Blairgowrie and District Next Steps

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Stride for Life Wednesday Walks

Code of Conduct

There is no compulsion to undertake any activity, but group dynamics may ‘encourage’ an individual to do something they may not feel able to do.  If in any doubt say no, but communicate this with the leader.  Blairgowrie and District Next Steps is committed to equal opportunities.  A written policy is available on request.

• Walkers are free to leave the group at any time but MUST notify the leaders.  If they leave they are responsible for making their own way back home.  A failure to advise the leaders may result in a missing person search and cause considerable difficulties.

• The leaders are volunteers as well as participants and are there for enjoyment also so please show respect for them and be considerate of everyone else.

• Keep leaders informed of any changes in health, including before, after, and (especially) during the walk.  “Vulnerable people” must be accompanied by a carer at all times.  All participants will be treated with dignity and private information such as advised medical conditions will be treated in the strictest confidence.

• You must be fit for the walk at all times.  A health questionnaire must be completed before commencing with this activity, and should assess your ability to participate.  By registering for a walk you are deemed to be declaring yourself fit enough for that walk.  At no times will any of the walk leaders or other organisers be held responsible for any exacerbation of a pre-existing medical condition whether known or otherwise.  If appropriate, please do a shorter or less demanding walk to start off with.  While we strive to be inclusive it is unreasonable to always expect a leader to hang back on a longer and more strenuous walk.  If in any doubt about your fitness or general ability please consult with the leaders before starting a walk. 

• Walk leaders inherit a particular duty of care (but are not accountable for control).  All participants are responsible adults but a leader is in charge at all times and must have the final say.  They take your well-being and safety seriously and provide advice based on their experience.

• Be suitably clothed and equipped for each walk, if a leader suggests you shouldn’t go on the walk at that time then there will be a good reason.  It may be necessary for safety reasons not to allow someone along at a particular time.

• Walk within the group boundaries, please refrain from walking in front of the front marker or behind the rear marker.

• This is a group activity therefore keep yourself and everybody else safe.

• All participants should share in undertaking refreshment and other chores, a rota may be drawn up to assist.

• All walkers must register at the start of each walk, and by ‘signing-on’ will be deemed to have accepted the rules.

• Failure to abide by these rules, may result in hazards to others as well as yourself.  Continued refusal may result in exclusion from further activity.

If in any doubt as to your ability to undertake a walk please select a less demanding one.

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