Organising & safety courses
Review
Good use was made of the Organiser and Safety Courses put on by QO and SWOA at the weekend, with seven club members gaining certificates and several more there to share their experiences.
Roger Craddock reports.
The ‘double-header’ held at Staplegrove Village Hall, Taunton on Saturday 7 September ran from 10am to 4pm and was delivered by Alan Simpson (DEVON) and Richard Keighley (WIM).
The Introductory Organisers Course provided an opportunity for Alan to generate a discussion of the stages, hazards, and responsibilities of organisers of local events and activities.
Sheila Braine, David Harrison, Karen Lewis, Chris Hasler, Angela Modica, Judy and Roger Craddock were able to share their experiences. A comparison of QO requirements with those of Devon OC and Wimborne OC provided some useful ideas and lessons learnt! Topics discussed included timings, delegation of responsibilities, methods of communication, publicity, and an analysis of an upcoming event.
After a short lunch break, Dick was able to take a group through the requirements of the Safety and Welfare Certification. In a combination of presentation and group activities they explored the hazards and risks, including safety and risk assessments for events. The welfare aspect of the workshop addressed the protection of competitors, volunteers and vulnerable groups. Finally an agreement on procedures for timing, sequence, and procedures for Search and Rescue of lost competitors was reached.
New Safety and Welfare Certificates were awarded to Karen Lewis, David Harrison, Sheila Braine, Matthew Carter, Graham Hartley, Linda and Hazel Mudd.
Thanks to SWOA for supporting these courses financially and to Alan and Richard for delivering them.
- Roger Craddock, 7 September, 2019