issues that they may need to share with the people who are in their groups; decisions on the way in which information is shared may also generate discussion of moral, ethical and social issues. The Off-Site Safety Management course will also provide opportunities to address European developments. Delegates will be able to explore this in relation to taking groups abroad on off-site trips and also in relation to the way in which European legislation impacts on off-site safety management.
Opportunities for addressing legal and financial issues
These will occur in considerations surrounding planning, management and evaluation of off-site activities/events. Delegates will need to explore, in particular, legal issues in relation to health and safety and in relation to particular groups such as children and people with particular needs. There will opportunities to apply these considerations to a wide range of different contexts.
Relationship with National Occupational Standards
The Off-Site Safety Management course has not been designed to address the requirements of a specific set of Occupational Standards. However, the focus on health and safety and the need to plan for the safety of others provides indirect links with a number of NVQs including those in: Sport, Recreation and Allied Occupations, Outdoor Education, Development Training, Recreation and in Events Management.
The course is consistent with the principles of occupational standards in that it:
- identifies the standard of competence to be achieved through the use of assessment objectives
- includes technical, planning and problem solving skills which will enhance flexibility in employment
- ensures that the competence achieved is broad enough to be flexible and capable of adaptation
- includes statutory and legal obligations
- focuses on health and safety requirements
- is free from overt or covert discrimination against individuals
- is presented in plain language and a straightforward format to ensure accessibility for end users
- reflects best employment practice
Origins of the OSSM course
The Off-Site Safety Management course was originally developed in partnership with the British Association of Advisers and Lecturers in Physical Education and the College of St Mark and St John by OCR. The management and administration of the Off-Site Safety Management course was passed to the Royal Geographical Society with IBG in 2008.
Upcoming Dates:
Wed 13th - Thurs 14th Mar 2024 (This course will be taking place in Tongham, Surrey)
Cost: £175 exc. VAT per person