Safe Operating Standards
PGL has been operating holidays, tours and courses since 1957 and has therefore amassed a wealth of experience over half a century. The lessons learnt have become the foundation of our operating policies and practices – resulting in our excellent safety record.
Safety
PGL has always placed a huge emphasis on safety – as a founder member of BAHA (British Activity Holiday Association) and a licence holder for activities in scope of AALA (Adventure Activities Licencing Authority) regulations. Canoeing at all our centres is approved by the BCU (British Canoe Union) and all our sailing centres are recognised RYA (Royal Yachting Association) teaching establishments.
We have always been pioneers of a safe approach to outdoor education. At the same time, we acknowledge that risk is part of life and so we try to help ensure that children understand the concepts of risk awareness, risk assessment and risk management, so that they can learn to remain safe whilst still being able to live life to the full.
We carry out risk assessments for each of our product areas and implement a variety of control measures to keep any risks identified within acceptable limits for our young guests and staff. Assessments are reviewed annually, and also in response to incidents or to material changes in our offering.
Click here for the link to Risk Assessment summaries>
Click here for the link to Codes of Practice>
Staff - Recruitment and Training Standards
Our Centre Managers and Seniors have normally worked their way up through the PGL ranks over a period of several seasons and have a thorough knowledge of all our standards and procedures.
Approximately 50% of our centre staff are returners: the remaining 50% are recruited annually by our central Recruitment Department. Our recruitment officers all have extensive experience at a senior level on centre and make their selections based on a detailed 4-page application form and two formal written references from people who know the applicant in a professional capacity. Any qualifications claimed by applicants must be supported by documentary proof of level and currency.
PGL’s excellent reputation ensures that we receive a wealth of applications from enthusiastic and competent young adults. The candidates selected are offered contracts of employment subject to satisfactory checks (at enhanced level) via the Criminal Records Bureau, the successful completion of pre-employment training, and a favourable performance during their probationary period.
All new staff will complete the “Introductory Programme for Activity Centre Staff”. This training programme conforms with national occupational standards to the level required for accreditation and is registered on the Open College Network (OCN).
OCN certificates of achievement are issued to staff on successful completion. The 2004/05 Final Moderation Report for PGL from OCN reports ‘no issues of concern’ and ‘several areas of particular good practice.’
All staff members are offered the opportunity to continue their personal development through the PGL Apprenticeship Scheme. As an Edexcel / BTEC and City & Guilds approved centre we are able to offer staff the progression to Apprenticeships in Active Leisure and Learning or Hospitality (Catering or Customer Service) in subsequent seasons.
We also organise a wide range of National Governing Body training courses for our staff to ensure that we can meet our commitment to guests on qualifications and also to provide our staff with continuous personal development and recognition of their skills and ability. We work particularly closely with the British Canoe Union and the Royal Yachting Association.
All staff are made aware of the centre’s chain of management and the person responsible for the supervision of staff leading activities.
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