leader training report

If you weren’t at the WRG Leader Training Day, Evvo’s report fills you in on some of what you missed - and the date for your diary for next years event

WRG Leaders Training Day 2023

This important annual event took place on Saturday, 13 May. There was a small but beautifully formed group of participants, who engaged in all the discussions and came up with useful observations and suggestions to be considered for the future, while learning from others at the same time.

Twenty three people attended the Leaders Training Day (LTD), including two representatives from host societies who provided useful insights and information from a local, hosting perspective. One commented that “the day provides learning and comfort for local groups that they aren’t doing things wrong”. Many WRG leaders have said over the years that the day is very valuable to them, all of which makes the work put in by many people to make LTD happen so worthwhile.

At the time of LTD, there were ten Canal Camps planned this year to which WRG is fully committed. I would be keen in future years to see all camps were represented.

We all know that WRG’s army of volunteers need lots of sustenance to conduct its excellent work and no exception on this day so many thanks to Jude Palmer and Maria Hearnden for keeping all of us fully fuelled. Also, lots of thanks to Mike P, Moose, Emma G and George R who led sessions and got us all thinking and contributing.

Key points from the day:

Health and Safety: this theme ran through a lot of the day and, of course, is the responsibility of leadership teams on canal camps. There were nine accident, near miss or incident reports in 2022, down from 25 pre-Covid. Immediate reporting is essential - and don’t forget to tear out and send in completed pages from the accident book in the first aid case.

Covid: not now a separate consideration for leaders but the message still is that if volunteers feel flu-like symptoms, they should not attend camps. There is a new red briefcase in camp kits with Covid tests, masks, etc just in case they are needed on camp.

Camp money: the £500 float will continue and the catering budget per volunteer is now £8 per volunteer per day.

General leader training: the Legacy Leaders Training Programme was praised highly, although perhaps a different name for it is needed. Feedback received included “solid gateway into leadership” and “wide variety of skills learned”. There were suggestions and discussions about its value to experienced leaders (it does have value), making it an NVQ, some mandatory sessions, minimum standards for leaders etc amongst other things, which the WRG Board will consider.

Practical Restoration Handbook: leaders were updated on its progress. Book 1 has been completed and concentrates on getting restoration projects right from the start, developing a healthy and safe construction environment and addresses how to create a culture of safety within volunteer groups. Copies will be given to all restoration societies, WRG Regional Groups, WRG Legacy Leaders, and will also be in the WRG flight-cases at WRG Canal Camps.

Communicating: the importance of leaders keeping in contact with their counterparts before and after their own camps was discussed and it was agreed that early and regular contact makes life easier for all and removes stress and uncertainty. No definitive method of contact was suggested because the most appropriate methods of contact will be determined by the relevant leaders.

Safety Helmets: leaders were reminded of the standards required from hard hats and how to check them. A new Toolbox Talk was introduced and will feature somewhere else in this issue of Navvies.

Driver Authorisation Scheme : there had been some changes and a new category is about to come into force: s28 Bricksaws and Abrasive Wheels. From June 2023, volunteers will need to have this category on their DA card. This category includes all ‘angle grinders’ from small electric or cordless 125mm ones to the 2-stroke fuelled 300mm Stihl 410s included in a WRG canal camp kit. Volunteers who are experienced in their use only need to complete a DA application and detail their experience; and how much instructing they might have done, to get that box ticked. The application form can be found in the online Restoration Hub at https://waterways.org.uk/restoration_hub/building-your-skills/wrg-driver-authorisation-scheme-introduction/driver-authorisation-apply-here

Vans, trailers and their loading: with new larger generators in trailers some changes to loading one side of trailers are necessary. We were shown the new method and then had a familiarisation wrestle with ratchet tie-down straps, which hold all pieces of our kit secure during transport and opening of doors – another responsibility for leaders.

One Team: an energetic session in that people had to switch tables and form new teams. The new teams considered the composition of volunteers on a WRG canal camp and, no doubt, within any canal restoration society. The list showed that camps are made up of

WRG Canal Camps kit trailer left hand side loading diagram

Each ‘block’ should be separately secured by a ratchet strap except for the ‘fragile’ wheelie bin which should just be secured using the bungee cords individuals; individuals of vastly differing: ages, experience, abilities (physical and mental), occupations, knowledge, happiness, confidence, nationalities, diets, etc.

Those present recognised that these different individuals are all valuable members of a team and most cannot / must not be treated as a ‘typical WRGie’ – if there is such a beast. Typically, leaders are skilled at melding all the various volunteers into a single unit and sessions like this help significantly.

Finding everyone an appropriate task / role on site and in the accommodation, and explaining the role, was considered essential for a camp which everyone can enjoy. It was commented that WRG is proud that it can have vulnerable individuals as volunteers on a camp and we are able to care for them. Leaders were reminded of WRG’s Safeguarding Policy.

Don’t forget your cook: we were reminded that cooks are on their own all day and need to make the most of their interaction with the rest of the team before and after time on site. Cooks need including, motivating and monitoring just as all volunteers do.

And also:

· Site Burcos now use propane, which comes in orange bottles.

· Duty directors: call them… should you need their advice, need to tell them something important, etc. Your camp’s DD is there as a resource.

Some final thoughts from me: I do enjoy pulling LTDs together and getting useful subjects covered and discussed by leadership teams. I am wondering if the format needs a revamp, although I do not know how any such revamp might look and any future format would have to complement future leadership training programmes decided by the WRG Board.

Suggestions for a new format would be gratefully received. Similarly, if anyone has suggestions for subjects to be covered on 18 May 2024, let me have them please. Please note the date.

Summaries of discussions are being collected and we hope to find a way for everyone to get access to them along with the LTD PowerPoint and handouts given out on the day.

David ‘Evvo’ Evans