Safety
We have taken all necessary steps to ensure that our expeditions are as safe as possible without destroying the unique quality of a DofE expedition.
Expeditions are however very tough and participants will find themselves in challenging situations which are likely to include walking on rough terrain, extended physical effort and environmental hazards such as bad weather. It is not unusual for participants to experience some discomfort during their expedition.
AALS
A to Z Expeditions is licensed to provide trekking activities by the Adventure Activities Licensing Service, part of HSE. Details can be confirmed by calling the AALS on tel: 029 2075 5715 or by visiting their website www.aals.org.uk
Our licence indicates that we have been inspected by AALS, with particular attention being paid to our safety management systems with young people. We have demonstrated compliance with nationally accepted standards of good practice in the delivery of adventure activities to young people, with due regard to the benefits and risks of the activity.
Instructors
All of our instructors have the necessary qualifications and experience to deliver DofE training and expeditions.
As part of our child protection policy all of our staff have Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau checks.
First Aid
All of our instructors are qualified first aiders and have attended activity and terrain specific courses to enable them to deal efficiently with any situation that may arise.
We cover the principles of emergency procedures in our pre-expedition training and each expedition group is issued with a group first aid kit. In addition to emergency dressings and bandages this also includes plasters and tape to treat minor cuts and blisters.
We recommend that participants undertake further first aid training, which could count towards their DofE Skills section. More information can be found at www.dofe.org
Insurance
We are fully insured to carry out expedition activities through Activities Industry Mutual. Our policy covers our public liability up to £5 million, please see www.activitiesindustrymutual.co.uk for more information.
Duke of Edinburgh's Award provides limited personal accident insurance cover for participants see www.dofe.org for more details.
We will not be able to offer a refund if you can not attend or complete the expeditions. We therefore strongly recommend that you take out insurance to cover cancellation and curtailment. Suitable travel insurance policies are widely available.