Selecting Visit Leaders

Overview

All visits must be led by staff who have been approved as competent for that specific visit or activity. Being approved for one type of visit does not automatically mean approval for all visits.

The Head/Manager, supported by the Educational Visits Coordinator (EVC), is responsible for approving staff. For adventurous or higher-risk activities, additional approval and specialist advice may be required from your Educational Visits Adviser or Employer.

What Does “Competent” Mean?

A competent Visit Leader has the experience, skills, knowledge, training, ability, attitude, and professional judgement to manage this visit safely and effectively. Competence depends on the activity, the group and the environment, and may change over time.

The Visit Leader and their team is the most important factor in keeping participants safe.

How Competence Is Assessed

To be approved as a Visit Leader, the Head/Manager will consider:

Experience Leading or supporting similar visits, working with the specific group involved, familiarity with the activity and the environment or venue
Skills and Knowledge Planning visits, managing groups, following safety procedures, and responding effectively to unexpected situations
Training and Qualifications Relevant training such as Visit Leader training, first aid, or activity-specific qualifications. Ensure qualifications are current
Professional Judgement Remaining calm, making sound decisions, and managing safety and wellbeing, including in emergencies
Observation and Feedback Day-to-day practice, feedback and evaluations from previous visits, and records of visits led or supported
Ongoing Development Keeping skills and knowledge up to date through training and experience

Visit Leader Training

It is strongly recommended that Visit Leaders and Deputy Visit Leaders undertake formal Visit Leader Training. EVOLVE Advice offers live Visit Leader Training and Visit Leader e-learning. Visit https://www.evolveadvice.co.uk/vl-training.

Alternatively, your employer may be comfortable with the EVC delivering ’in-house’ training. Content and attendance should be formally recorded and a certificate issued.

Adventurous and Higher-Risk Activities

Some activities require additional skills, experience, or qualifications. Before leading these:

Upload relevant qualifications to EVOLVE and complete the required visit forms and activity leader sections (ALF)
Seek advice from a Technical Adviser, Educational Visits Adviser, or Employer as needed
Work strictly within your qualifications remit and experience

Key Points

Approval is activity and location specific
Competence is based on evidence and professional judgement
Records of experience and training should be maintained on EVOLVE