Ken Hughes - Technical Advisor

Technical Advisor Services I currently work with 15 organisations that provide Adventurous Activities and I can offer you a wide range of Technical Advisor Services, these include: I can help in the following activities: - Writing Risk Assessments - Compiling and Reviewing Operational Procedures - Staff Training/Development - Statements of Competence for staff - Activity Site Development Combined Rock and Water If your organisation runs activities which come under the umbrella of Combined Rock and Water you will need a Technical Advisor who has substantial experience in both. I am both a BCU Level 5 Coach and MIA. In addition, I am a BCU White Water Safety and Rescue and Advanced WWSR course provider; both of which are critical elements of the training necessary for Rock and Water. Activities in this category include Gorge Walking, Adventure Swimming (down rapids, etc.), River Walking, Gill Scrambling where getting wet is unavoidable/likely, Coasteering, White Water Tubing, Waterfall Jumping, etc.

Gill Scrambling An increasingly popular activity which is both challenging and thrilling to client groups.

There is no qualification below MIA to assess competency for these activities so a Technical Advisor who can train and provide Statements of Competency is very important.

Note: If you conduct wet Gill Scrambles please refer to Combined Rock and Water Activities.

Improvised Raft Building It’s in there, so you will need a Technical Advisor. FSRT is considered the minimum standard of training.

Single Pitch Rock Climbing Whether you use a small quarry or major crag I can offer you expertise developed over 20 years advising in this context. I can help you and support you in making your climbing activities fit your programme, rather than looking for barriers.

Climbing Walls These do not come under the terms of the AALS Licensing Scheme. However, you may wish to underpin your own systems with sound advice, guidance and/or Competency Training/Assessment for your staff. I currently work with 5 client organisations on a regular basis offering them peace of mind and confidence that they are doing all the right things.

Paddlesport Activities As a BCU Level 5 Coach and Course Provider I can support your programmes in substantial range of Paddlesport disciplines. These include all Canoeing and White Water Kayaking up to and including Advanced Water. I am also a provider of Safety and Rescue Training (Foundation Safety and Rescue Training (FSRT), White Water Safety and Rescue (WWSR) and Advanced WWSR). I am currently Canoe England North East Region RCO, a member of the English Coaching Management Committee, The UK Canoe Technical Group and a BCU National Trainer. I am also UK Technical Advisor to the Scout Association for Canoeing.

Staff Training and Statements of Competence If you need to provide hard quality training or simply further development/refresher for your staff I can help. Statements of Competence can be provided for your staff for activities where formal qualifications do not exist, or where you simply would like them to operate on a specific number of prescribed sites.

Staff Development Would you like staff training which looks at more than aspects of safety? Perhaps you would like to improve their coaching skills or widen their range of options for working with groups. Whatever your needs it is worth having a chat about how I could help with the quality of your provision.

Risk Assessment and Operating Procedures These can seem a little daunting at first and it is definitely worth getting them right as you may have to rely on them in court. I have over 15 years’ experience in organisations which range from Outdoor Education Centres to Colleges to Independent Providers of Adventurous Activities. Should you want assistance and support in developing these critical documents I am more than happy to help.

What if I do not need an AALS License, but still offer Adventurous Activities?

There is no need for you to have a Technical Advisor if you do not fit the criteria. This will include Voluntary Organisations, Educational Establishments, etc. However, it is considered good practice to seek advice and training where a clear Duty of Care exists.

The AALS Licensing Regulations are a reflection of HSE Legislation and as such all providers, whether AALS Licence holders or not, will need to have systems in place to ensure the safety of their clients and staff.

Get in touch if you think you may need advice.

Remember; you do not know what you do not know!

Call or email anytime us to discuss how we can help your organisation.