Person Centred Risk Management

Overview

Many of our participants require additional support due to the nature of the community we serve. Some individuals may have complex medical, physical, or cognitive needs. While we maintain a generic risk assessment that reflects the typical support needs of our participants, we also assess individual requirements at the point of contact to ensure safe and inclusive participation.

Our approach is dynamic, person-centred, and grounded in practical experience.

How we assess and manage risk

Who is responsible?

Each session is overseen by an Event Duty Officer (EDO), who maintains a global overview of safety across all activities. Each activity is led by an Activity Leader, supported by other trained volunteers. The Activity Leader is responsible for assessing and managing the support needs of participants in their specific activity.

At registration

Participants and/or carers are encouraged to share any medical, behavioural, or support needs during the registration process. We understand that individuals may choose not to disclose certain information or may not yet be aware of the support they will require in an unfamiliar activity setting.

Before the activity

The Activity Leader will engage with the participant and/or their carers to ensure a sufficient understanding of any support requirements. They will draw on their own experience and, when needed, consult with the EDO and other qualified volunteers to put appropriate measures in place. This may include selecting suitable equipment, adapting the activity, or arranging additional support.

Adapting for the Individual

Activities and equipment are tailored to meet each participant’s abilities and preferences. Adaptations may include the use of hoists, transfer aids, specialist seating, or specific boat types. Additional volunteers may be used to provide support and leader : participant ratio may be reduced. Safety and comfort are key considerations in all adjustments.

Volunteer Training

Volunteers receive training in supporting participants with a range of needs. This includes adapted rescues, use of accessibility equipment, and inclusive communication techniques.

Ongoing Assessment

As participants return and become more familiar to the charity, the level of discussion before activities may reduce. However, dynamic assessment remains embedded in our operational practice and is reinforced in pre-session briefings.

Lower Threshold for Caution

For participants with complex needs, we may apply a lower threshold for modifying or cancelling an activity. Factors such as weather conditions, equipment limitations, or volunteer availability may affect decisions. At all times, safety and wellbeing take priority.