{"alias":"contentPage","byline":null,"standfirst":null,"content":{"layouts":[{"type":"sidebar","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003EAll DofE and top award expeditions must be run in line with Scouts POR, safety rules and guidance. Here you can find guidance especially relevant to these expeditions, relating to common incidents and scenarios on expeditions and based on real data and experiences.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003EPlanning\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAll expeditions need to be a level of challenge that is appropriate for all team members. They must be trained to a high enough standard where you are confident to allow them to be remotely supervised. At Silver and Gold levels there must be at least one practice expedition, if you feel the team needs more training you can have subsequent practice expeditions.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAllow sufficient time to get approval from your District Lead Volunteer, inform your County DofE Duke of Edinburgh Lead and and to secure the services of a Scout registered Expedition Assessor.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EFind out what is required for all adults involved in DofE.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou can find \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.dofe.org/running-expeditions/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022How to run DofE expeditions (DofE.org)\u0022\u003Eguidance on running expeditions\u003C/a\u003E on the DofE website.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003EContingency plans\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThere may be things outside of your control which force you to change your plans at the last minute. You should always have a contingency plan in place. Consider carefully beforehand alternative route options or activities if the planned expedition has to change and include this on your risk assessments.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003ERisk assessments\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EEverything we do involves an element of risk so we need to have plans in place to manage this before and during expeditions. You can find \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/risk-assessments/\u0022 title=\u0022Risk assessments\u0022\u003Eguidance on risk assessments\u003C/a\u003E on the Scouts website.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETo help you write a risk assessment for your expedition, this \u003Cspan style=\u0022text-decoration: underline;\u0022\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fprod-cms.scouts.org.uk%2Fmedia%2Frtkgc4cm%2Fra-example-dofe-expedition.docx\u0026amp;wdOrigin=BROWSELINK\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022?src=https%3A%2F%2Fprod-cms.scouts.org.uk%2Fmedia%2Frtkgc4cm%2Fra-example-dofe-expedition.docx\u0026amp;wdOrigin=BROWSELINK\u0022\u003Eexample DofE expedition risk assessmen\u003C/a\u003Et\u003C/span\u003E is available to download.\u0026nbsp;Remember it\u2019s important for the young people to be actively involved in creating the risk assessments for their expedition.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou can also find \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/risk-assessments/example-risk-assessments/\u0022 title=\u0022Example risk assessments\u0022\u003Eexample risk assessments\u003C/a\u003E for lots of activities, including hikes, minibus use and driving, campsites and lightweight expeditions.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003ESupervision\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen participants have completed their route planning, you can start creating your Supervision Plan for the expedition.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThings you should consider are:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThe identified risks on the route and what level of supervision is appropriate for these points.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWhere the Supervisors need to be at each stage of the expedition.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EHow the Supervisors be checking on the team - trackers, meetings, observation.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EHow many teams will be out.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWhat the road links are like to monitor the route.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EIf the terrain means the route needs to be supervised by people holding Supervisory Permits.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThe bad weather alternative routes and what different risks they present.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen you can answer all of these questions you know how many adults you need on the Supervisory Team to remotely supervise the expedition safely.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EPreparing for safe and enjoyable nights away\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhile planning your expeditions, please make sure you submit the \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/planning-your-programme/nights-away-and-camping/nights-away-resources/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Nights away resources\u0022\u003ENights Away Notification Form\u003C/a\u003E to the relevant Lead Volunteer as soon as possible and check your local approval processes with your manager. You\u2019ll need to make sure all permits are up-to-date beforehand and that you have first aid provision for your expedition.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFor each expedition you need to have an \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/intouch/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EInTouch\u003C/a\u003E system for communication. How you do this is up to you, so work out what works best for your team.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you need support, reach out to your Nights Away Advisers, Safety Advisers, or Lead Volunteer.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EReporting safeguarding and safety concerns on expeditions\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt\u2019s possible for safeguarding concerns to happen at camps and events, including welfare concerns affecting our young people. The \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safe-scouting-cards/safeguarding-code-of-conduct-for-adults-yellow-card/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Safeguarding Code of Conduct for Adults - Yellow Card\u0022\u003EYellow Card\u003C/a\u003E states that everyone has a duty to report all safeguarding concerns to the HQ Safeguarding Team and this also applies during camps and events.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you\u2019re making a report to the HQ Safeguarding Team, please include details of the camp or event lead (alongside the person(s) line manager, if known) and inform the camp/event lead that you\u2019ve made a report. The HQ Safeguarding Team will follow the usual process and liaise with the relevant Lead Volunteer/Commissioner.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf there is a reportable incident or accident on an expedition involving an injury or near miss, you will need to report this via the \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.cognitoforms.com/TheScoutAssociation/SafeguardingReportingForm\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Safeguarding reporting form\u0022\u003Eonline incident reporting form\u003C/a\u003E. Please liaise with the event lead and it is important to also let the home leaders know about any incidents or accidents.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EAdditional individual support\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYoung people with pre-existing medical conditions and other additional needs often want to take part in expeditions. Make sure that their health records are up-to-date and that parents/carers give you accurate details of how this might affect their participation and performance.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ECarefully plan \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022/volunteers/equity-diversity-and-inclusion/including-disabled-and-neurodivergent-people/planning-individual-support/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Planning individual support\u0022\u003Ehow to support individuals with additional needs\u003C/a\u003E where necessary and have an appropriate \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://prod-cms.scouts.org.uk//media/uc2pv4r4/individual-support-plan-template-final-august-2024.docx\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Individual Support Plan Template\u0022\u003Esupport plan\u003C/a\u003E in place. Make sure the young people understand how to play their part in supporting all individuals in their group.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003ECommon risks\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe have put together these key pointers and training tips to help you avoid some of the common incidents that are reported to our Safety team after expeditions.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":true,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;\u0022\u003ETicks are an increasing problem for walkers and campers in many areas and terrains. You can plan how to raise awareness, prevent contact, know how to check for and remove ticks\u003C/span\u003E using our \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/safe-camping-residentials-and-outdoor-skills/ticks-advice-on-protection-prevention-and-removal/\u0022 title=\u0022Ticks - advice on protection, prevention and removal\u0022\u003Eticks advice\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Ticks"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EEveryone should be familiar with the safe operation of the stoves they will be using and check the stoves working parts are in good condition before they start an expedition.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHave a look at our \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/safe-camping-residentials-and-outdoor-skills/\u0022 title=\u0022Safe camping, residentials and outdoor skills\u0022\u003Esafe camping, residentials and outdoor skills guidance\u003C/a\u003E before using any type of stove and make sure the young people have had a chance to practice with the stoves they plan to use before any expedition.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Stoves"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003ECarrying a heavy rucksack can make you more unstable and more at risk of a slip, trip or fall as you go over uneven terrain and stiles along the route. Checking all rucksacks are fitted properly will reduce this risk as it will even out the weight and make them more stable.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYoung people should be trained in how to properly pack a rucksack.\u0026nbsp;Wearing appropriate socks and boots, and making sure boot laces are tied up correctly is really important to prevent blisters and tripping over.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Slips, trips and falls"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EWeather can change suddenly, so do thorough kit checks at departure point to make sure participants are prepared for hot, cold and wet conditions. There\u0027s a \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.dofe.org/shop/dofe-expedition-kit-list/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022DofE Expedition kit list\u0022\u003EDofE expedition kit list\u003C/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;to help you.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ECheck out the \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/safe-camping-residentials-and-outdoor-skills/hot-weather-and-summer-activity-advice/\u0022 title=\u0022Hot weather and Summer activity advice\u0022\u003Ehot weather and summer activity advice\u003C/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;and \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/safe-camping-residentials-and-outdoor-skills/cold-weather-and-winter-advice/\u0022 title=\u0022Cold Weather and Winter Advice\u0022\u003Ecold weather and winter advice\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003EExtreme heat\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe are often experiencing hotter weather in the UK. Ensure that everyone is kept hydrated (water drops are permitted), protected from the sun and adapt the plan to avoid the hottest part of the day if the weather is hot. Consider how plans can change if temperatures are over 30C.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Weather"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EThe young people should have training in first aid, the importance of sharing and dealing with any injuries, and what to do in an emergency as part of their pre-expedition planning.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EVolunteers should be in contact and respond promptly to provide any necessary first aid following any accident or injury. When an individual receiving first aid chooses to continue with an expedition, all volunteers involved in supervising the expedition must be notified to allow for proper monitoring of the injury at checkpoints, to ensure the individual is properly fit to continue.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EVolunteers must ensure that parents are informed of any injuries during collection or handover, or earlier if deemed necessary via the InTouch system in place.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Expedition first aid"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EEmergencies can happen on expeditions so its important participants and adults understand when it is appropriate to call mountain rescue or emergency services and how and when to call the expedition supervisor. Participants and adults should make themselves aware of procedures before going on an expedition.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThere are resources on in the \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.dofe.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Expedition-Guide-Feb2026.pdf\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022DofE Expedition Guide\u0022\u003EDofE Expedition Guide\u003C/a\u003E and on the \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.dofe.org/run/leaders-handbook/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022DofE Website\u0022\u003EDofE website\u003C/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe\u00A0\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safe-scouting-cards/safe-scouting-what-to-do-in-an-emergency/\u0022 title=\u0022Safe Scouting and Emergency Procedures\u0022\u003EPurple card\u003C/a\u003E provides support for safe Scouting and guidance in the procedures for dealing with an emergency.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn cases of any serious incident or accident that leads to or could have led to injury of a participant or adult, leaders also need to notify the DofE. You can \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.dofe.org/run/emergencies/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Emergencies (DofE.org)\u0022\u003Ereport emergencies\u003C/a\u003E on the DofE website.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThere is \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/incidents-and-illness/\u0022 title=\u0022Incidents and Illness\u0022\u003Eguidance on incidents and illness\u003C/a\u003E, and what to do in case of an accident, first aid and reporting on the Scouts website.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Emergencies"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EWildfires are becoming increasingly common. Be vigilant and never start a fire unless it is a designated fire pit. You can use the Met Office \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/fire-severity-index/#?tab=map\u0026amp;fcTime=1724842800\u0026amp;zoom=5\u0026amp;lon=-4.00\u0026amp;lat=54.50\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022England and Wales Fire Severity Index (Met Office)\u0022\u003Efire severity index\u003C/a\u003E to aid a dynamic risk assessment for fires.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Wildfires"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EThere may be occasions where young people need to tent up, sometimes overnight, along the route. Sometimes they can be in areas where they are out of contact range. If the conditions permit, it is sometimes worth walking a short distance to get reception in order to let someone know where you are and give an update on the group. Make sure participants understand the importance of getting in touch if they can.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Out of range contact"}]}]},{"items":[{"type":"Image top","cta":"Find resources for planning and risk assessments","body":"","link":{"name":"Planning and assessing risk","id":null,"url":"/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/planning-and-assessing-risk/","newWindow":false,"target":null},"colour":"#ffe627","title":"Planning and assessing risk","image":"/media/19977/200223-028-1.jpg?cc=0,0.06633081444164567,0,0.0899191855583543\u0026width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1daecc4d8101a10","imageFocus":"Centre","imageId":36030,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"Centre","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Image top","cta":"Find our supervision guidance","body":"","link":{"name":"Guidance for supervision of activities","id":null,"url":"/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/planning-and-assessing-risk/guidance-for-supervision-of-activities/","newWindow":false,"target":null},"colour":"#ffe627","title":"Guidance for supervision of activities","image":"/media/1469/explorer-belt-expedition-jpg.jpg?cc=0,0.14553273889901502,0,0.011507535843414025\u0026width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1dae7e882690300","imageFocus":"","imageId":5285,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Image top","cta":"","body":"\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/reporting-a-concern-to-safeguarding/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Reporting a concern to safeguarding\u0022\u003EReporting a concern to safeguarding\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/incidents-and-illness/emergencies-and-incident-reporting/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Emergencies and Reporting\u0022\u003EEmergencies and reporting\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","link":null,"colour":"#ffe627","title":"Reporting a concern or incident","image":"/media/20536/expedition-kit-rucksacks-packing-banner-1660x1200-2560x1851-1.jpg?cc=0,0.07305883640234606,0,0.14881616359765398\u0026width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1db84763e8e92a0","imageFocus":"","imageId":36865,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Promo","cta":"","body":"\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ELook at our \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/planning-your-programme/nights-away-and-camping/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Nights Away and camping\u0022\u003ENights Away and camping guidance\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThere are a range of\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/explorers/awards/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Explorer top awards\u0022\u003E Explorer top awards\u003C/a\u003E with an Expedition element that this guidance is relevant to.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThe\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.dofe.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Expedition-Guide-2024.pdf\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Expedition guide (DofE.org)\u0022\u003EDofE Expedition Guide\u003C/a\u003E has guidance on supervising expeditions.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EMountain Training have in-depth \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.mountain-training.org/media/qtqaaydl/remote_supervision_v2.pdf\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Remote supervision (Mountain Training)\u0022\u003Eguidance on remote supervision\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","link":null,"colour":"#f1f1f1","title":"More information and external resources","image":"/media/y1jjgvin/db-20240914-2384-212767min.jpg?width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1db40c6110b0a00","imageFocus":"","imageId":81876,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":"DofE expeditions must be run in line with Scouts safety rules and guidance. 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