SUGGESTED CHECK LIST FOR LEADERS

BEFORE THE WALK

1. If you do a preliminary walk of the route, note any problems and obstructions, report them and work out how to deal with them. In extreme cases, e.g. if the path is flooded, you may need to re-route the walk.
2. Devise alternative routes or escape possibilities if the weather conditions warrant this.
3. In extreme circumstances be prepared to cancel the walk but do proceed to the start to advise this.
4. If you cannot call yourself at the designated meeting point for week-end walks, try to arrange that another member calls there to pick up those without cars.

AT THE MEETING POINT

1. Welcome the party and to introduce any newcomers.
2. If a member has telephoned to say that they intend to walk, ensure that they have arrived before setting out.
3. Count the numbers present.
4. Give a brief idea of the route if appropriate and advise of any particular difficulties
5. Ensure that all members are properly equipped for the terrain and weather.
6. Ask everyone to keep an eye open for the persons behind & appoint a back marker if the party is large.
7. Ensure that cars are properly parked and are secure. Ensure that those who may wish to leave early (or to cut short the walk) are not boxed in.
8. Do not start before the appointed time.
9. All leaders and back-markers should carry whistles for use in the case of emergency.
10. If the leader & backmarker carry mobile phones, arrange that they are switched on and that each party knows the others number.. Otherwise, ask people with mobiles to accompany the leader & backmarker and to have their phones switched on & to have exchanged numbers..

DURING THE WALK

1. Set a pace that the party can sustain and be prepared to slow down or speed up if necessary.
2. Stay at the front of the party or give clear instructions if you allow people to get in front. E.g. carry on until you reach the road, then wait.
3. Keep an eye on the rear of the party to make sure all are keeping up.
4. Take particular care when changing direction to ensure that all follow.
5. Have rest stops after difficult stretches and re-count to ensure that all are present.
6. Make clear arrangements for comfort stops and advise members if a part of the walk will offer no opportunities to stop. Remind people to tell someone (e.g. the back-marker) before they drop behind.
7. Keep an eye on the time and be prepared to cut the walk short if the party is running very late.
8. Make sure that the less able members of the party are aided over obstructions and difficulties.
9. Ask the party to keep to a single file when crossing fields and ensure that you are on the correct line.
10. Take particular care when walking along or crossing roads and when crossing railway lines.
11. In case of accident, stop the group and render first aid. Make a note of the location, time, names of the injured party and members who witnessed the accident and details of what occurred. If serious, call the emergency services. (There is usually one member who will have a mobile phone!). If there is to be a long delay, appoint someone to lead the group to finish the walk while the leader and one or two others remain with the patient.

AFTER THE WALK

1. Make sure that all persons are accounted for.
2. Report any problems that had not been reported before the walk.
3. Talk to any non-members and give them details of how to join.
4. Report any accident details to the group secretary.

THE DUTIES OF A BACK MARKER

The whole purpose of appointing a back-marker (BM) is to ensure that no one becomes detached from the party. The back marker should be told if anyone ( the droppee) wishes to tarry behind t he party for any reason (taking photographs, comfort stop or whatever). The BM should then ensure that the person dropping behind rejoins the party in a short space of time. In particular, the BM should stay behind if the party turns at a junction and should ensure that the party waits until the droppee rejoins.

WHAT TO DO IF SOMEONE IS LOST.

However, it may still happen that the droppee does not reappear. In this case the back marker should advise the leader (using a mobile phone, if appropriate), who should ask the party to wait while someone is sent back to the last place at which the droppee was seen. If the droppee is not immediately found, then the leader should consult with the party and, if possible, should arrange that a new leader is appointed who will take the party on to complete the walk. The leader and at least one other should remain behind to continue the search for the missing person. After 30 minutes, they should resume the walk and see if the droppee has found his or her way back to the starting point. If not, the emergency services may need to be informed, dependent on the age and fitness of the missing person and the terrain.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE THE MISSING PERSON.

If , having dropped behind for any purpose, you are unable to locate the group, the first thing is to return to the last place at which you saw the back marker and to stop there for 30 minute. This will enable the group to send someone back to that place to find you. If, after 30 minutes, no one has appeared, then if possible you should return by yourself to the cars. There you should ensure that the group know that you have returned.

Compiled 07/12/02 Revised 07/06/06.