ACF Expedition Supervisor Checklist

Expedition details

Expedition / location Date & time Supervisor name Cadet team(s) Staff present Weather checked Signature / initials

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1. Cadet readiness

All cadets present and accounted for. Cadets are fit and well enough to start. Medical issues reviewed with relevant staff. Medication checked, labelled, and carried correctly. Emergency contact details available. Cadets briefed on expedition aim, route and boundaries, timings, checkpoints, emergency procedures, lost procedure, road safety, Countryside Code, behaviour expectations, no separation from team, mobile phone policy, and what to do if approached by the public. Team roles allocated: navigator, timekeeper, first aider, equipment lead, food/cooking lead, team leader. Section notes / initials

2. Route and navigation

Correct maps issued. Compass issued and checked. Route cards match the approved route. Escape routes identified. Hazard points identified: road crossings, water crossings, steep ground, remote areas, livestock areas, poor mobile signal areas. Checkpoint grid references confirmed. Supervisor/staff copies of route cards held. Teams understand pacing/timing expectations. Teams know their latest arrival/cut-off times. Night navigation plan confirmed if applicable. Section notes / initials

3. Personal kit check

Suitable rucksack. Waterproof jacket. Waterproof trousers. Warm layer/fleece. Spare socks. Hat and gloves, season dependent. Sun hat/sun cream, season dependent. Suitable walking boots/shoes. Water bottle/hydration system. Food for the day. Emergency food. Personal first aid items/blister kit. Whistle. Torch/headtorch with spare batteries. Sleeping bag, if overnight. Sleeping mat, if overnight. Wash kit/personal hygiene items. Any required medication. Notebook/pencil, if required for expedition aim. Mobile phone, if permitted, protected from weather. No prohibited/unnecessary items. Section notes / initials

4. Team/group equipment

Tent/basha/tarp checked and complete. Stove checked. Fuel correct and safely carried. Cooking pots/eating equipment. Matches/lighter/fire steel, waterproofed. Group first aid kit. Emergency shelter/group shelter. Repair kit. Spare map/route card. Waste bags. Water purification method if required. Trowel/toilet kit if wild camping. Hi-vis/road crossing aids if required. Emergency contact card. Section notes / initials

5. Food, water and cooking

Meal plan checked. Sufficient food for duration plus emergency reserve. Cadets know how to use stoves safely. Cooking area rules briefed. Fuel quantities checked. Water sources identified. Minimum water carried confirmed. Refill points confirmed. Food allergies/intolerances checked. Rubbish plan briefed: carry out all waste. Section notes / initials

6. Communications

Supervisor has all team mobile numbers, if used. Cadets have supervisor/emergency contact number. Radios issued and tested, if used. Radio channels/call signs confirmed. Mobile signal limitations considered. Check-in schedule confirmed. Missed check-in procedure confirmed. Emergency services access points identified. County/Area duty contact informed as required. Parents/guardians have correct contact procedure — not direct to cadets unless authorised. Section notes / initials

7. Staff and supervision

Staff briefing completed. Staff know their locations/checkpoints. Staff have route cards/maps. Staff have emergency action plan. Staff have cadet medical/consent information as appropriate. Staff transport positioned correctly. Staff understand intervention rules. Staff understand DofE supervision requirements if applicable. Staff know when to withdraw a team/cadet. Staff have suitable clothing, food, water, and comms. Section notes / initials

8. Safety and emergency procedures

First aid kit checked. First aider identified to cadets and staff. Nearest hospital/minor injuries unit identified. Emergency RV points identified. Evacuation routes confirmed. Incident reporting process understood. Dynamic risk assessment process understood. Weather deterioration plan confirmed. Heat/cold injury precautions briefed. Water safety brief completed if near rivers/lakes/coast. Road crossing procedure briefed. Livestock/dogs/farm machinery procedure briefed. Lost team procedure briefed. Missing cadet procedure briefed. Section notes / initials

9. Environmental and conduct checks

Countryside Code briefed. Leave No Trace principles briefed. Noise discipline at campsite briefed. Respect for public/landowners briefed. Gates, stiles and paths briefed. Wildlife/livestock protection briefed. Toilet arrangements briefed. Waste/rubbish plan briefed. Cadets reminded they represent the ACF. Section notes / initials

10. Final start-line checks

Weather rechecked. Route still suitable. All cadets present. All teams have correct kit. All teams have map, compass and route card. All teams have emergency contact details. All medication accounted for. Water bottles filled. Boots/clothing suitable. Rucksacks adjusted and safe to carry. Start time recorded. Expected checkpoint/finish times recorded. Supervisor gives final safety brief. Teams released at planned intervals. Section notes / initials

11. Supervisor’s Final Declaration

I am satisfied a Dynamic Risk Assessment (DRA) has been conducted. I am satisfied the Risk Assessment is in place. Section notes / initials

Final comments

Final Decision

Complete this only after all pre-departure checks have been reviewed.

Final decision