Field safety training for staff in geography, earth and environmental sciences in HE: establishing a framework

Abstract

Abstract The need for,and requirements of,staff developmentopportunities in fieldwork leadership for higher education (HE)staff have been explored by consultation with representatives ofsubject organizations and the Outdoor community. This articlesummarises the outcomes of that consultation (a full report isavailable on request). Currently available opportunities forrelevant training are identified,and a ‘framework’ for consideringstaff development is proposed. This includes a list of thecompetencies that it is suggested field leaders should endeavourto develop. This list is intended to be a facilitative tool,forexample in assisting self-assessment of development needs.Finally,a number of avenues for further work are recommendedin order to provide increased support for higher education staffinvolved in leading fieldwork. Introduction This project was established to enable the higher education (HE)Geography,Earth and Environmental Science (GEES) communityto learn from the expertise of the Outdoor (mountaineering /outdoor pursuits) community in relation to issues of fieldworksafety. Fieldwork often takes place in potentially hazardouslocations,including rivers,woodlands,coastal/tidal locations,moorland and mountains and urban areas.HE subject organizations and Outdoor organizations wereinvited to be involved in a consultation (either through meetingsor electronic communication) to investigate the need for,andrequirements of,staff development opportunities in the safemanagement of fieldwork specifically tailored to HigherEducation. This article summarises the key findings,with a fullreport available on request.Fieldwork has long been recognized as playing a central rolein GEES subjects (Kent