This year at Christmas, it’s important to stop and reflect on the year that has past. With such a tumultuous year across the world in which we have seen so many dynamic geo-political risks playing out which have impacted so many peoples lives it can often be an overwhelming feeling that things will not improve.
 
It’s often this time of the year that sparks quite polarised feelings about life that we’re either really happy with, or that worry us intensely. Add to the global security issues there is also the constant bombardment of media, movies and ads showing happy families at Christmas all getting along well, laughing and enjoying their time together can either bring a sense of joy and happiness, or dread and resentment.
 
It’s tough that this time of the year can be the hardest for many people. However, if this is the case, then what are you going to do about it? It’s all well and good to feel sorry for ourselves, but rather than focus on what’s wrong in the world, this is a great opportunity and time to review what’s really important in life and make some positive changes to build on that. 
 
I think it’s more important than every to think broadly and look at what will really make a difference in your life and the lives of those around you.
 
One place to start is to give back to the community with no expectations. The gift we can give someone through actions of kindness, compassion and generosity can make a huge difference in their lives and what better time to start than now. Join a service club. If you’re under 60, you will dramatically lower the average age of those involved.
 
‘I have no time’ I hear you sigh. Why is that? What’s the root cause of your lack of time? What can you do to make your time more efficient and effective? For starters, start saying no to lots of things which don’t matter. Our lives can become so consumed by pointless noise. If we filter out that noise and stop doing things which really aren’t that important, then the amount of time we have to do important things which are fulfilling dramatically increases. 
 
What’s important to you? How can you focus on that over the next week, month and year? How can you help others? Most importantly, how can you live a wonderful, meaningful and fulfilling life? At Christmas, forget the noise of marketing, of fads and what the world tells you you should be doing for the new year. Instead spend some time focussing on what’s really important in your life and how you can focus on that to ensure every year, despite its challenges, will be a wonderful and fulfilling one for you and your family. Merry Christmas.

In the world of school trips, effective leadership and commitment to safety are essential. It’s the role of school leadership to set the tone for a culture of risk awareness and proactive planning. By fostering a robust safety culture and providing adequate training, school leaders ensure that every excursion, from a local museum visit to an outdoor adventure, is both enriching and safe. This post will explore how leadership and the ISO 31031 Risk Management Standard can elevate school trip safety and how a lack of leadership can have severe consequences.
 
The Role of Leadership in School Trip Safety
 
Leadership is critical in embedding safety and risk management into school excursions. Strong leadership goes beyond giving approval for trips—it involves setting clear safety expectations, allocating necessary resources, and ensuring that all staff have the training needed to manage risks effectively.
 

1. Setting the Tone at the Top
   School leaders must demonstrate a commitment to safety by embedding risk management into the school’s operational practices. This starts by adhering to internationally recognized frameworks like ISO 31031, the risk management standard specifically tailored for managing risks during travel. By adopting this standard, schools ensure they follow best practices in assessing and mitigating potential hazards on trips. Leaders must promote these practices, showing that safety isn’t an afterthought but a priority.

 

1. Creating a Risk-Aware Culture
   A risk-aware culture begins with open communication. School leaders should encourage regular discussions about potential risks during trip planning and emphasize the importance of thorough risk assessments. Teachers should be empowered to voice concerns, share insights, and collaborate on safety measures without fear of pushback. This proactive culture ensures that all staff take ownership of safety responsibilities.

 

1. Allocating Resources for Safety
   Commitment to safety also requires resource allocation. School leaders must ensure teachers have the tools they need, from risk management training based on ISO 31031 standards to essential safety gear for excursions. Investing in ongoing training for staff ensures they can confidently assess and respond to risks. This preparation makes a significant difference when unexpected situations arise on trips.

 
An Example of Failed Leadership in School Trip Risk Management
 
Consider a scenario where a school’s leadership fails to prioritize risk management. In one instance, a school organised an outdoor adventure camp but neglected to provide adequate risk management training to teachers and supervisors. Despite warnings about changing weather conditions, no clear contingency plan was in place. The leaders also ignored staff concerns about the readiness of students for a challenging hike. As a result, the group encountered severe weather, leading to several injuries and a disorganized response from staff.
 
This failure highlights the direct impact leadership has on safety. Without clear direction, proper training, and resources, staff are left unprepared to handle risks, endangering the well-being of students.
 
Effective leadership in school trip risk management starts with a commitment to safety from the top. By adopting best practices, such as the ISO 31031 Risk Management Standard, and ensuring staff are equipped with the knowledge and resources they need, school leaders foster a culture of risk awareness. This commitment helps prevent accidents and ensures that every trip is not only educational but also safe.

As I lay back snuggled in my sleeping bag, the pitter-patter of rain dances on the tent’s surface, a reminder of the day we’ve had. We’ve just finished a full day of canoeing on Lake Yarrunga with our Year 9 boys. Half the day we paddled through the rain, the other half gliding across calm, glassy water. Despite the challenges, the boys are now asleep by 8 PM, and I’m reflecting on how smoothly the day went, thanks to our careful preparation.
I knew the rain was coming, and it didn’t catch me by surprise. But where do you draw the line when conditions become concerning? For some excursions, such as a visit to a museum or gallery, the weather might not be a significant factor. But for outdoor adventures, where conditions can change rapidly, having a robust risk assessment process in place is crucial.
 
In today’s post, I’m going to break down the essential elements of school excursion risk assessments and risk management training for teachers, so you can feel confident and prepared when planning your next trip.
 
Why School Excursion Risk Assessments Matter
Risk assessments are more than just a box-ticking exercise; they are essential for ensuring student safety and the success of any school excursion. A well-prepared risk assessment considers the location, activities, participants, and potential hazards, allowing you to make informed decisions about how to mitigate risks.
For example, on today’s canoeing trip, we knew rain was on the forecast. It wasn’t severe enough to call off the excursion, but it required thoughtful contingency planning. Heavy rain in a large catchment area can lead to dangerous conditions like rising water levels, which is why we had plans in place for any worst-case scenarios, from adjusting our route to evacuation if necessary.
 
Risk Management Training for Teachers: The Key to Confident Decision-Making
 
Effective risk management training empowers teachers to make informed decisions, even in challenging circumstances. Weather is just one factor among many that can impact the safety of a trip. During training, teachers learn how to assess risks, develop contingency plans, and handle unexpected situations.
For instance, being proactive about the weather is a key part of risk management. Checking the forecast regularly, as I did in the lead-up to this trip, helps you adapt your plans before setting off. It’s far better to reschedule or modify an excursion in anticipation of bad weather than to deal with a crisis mid-trip. In my experience, even a two-minute weather check can prevent hours—or even months—of stress and potential consequences.
Training also equips teachers with the knowledge to handle the pressures that can arise from other stakeholders. I’ve been in situations where I’ve assessed conditions and deemed them too unsafe to proceed, only to be overruled by a superior. The outcome of that trip? Let’s just say it didn’t go well, but it’s a story for another time. The key takeaway is that having the right risk management training enables you to advocate for safety confidently and make the right call, even when it’s difficult.
 
Proactive Risk Management: Weather as a Case Study
 
Weather is a prime example of how proactive risk management can prevent problems. Checking the forecast is an easy but often overlooked step in planning a safe trip. This doesn’t mean avoiding outdoor excursions in less-than-perfect conditions, bad weather can offer valuable learning experiences for students. Some of my best excursions have been in the rain or cold, where students had to learn resilience, adaptability, and the importance of proper preparation.
 
However, the difference between a learning experience and a dangerous situation comes down to your planning and ability to assess the risk. Understanding the line between discomfort and danger is crucial. On our trip today, the boys got wet, but they learned how to canoe, set up camp, and cook in the rain—all valuable lessons. Had the weather been more severe, we had a plan to adjust or evacuate, ensuring their safety came first.
 
Creating a Culture of Safety Through Effective Risk Management
 
Risk management isn't about avoiding discomfort; it's about preventing harm and enabling students to have enriching experiences while minimizing unnecessary risks. Incorporating risk management into your school culture ensures that every trip is thoughtfully planned, with safety at the forefront.
 
Here are some practical steps to build a strong risk management culture in your school:

1. Routine Weather Checks: Make checking the weather part of your standard operating procedure for every excursion—whether indoor or outdoor. It’s a simple step that can save significant trouble.
2. Comprehensive Risk Assessments: Assess every aspect of the excursion, from transportation and supervision ratios to medical emergencies and environmental conditions. Customize the risk assessment to the specific activities and location.
3. Collaborative Planning: Involve all staff and key stakeholders in the planning process. This ensures that everyone understands the risks and contingency plans.
4. Ongoing Training for Staff: Provide regular risk management training to all teachers and supervisors to equip them with the skills they need to make informed decisions.
5. Contingency Plans: Develop clear, adaptable contingency plans for potential scenarios, from bad weather to injuries, ensuring that every team member knows their role in executing the plan.

 
As I settle into my sleeping bag, with the rain still softly falling on my tent, I know the preparation and planning that went into this trip have made all the difference. The boys are safe, the day was a success, and I’m ready to drift off to sleep, knowing that tomorrow will bring new challenges and learning opportunities.
 
When it comes to school excursion risk management, the key is preparation, adaptability, and informed decision-making. By building a strong culture of safety and providing teachers with the right training, we can ensure that every excursion is both a learning adventure and a safe one. So next time you're planning a trip, remember: a little preparation goes a long way, and sometimes, the best learning experiences happen in the rain.

Organizing school trips is a rewarding but complex task that requires meticulous planning, especially when it comes to student safety. One of the most effective ways to ensure safe and successful school excursions is by integrating robust risk management strategies throughout every phase of the trip, from initial planning to post-trip evaluation. By aligning these efforts with the ISO 31031 standard for travel risk management, schools can create a safer environment for both students and staff.
 
Understanding ISO 31031 for School Trips
 
ISO 31031 provides comprehensive guidelines for managing travel-related risks. It emphasizes a proactive approach, urging organizations to incorporate risk management into their trip planning and delivery processes. For schools, this means training staff to identify potential hazards, mitigate risks, and implement effective safety protocols before, during, and after a trip.
 
1. Pre-Trip Risk Assessments: Setting the Foundation for Safety
 
The first step in integrating risk management is conducting thorough pre-trip risk assessments. These assessments should cover a variety of factors, including:

• Destination safety: Assessing the political, environmental, and health risks of the destination.
• Transportation risks: Ensuring that transportation options are safe and reliable.
• Activity risks: Evaluating potential hazards associated with planned activities, such as hiking or swimming.
• Medical needs: Identifying any students or staff with special medical conditions or needs.

Staff training should emphasize the importance of these assessments and provide clear guidelines on how to evaluate risks and create contingency plans.
 
2. On-Site Safety Protocols: Mitigating Risks in Real-Time
 
Once the trip is underway, it is critical to follow on-site safety protocols to manage risks in real-time. These include:

• Supervision and communication: Ensuring staff-to-student ratios meet safety standards and maintaining open communication lines among staff and emergency contacts.
• Emergency response: Having a clear, practiced plan for emergencies such as accidents, natural disasters, or illnesses.
• Regular check-ins: Conducting headcounts and regular check-ins with students to ensure everyone’s safety throughout the trip.

Risk management training should equip staff with the skills to implement these protocols effectively, making them capable of responding to unforeseen incidents swiftly and safely.
 
3. Post-Trip Evaluations: Learning for Continuous Improvement
 
Post-trip evaluations are often overlooked but are essential for improving future excursions. After each trip, staff should review what went well and where improvements can be made. 
 
This could include:

• Incident reports: Documenting any safety concerns or incidents that occurred during the trip.
• Feedback from students and staff: Gathering insights on safety practices and areas for improvement.
• Updating risk management plans: Revisiting risk assessments and protocols based on what was learned.

 
By incorporating these evaluations, schools can adopt a mindset of continuous improvement, ensuring that each trip builds on the lessons of the previous one.
​ 
By adhering to the ISO 31030 risk management framework, schools can standardize their approach to managing risks across all trips. This not only enhances safety but also fosters a culture of responsibility and preparedness among staff. Schools that invest in comprehensive risk management training for their staff are better equipped to prevent incidents and handle emergencies when they arise.
 
Integrating risk management into trip planning and delivery is essential for the safety and success of school excursions. Through pre-trip risk assessments, strict on-site safety protocols, and insightful post-trip evaluations, schools can create a robust safety framework, aligning with international standards like ISO 31030. This proactive approach to risk management will ensure that every school trip is a safe and rewarding experience for students and staff alike.

When planning school excursions, safety should never be an afterthought. A key element of any risk management strategy is having a designated safety officer who is competent, experienced, and ready to respond in any situation. The ISO 31031 risk management standard emphasizes the importance of this role, ensuring that schools can provide the necessary backup for field operations and manage emergencies effectively. However, appointing the right person for the job is crucial. This isn’t a passive, administrative role, but a critical position that could be the difference between a smooth response and a chaotic disaster.
 
Why a Competent Safety Officer is Essential
 
A safety officer’s responsibility goes far beyond simply being on standby. They must be alert, informed, and prepared to handle emergencies, from minor incidents to critical situations. Accidents can happen anytime, anywhere, and without warning. Therefore, the safety officer must have the experience and training necessary to respond swiftly and manage the situation effectively.
 
Unfortunately, not all organizations take this role seriously. Some view it as an “easy day in the office,” appointing inexperienced staff who treat it as a chance to catch up on admin. This attitude can lead to disaster when something goes wrong, as I’ve seen firsthand.
 
The Dangers of an Unprepared Safety Officer
 
One weekend at a residential outdoor education campus, we had 60 students out in the field. The designated safety officer was part of the admin staff with little experience in field operations. He treated the day as an easy shift, wandering around campus and talking about how he couldn’t wait to go home.
 
At around 3 pm, a call came in. A student had been bitten by a snake. Instead of springing into action, the safety officer panicked. There was confusion, scrambling for maps, and a general lack of preparedness. What should have been a straightforward evacuation turned into a five-hour ordeal. The boy, who thankfully was not poisoned, finally arrived at the hospital well after 8 pm, simply due to the officer’s lack of mental readiness and practical knowledge.
 
This wasn’t just an issue of slow response; it was a failure of risk management. If the situation had been more serious, the outcome could have been catastrophic. This example highlights the importance of having the right person in the safety officer role, someone who can handle emergencies calmly and efficiently.
 
The Role of ISO 31031 in School Trip Safety
 
ISO 31031 provides schools with a structured approach to risk management, emphasizing the importance of contingency planning and preparedness. This standard ensures that schools have the right systems in place to manage safety on excursions. However, having a plan isn’t enough—you need the right people to execute it.
Staff involved in safety management must be thoroughly trained, experienced, and mentally prepared to shift into response mode when required. A safety officer who is merely “on-call” or underestimates the potential for incidents is a liability. Schools must invest in proper risk management training for their staff, ensuring that safety officers are fully prepared to act when needed.
 
Key Responsibilities of the Safety Officer
 
A competent safety officer:
 

• Monitors the situation: They track the group’s location, assess potential risks like weather changes, and remain informed about any issues that arise during the trip.
• Manages communications: They are the hub for all trip-related contact, ensuring that communication is clear, timely, and accurately logged.
• Responds to emergencies: When something goes wrong, the safety officer must respond quickly, coordinating evacuations or medical support as necessary.

 
This is not a role for someone without field experience or a lackadaisical attitude. The safety officer must be the most capable person available and who is someone who can adapt to chaotic situations and make informed decisions under pressure.
 
School trips require careful planning and risk management. Appointing the right safety officer is a critical part of that process. With ISO 31031, schools can develop comprehensive risk management strategies, but these strategies need capable staff to execute them. Don’t leave safety to chance or assign inexperienced staff to handle emergencies.
 
Having the right person in the safety officer role ensures that, when something goes wrong, it is contained and managed swiftly. It’s not about luck, it’s about good planning, proper training, and preparedness. In the end, the difference between a smooth response and a potential crisis lies in having the right people in the right place at the right time.

School trips are invaluable learning experiences, but they also come with a range of risks that need to be carefully managed. Developing a comprehensive risk profile is essential to ensure the safety of students and staff while maintaining the educational value of the excursion. The ISO 31031 risk management standard provides a framework to guide schools in identifying and addressing potential hazards, from minor injuries to major emergencies. With proper risk management training for staff, schools can effectively mitigate risks and ensure that every trip is safe, well-planned, and aligned with organizational objectives.
 
Creating a Risk Profile for School Trips
 
A risk profile outlines the potential risks associated with a school trip and serves as the foundation for risk management planning. By understanding the specific risks a trip may pose, schools can create effective strategies to mitigate them. This process involves identifying various types of risks, including health and safety risks, financial risks, reputational risks, and those related to student well-being. Here’s how each category plays into building a strong risk profile.
 
Health and Safety Risks
 
The most immediate concern for any school trip is the health and safety of the students and staff. Potential risks could range from minor injuries, such as slips and falls, to more serious emergencies, like severe weather conditions, accidents, or health crises. Schools need to assess the activities planned, the environment, and the capabilities of the participants to identify potential hazards. ISO 31031 helps schools standardize their risk assessment process, ensuring that all aspects of health and safety are considered, and that staff are trained to handle emergencies.
 
Student Well-Being
 
Beyond physical safety, student well-being is a critical component of the risk profile. This includes addressing emotional, psychological, and social risks that students might face during the trip. Homesickness, anxiety, and bullying are potential risks that can affect students’ overall experience. Schools should assess the mental and emotional preparedness of students and ensure that staff are trained to support students in managing these challenges.
 
Financial Risks
 
Financial risks are another important factor to consider when planning school trips. These could include unexpected costs due to cancellations, changes in travel plans, or medical emergencies requiring additional resources. Having adequate insurance coverage and contingency funds is crucial. Schools must evaluate the financial feasibility of the trip and ensure that it aligns with their budget, while maintaining a safety-first approach. Proper training ensures that staff can manage financial risks, avoiding unnecessary costs without compromising student safety.
 
Reputational Risks
 
A poorly planned or mismanaged school trip can lead to reputational damage for the school. Whether it’s due to a safety incident or logistical failures, the consequences of bad press can harm the school’s standing within the community. Schools must ensure that every trip upholds the highest standards of safety and organization, mitigating reputational risks. ISO 31031 provides the framework to help schools manage these risks by ensuring that every aspect of the trip is well-organized and in compliance with safety regulations.
 
The Role of ISO 31031 in Building a Risk Profile
 
ISO 31031 is an essential tool for building a risk profile that covers all potential hazards related to school trips. It encourages schools to take a systematic approach to risk management, providing clear guidelines for assessing and mitigating risks. Risk management training for staff based on ISO 31031 ensures that everyone involved is prepared to handle any situation that may arise, protecting students and reducing the likelihood of incidents.
Building a comprehensive risk profile is critical for ensuring the safety and success of school trips. By identifying health and safety risks, financial risks, reputational risks, and student well-being, schools can create effective risk management plans. Using the ISO 31031 framework and providing staff with proper risk management training ensures that every trip is well-prepared, safe, and aligned with the school’s objectives.

​School trips provide valuable opportunities for experiential learning, but they must align with broader organizational objectives to ensure their success. Aligning school travel with educational goals, financial considerations, and risk management criteria is essential for maintaining the safety and integrity of the excursion. The ISO 31031 risk management standard offers a comprehensive framework that helps schools balance these factors while minimizing risks. Proper risk management training for staff is key to this process, ensuring that every trip is both educationally rewarding and operationally sound.
 
How School Trips Fit into Broader Organizational Objectives
 
School trips should serve a clear purpose beyond just providing students with a fun day out. These excursions are a tool for achieving specific educational outcomes, whether they involve STEM learning, cultural immersion, or outdoor skills development. To ensure this, trips must align with the school’s broader educational objectives and policies. Every trip should be assessed to see how it contributes to student growth, aligns with curriculum goals, and enhances the overall learning experience.
 
In addition to educational goals, financial objectives must be considered. Schools must evaluate the cost of trips relative to their educational value and ensure that excursions are financially viable. This includes considering the cost of transportation, accommodations, insurance, and staffing, while ensuring that safety remains the top priority.
 
Risk Tolerance and Compliance with Policies
 
Every school has its own level of risk tolerance, and it’s important that school trips operate within these boundaries. ISO 31031 helps schools evaluate their risk tolerance and create safety protocols that align with their overall risk management criteria. This includes understanding the acceptable level of risk for certain activities and locations and ensuring that staff are trained to manage those risks effectively.
Schools must also comply with school board policies, local regulations, and legal requirements. This might involve obtaining parental consent, ensuring adequate insurance coverage, and following child safety protocols. Risk management training ensures that staff are familiar with these policies and can plan trips that adhere to these guidelines while meeting educational and safety objectives.
 
The Role of ISO 31031 in Risk Management Training
 
ISO 31031 provides a structured framework for managing the risks associated with school travel. This includes identifying potential risks, such as transportation safety, health hazards, and environmental conditions, and developing contingency plans to address them. Staff must be trained to understand the risks inherent in each trip and be equipped to make informed decisions.
 
By aligning risk management training with ISO 31031, schools ensure that staff are capable of evaluating the risks involved in school trips and implementing appropriate safety measures. This not only protects students and staff but also ensures that the trip supports the school’s broader organizational goals.
 
School trips should align with educational, financial, and risk management objectives to provide a safe and rewarding experience for students. By using the ISO 31031 framework and investing in risk management training for staff, schools can ensure that their excursions are both compliant with policies and effective in achieving their educational goals. This alignment creates a balanced approach to school travel that meets organizational objectives while keeping students safe.

​When planning school excursions, whether they involve outdoor expeditions or sports trips, safety should always be a top priority. One key element that often gets overlooked is the role of a dedicated safety backup officer. This person’s sole responsibility is to monitor, support, and respond to any incidents that may arise during the trip. Without a properly trained safety officer, schools increase the risk of harm to students and staff. The ISO 31031 risk management standard helps schools implement these safety roles, ensuring proper planning, communication, and emergency response capabilities.
 
Why Schools Need a Dedicated Safety Backup Officer
 
No matter how well you plan a trip, unexpected incidents can still happen. Be it vehicle breakdowns, medical emergencies, or sudden weather changes, something can always go wrong. If all of your staff on the ground are tied up running the trip, their ability to respond to an emergency is severely limited. This is why it’s critical to have someone whose only job is to be on standby, ready to step in if things don’t go as planned.
 
At one school I worked at, we had an effective system in place where all staff were trained in emergency and crisis response. Our safety backup officer rotated in and out of the safety position, ensuring they were familiar with the local area and current operations. This meant that if something went wrong, they could respond immediately and appropriately, knowing exactly what needed to be done.
 
Key Responsibilities of the Safety Backup Officer
 
The safety officer plays a central role in ensuring smooth communication and safety management throughout the excursion. Some of their critical responsibilities include:
 

• Monitoring group locations and progress: The safety officer is the hub for all communications between the trip leaders and the school. They track the group’s location and are aware of any specific needs or concerns.
• Maintaining communication logs: All contact with the group is documented to ensure there is a complete record of the excursion’s communication, allowing for efficient coordination.
• Emergency readiness: While much of their time may be spent in the office, monitoring conditions, the safety officer is always prepared to respond swiftly. They have vehicles, communication devices, and the necessary equipment ready to deploy at a moment’s notice.

 
In many cases, the safety officer’s day is quiet—checking weather reports, fire danger ratings, and logging communication updates. But when something does go wrong, the difference in having someone fully prepared and equipped to act quickly can significantly impact the outcome of an emergency.
 
Why the On-Ground Team Can’t Handle It All
 
Some schools mistakenly believe that teachers and staff on the ground can handle any issues that arise. In reality, this approach is not only inefficient but also dangerous. I’ve worked at a school where the safety officer was “on-call” and 2.5 hours away—hardly an ideal setup in the event of an emergency. Having a dedicated safety officer on-site, or at least nearby, ensures that incidents are addressed quickly and effectively, reducing the risk of harm to students and staff.
 
ISO 31031 emphasizes the importance of contingency planning and resource allocation. By limiting your ability to manage crises with insufficient backup resources, you increase the likelihood of serious incidents. The safety officer needs to be on the ground, monitoring real-time conditions like weather changes, potential environmental hazards (such as bushfires or floods), and other operational risks.
 
How ISO 31031 Supports Risk Management Training
 
The ISO 31031 standard provides schools with a structured framework to train staff in risk management and emergency response. Teachers and trip coordinators need to understand their role in managing both routine operations and unexpected crises. Having a safety officer who is trained in these principles ensures that school excursions are not left vulnerable to mishaps.
 
This role is not a “quiet day” job for inexperienced staff members. It requires some of your most capable personnel, as their ability to respond effectively can make all the difference in containing and mitigating the situation. Whether they’re coordinating a hospital trip for an injured student or ensuring weather warnings are communicated to the group, their role is vital to the trip’s success.
 
The role of the safety backup officer in school excursions is indispensable. With proper training and a well-structured risk management plan, schools can ensure that emergencies are handled efficiently, and the safety of students and staff is maintained. Implementing ISO 31031 into your school’s excursion planning process not only provides a solid risk management foundation but also ensures your safety team is prepared for any situation. Don’t leave your staff and students at risk. Ensure there’s always a trained, capable safety officer ready to respond.

Planning a successful and safe school trip involves more than just organizing transportation and activities, it requires the active engagement of all relevant stakeholders. Proper stakeholder involvement is crucial to managing risks and ensuring a smooth experience for students. The ISO 31031 risk management standard for travel helps schools establish effective communication and planning strategies to minimize risk, making stakeholder engagement an essential component of any school trip.
 
The Importance of Engaging Stakeholders in School Trips
 
School trips are complex operations that involve multiple parties, from parents to travel providers. Each stakeholder plays a critical role in the safety and success of the excursion. Engaging these stakeholders from the outset, with a clear understanding of their roles, ensures that risks are properly identified and managed. Without the full participation of all parties, key details may be overlooked, leading to preventable issues that could put students in danger.
 
ISO 31031 provides a structured framework to help schools define each stakeholder’s responsibilities and create an integrated risk management plan. By involving all relevant parties, schools can address potential hazards and create contingency plans to deal with unforeseen circumstances.
 
Key Stakeholders and Their Roles
 

1. Parents: Parents need to be well-informed about the trip's itinerary, potential risks, and safety precautions. Effective communication ensures parents are aware of what their children will be doing and how the school is addressing safety concerns. Engaging parents early builds trust and allows them to provide input that might enhance the risk management process, especially for students with specific needs.
2. Students: While students are the primary participants, they also play a role in risk management. Engaging students through briefings about expected behaviors, safety protocols, and emergency procedures empowers them to act responsibly during the trip. This helps reduce risks and ensures students understand their part in maintaining a safe environment.
3. School Administration: The school administration is responsible for ensuring that all legal and procedural requirements are met, including risk assessments, insurance coverage, and staff training. Administrators should oversee the entire planning process and ensure that all stakeholders are involved, using ISO 31031 to establish a risk management system that aligns with school policies and local regulations.
4. Travel Providers: Whether it’s transportation or accommodation, travel providers must be vetted and involved in the risk management process. Schools should communicate with providers to ensure that they meet safety standards and have appropriate measures in place for emergencies. ISO 31031 emphasizes the importance of vetting external service providers to ensure they understand and adhere to the school’s safety expectations.
5. Insurance Companies: Insurance is a crucial component of risk management for school trips. Engaging with insurance companies early in the planning process helps ensure that the trip has adequate coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other risks. Schools must confirm that their insurance policy aligns with the specific nature of the trip, and ISO 31031 can guide this risk assessment.

 
Communication and Engagement Strategies
 
Clear and consistent communication is the foundation of effective stakeholder engagement. ISO 31031 recommends developing a comprehensive stakeholder engagement plan that outlines communication strategies for each group. Schools should:

• Hold regular meetings with parents, students, and staff to review the trip plan and discuss any concerns.
• Establish a clear line of communication with travel providers and other external parties, ensuring everyone is aligned on safety protocols.
• Use multiple channels—such as emails, in-person briefings, and written guides—to ensure all stakeholders receive the necessary information.

 
Developing a Stakeholder Engagement Plan
 
A well-structured stakeholder engagement plan is vital for ensuring every party is informed and prepared. This plan should detail:

• How stakeholders will be identified and involved in the planning process.
• The methods and frequency of communication.
• Contingency plans in case of emergencies, ensuring that stakeholders know their roles and responsibilities.

 
Identifying and engaging stakeholders is a critical aspect of school trip planning, and ISO 31031 provides the tools to do it effectively. By involving parents, students, school administration, travel providers, and insurance companies in the risk management process, schools can reduce risks and ensure that everyone is prepared for a safe and successful trip. Engaging stakeholders early and often ensures that no detail is overlooked, making for a well-coordinated and secure experience for students.

School excursions offer students invaluable learning experiences outside the classroom, but they also come with inherent risks. When teachers and staff are unprepared to assess or manage these risks, the danger increases significantly. ISO 31031, the international standard for travel school risk management, helps schools implement structured, effective systems to ensure student safety on excursions. Proper risk management training for teachers is essential to prevent accidents and ensure trips run smoothly.
 
Many Risks Stem from Lack of Training
 
A major issue in school excursions arises when teachers are expected to plan and mitigate risks for activities they are unfamiliar with. Without the proper training and experience, teachers may not understand the specific hazards of a location or activity. This lack of understanding can lead to poor decision-making, which puts students in unnecessary danger.
Imagine an inexperienced driver behind the wheel without any supervision, it's a disaster waiting to happen. Yet, many schools unknowingly allow teachers to take students on excursions without equipping them with the necessary knowledge of risk management. The problem isn't always the inherent risks of the trip but the lack of experience in recognizing and addressing them. Relying on guesswork or luck is never a reliable way to manage risk, and the consequences can be severe if things go wrong.
 
The Consequences of Untrained Risk Management
 
Consider this scenario: a group of teachers takes students on a multi-day canoe expedition in Kangaroo Valley. They have no maps, no communications devices, and no backup plan. 
 
During the trip, one teacher saw a snake, which led them to avoid hiking and choose canoeing instead, believing it to be a safer option. Unfortunately, without proper risk assessment, they failed to consider the actual dangers of the river itself, including strong currents and the presence of wildlife like snakes in the water (yes we came across a group and this all actually happened).
 
This lack of preparedness reflects a common problem in school trips. With no trained canoe instructors or proper planning in place, the group was relying entirely on luck for the trip to go well. This kind of risk management is highly irresponsible, and the consequences could have been disastrous.
 
ISO 31031: A Framework for Safe School Excursions
 
The key to preventing situations like this is ensuring that all teachers leading excursions are trained in risk management. ISO 31031 provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating the risks involved in travel and outdoor activities, helping schools develop contingency plans for emergencies and mitigate both operational and inherent risks.
 
By using the ISO 31031 framework, schools can ensure that teachers are equipped to handle risks specific to the excursion whether it's evaluating the safety of a campsite, planning for sudden weather changes, or managing the dangers of wildlife encounters. Teachers who are trained in general and program-specific risk management are far more capable of making informed decisions that keep students safe.
 
Why Teacher Training is Essential
 
Schools don’t allow untrained teachers in the classroom, so why let untrained staff lead excursions? Every teacher involved in an off-campus trip should understand how to identify risks and implement effective mitigation strategies. From transportation safety to handling large groups in unfamiliar environments, teachers need to be trained and experienced in managing the full scope of risks that arise during excursions.
Proper training ensures that teachers are not only prepared for routine issues but are also equipped to respond effectively to unexpected situations. This reduces the chance of accidents and makes for a smoother, more enjoyable trip for everyone involved.

The risk of sending untrained staff on school excursions is simply too great. By incorporating risk management training and adopting the ISO 31031 standard, schools can ensure their excursions are safe, well-planned, and educational. If you’re unsure of the risks involved or feel unprepared, now is the time to seek training. Knowledge is the best tool to prevent accidents and run exceptional school excursions that provide enriching experiences for students while keeping them safe.