Policies

• Booking in advance is essential, full payment is taken upon booking. Included privately guided walks. Your booking is only confirmed once you have received a confirmation email from us.

• If you wish to cancel within 14 days of the booked walk, no refund will be given. You can, however, request to book onto a different walk at the same price. Email us directly to cancel.

• If you wish to cancel within 48 hours no refund will be given and no way to transfer the booking will be available. Email us directly to cancel.

• If you wish to change your walk and transfer to another one then you can do this up to 48 hours before the date of your booked walk and only to a walk of the same price.  This depends on availability. Email us directly to change dates.

• We walk in all conditions, only when the weather is dangerous do we have to cancel. If we do need to cancel then a full refund is given or you can rebook onto another walk of the same or higher price. We are not liable for any extra costs or expenses incurred. 

• We have the right to cancel a walk due to dangerous weather conditions e.g. flooding, electrical storms, extreme heat etc. We do not offer a refund if you decide to cancel because of the weather and the walk still goes ahead.

• We have the right to deny or refuse a person or booking if we find them to be dangerous to our walk. Anyone who is likely to cause distress, annoyance and damage to themselves or others will be refused. Anyone who appears to be drunk or on drugs, has failed to advise us of any medical conditions or disability will be refused. Anyone who has not adhered to our dog policies or who we perceive to not be appropriately prepared with kit or clothing will be refused. No refunds will be given. We are not responsible for any inconvenience caused or costs incurred. 

• Children over the age of 12 are allowed on our walks as long as they have one parent/guardian with each child. Children under the age of 12 can be permitted on a pre arranged private family walk. Children under the age of 18 must be supervised at all times by their parent/guardian and under that parent/guardians full responsibility. This is a legal requirement.

• Dogs are permitted on our walks, please see our dogs policies page for more information.

• At Peak Tors we make every effort to ensure your safety but you must accept that walking in remote upland terrain and even on low level paths is not without risk to personal safety and the safety of others. We strongly recommend that you have adequate insurance cover for personal accident and personal liability. 

• If you have a complaint on the day then please mention it to your walk leader so it can be resolved quickly. If that is not possible then email alex@peaktors.co.uk within 14 days. All matters will be thoroughly investigated. 

Here at Peak Tors we provide guided walks in a variety of places of countryside with a variety of terrain in the Peak District, Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Yorkshire and Wales. Our group walks can be up to 8 hours long whereas our privately guided walks depend on the client wishes. We do not work from a building or premises.

Our walks start from varying locations. Full directions to the meeting point are provided on our website or by email, depending upon the walk chosen. Some of our walks are accessible by public transport with a distance to the starting point. We can provide free lifts from some public transport locations to the start with enough notice. We are happy to help with any information required with regard to specific needs and to discuss with you the most suitable walk for you. We can provide any information in large print if required but we do not have facilities to prepare documents in braille.

Facilities vary depending upon the starting point of the walk. We will be happy to help with detailed information for your selected walk or discuss with you any special requirements.

Our walks are mostly over hill and moorland footpaths or into Open Access Land. The terrain is often uneven, rough, rocky and occasionally muddy or boggy. The majority of our walks involve walking up and down hills, which can sometimes be steep. Most of our routes also involve squeezing through or climbing over stiles. We do not usually pass a public toilet on our walks, and only occasionally are public toilets provided at our start and finish points. Participants need to carry essential items in a rucksack, please see provided kit list online and attached to confirmation email.

We can offer more accessible walks through our Private Guided walks, please do not hesitate to contact us regarding any specific needs that you and others might have.

We do not provide any food, but are happy to suggest local cafés restaurants or shops in the area of your chosen walk. A packed lunch is required on most of our full day walks which you should bring with you. Some of our more relaxed, sociable walks may stop at a café/pub along the way.

We offer guided walks all year round starting at varying times during the day, sometimes these may be undertaken in darkness, e.g. Sunrise or sunset walks.

Feedback

We welcome your feedback to help us continually improve. Please contact us via alex@peaktors.co.uk

1. Introduction

1.1 The Equality Act (2010) protects people against discrimination on the grounds of protected characteristics, of which there are nine:

• Age

• Disability

• Gender reassignment

• Marriage and civil partnership

• Pregnancy and maternity

• Race

• Religion or belief

• Sex

• Sexual orientation

Peak Tors is committed to the protection of all people under the nine characteristics of the Equality Act (2010). 

Peak Tors actively supports and celebrates the diversity of all people. 

2. Purposes of the Statement

2.1  The Statement’s key purpose is to assign the high-level responsibilities for ensuring all people are protected against discrimination in accordance with The Equality Act (2010).  

2.2 More specifically, the Statement actively supports and celebrates the diversity and inclusion of all people wishing to experience outdoor activities. 

2.3 Peak Tors actively seeks to:

• Eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation

• Advance equality of opportunity

• Foster good relations between different parts of the community where it operates

3. Scope

3.1 This Statement will apply to all the Directors/Owners, Support Staff, contractors and clients, and those people they come in contact with. 

4. Definitions

4.1 The Company – Peak Tors

4.2. Directors/Owners – Peak Tors Owner and Directors, Alexandra van Heeswijk

4.3.  Support Staff – Self-employed staff, or volunteers, who support the company’s activities

4.4  Vulnerable individual – an individual shown to be, on some significant level, a risk to themselves or others, if assistance is not provided.

5. Statement of Principles and Procedures

5.1 Peak Tors and Alex van Heeswijk will ensure that the environment it creates is as inclusive, accessible and welcoming for all people.   This will be achieved by:

• Actively promoting a company culture where there is dignity and respect for all, and where people’s diversity is valued.

• Ensuring that Peak Tors culture is free of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination.

• Continually upgrading digital, print and presentation materials to promote diversity in outdoor activities, and specifically in the areas where the company works

• Ensuring verbal and/or visual communication is engaging and considerate to the needs and wishes of a diverse range of audiences

• Identifying any perceived barriers that might limit access to participation in the Company’s activities, working with individuals or groups to ensure access is as inclusive and welcoming.

• Providing a range of activities that are graded with clear descriptions so that individuals and groups who are new to outdoor activities are able to easily select activities suitable for their experience, wishes and aspirations. With phone (and online) contact points available so that queries or concerns can be discussed 

• Providing ‘Accessible’ activities for those people with limited mobility, or require wheelchair or scooter access. If the nature of some activities prevents participation, Peak Tors will seek to offer a reasonable alternative if possible, or signpost other providers who are able to offer appropriate support.

• Ensuring Alex van Heeswijk and Support Staff are welcoming and actively support and celebrate the diversity of all people attending the Company’s activities, assisting additional support or training, where required, to meet the needs of those individuals/groups with specific requirements.

• Seeking to engage Support Staff from a more diverse range of backgrounds, and supporting people and from diverse groups to engage in the Peak Tors outdoor activities.

• Listening to the views of people from diverse and underrepresented groups or organisations, seeking their advice and monitoring changes in best practise, such that the Alex van Heeswijk and Support Staff increase their understanding of people’s needs, wishes and aspirations.

6. Legislative context

6.1 The legislative context for this statement is as follows:  

• The Equality Act (2010)

• The Equal Pay Act 1970

• The Sex Discrimination Act 1975

• The Race Relations Act 1976

• The Disability Discrimination Act 1995

• The Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003

• The Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003

• The Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006

• The Equality Act 2006, Part 2

• The Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2007

1. Scope and purpose

1.1 Peak Tors is committed to safeguarding, promoting and supporting the protection and wellbeing of all children, young people and adults attending all of our group, individual, guided, corporate, navigation courses, mountain training courses and private guiding walks. This policy is intended to outline how Peak Tors safeguard the welfare of those who participate in all events.
1.2 The responsibility for the handling of safeguarding concerns rests with Peak Tors and any employed guide working on behalf of Peak Tors. Peak Tors will implement this policy, identifying possible problems, and disseminating good practice to others connected.
1.3 Peak Tors recognises our responsibility to promote safe practice and to protect children, young people and adults from harm, abuse and exploitation. We embrace difference and diversity and respect the rights of all children, young people and adults.

1.4 This policy recognises that the safety, welfare and interests of children, young people and adults are paramount. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, ability or disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, socio-economic background, all children, young people and adults will access:

• A guided walk or training day in a safe and participant centred environment; and

• Are protected from abuse whilst participating in any of our activities.
  
  
  

2. Safeguarding children and young adults

Although Peak Tors does not work specifically with children without being accompanied by an adult, as we work with families, we have included the following statements here:

2.1 As part of our safeguarding policy for children and young people, Peak Tors will:

• Promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and young people on our family run and other guided walks where children are present with a known adult; and

• Ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of reports of safeguarding concerns and support is provided to the individual/s who raise or disclose the concern.

2.2 On designated walks and courses:

• Peak Tors will follow a process for managing safeguarding concerns;

• Peak Tors will follow a code of conduct for all staff & participants;

• Peak Tors have a commitment to the principles of safe recruitment; and

• Peak Tors will regularly review safeguarding arrangements to reflect current and emerging threats including but not limited to radicalisation, child sexual exploitation, domestic violence, human trafficking. 

2.3 Peak Tors will create a positive environment with children and young adults with relationships based on mutual respect, and gives and receives feedback in a constructive way:

• Peak Tors does not tolerate bullying and harassment;

• Peak Tors respects confidentiality whenever possible when issues are reported

• Peak Tors respects everyone’s dignity equally.

3. Safeguarding adults

Peak Tors is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and positive environment and accepts its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of adults involved in all our guided walks.
3.1 As part of our safeguarding policy for Adults, Peak Tors will:

• Promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of all adults on our guided walks and courses;

• Ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of reports of safeguarding concerns and support; and is provided to the individual/s who raise or disclose the concern.

3.2 On designated walks and courses:

• Peak Tors will follow a process for managing safeguarding concerns;

• Peak Tors will follow a code of conduct for both staff and participants;

• Peak Tors have a commitment to the principles of safer recruitment;

• Peak Tors will regularly review safeguarding arrangements to reflect current and emerging threats including but not limited to radicalisation, child sexual exploitation, domestic violence, human trafficking;

• Peak Tors will create a positive environment where adults have contact with children and young adults with relationships based on mutual respect, and gives and receives feedback in a constructive way;

• Peak Tors does not tolerate bullying and harassment;

• Peak Tors respects confidentiality whenever possible when issues are reported; and

• Peak Tors respects everyone’s dignity equally.

3.3 As well as putting appropriate policies and procedures in place, Peak Tors will create a learning environment which is positive and supportive and which:

• Values inclusivity, appreciates difference, welcomes learning from others, and considers all participants to be equal;

• Builds relationships based on mutual respect, and gives and receives feedback in a constructive way;

• Does not tolerate bullying and harassment;

• Respects confidentiality whenever possible when issues are reported; and

• Respects everyone’s dignity equally.

3.4 Safeguarding Adults in all UK home nations is compliant with United Nations directives on the rights of disabled people and commitments to the rights of older people.  It is covered by:

• The Human Rights Act 1998

• The Data Protection Act 2018

• General Data Protection Regulations 2018

3.5 The practices and procedures within this policy are based on the relevant legislation and government guidance. 

• England – The Care Act 2014
  Care and Support Statutory Guidance (especially chapter 14) 2014

• Wales – Social Services and Well Being Act 2014
  Wales Safeguarding Procedures 2019

• Scotland – Adult Support and Protection Act 2007
  Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 Code of Practice 2014

• Northern Ireland – Adult Safeguarding Prevention and Protection in Partnership 2015

3.6 Many other pieces of UK and home nation legislation also affect adult safeguarding. These include legislation about different forms of abuse and those that govern information sharing. For example, legislation dealing with:

• Murder/attempted murder

• Physical Assault

• Sexual Offences

• Domestic Abuse/Coercive control

• Forced Marriage

• Female Genital Mutilation

• Theft and Fraud

• Modern slavery and Human exploitation

• Hate crime

• Harassment

• Listing and Barring of those unsuitable to work with adults with care and supp

4. Adults at Risk

4.1 Definition of an adult at risk

The England (Care Act 2014) states that an adult at risk is an individual aged 18 years and over who:

• Has needs for care and support (whether or not the local authority (Social Services ) is meeting any of those needs) AND;

• Is experiencing, or at risk of, abuse or neglect, AND;

• As a result of those care and support needs is unable to protect themselves from either the risk of, or the experience of abuse or neglect.

Each home nation also has legislation about the circumstances in which decisions can be made on behalf of an adult who is unable to make decisions for themselves.  As follows:

• England and Wales – Mental Capacity Act 2005

• Scotland – Adults with Incapacity Act 2000

• Mental Capacity (Northern Ireland) 2016 

There are specific offences applying to the mistreatment of and sexual offences against adults who do not have Mental Capacity and specific offences where mistreatment is carried out by a person who is employed as a carer: e.g., wilful neglect and wilful mistreatment

5. Abuse and Neglect

5.1 Abuse is a violation of an individual’s human and civil rights by another person or persons. It can occur in any relationship and may result in significant harm to, or exploitation of, the person subjected to it. Any or all of the following types of abuse may be perpetrated as the result of deliberate intent, negligence, omission or ignorance.

5.2 There are different types and patterns of abuse and neglect and different circumstances in which they may take place. Safeguarding legislation in each UK home nation lists categories of abuse differently however, they all include the following types of abuse:

• Physical;

• Sexual;

• Psychological;

• Neglect; and

• Financial.

5.3 Abuse can take place in any relationship and there are many contexts in which abuse might take place; e.g. Institutional abuse, Domestic Abuse, Forced Marriage, Human Trafficking, Modern Slavery, Sexual Exploitation, County Lines, Radicalisation, Hate Crime, Mate Crime, Cyber bullying, Scams. Some of these are named specifically within home nation legislations.

Abuse or neglect could be carried out by:

• A spouse, partner or family member;

• Neighbours or residents;

• Friends, acquaintances or strangers

• People who deliberately exploit adults they perceive as vulnerable; and

• Paid staff, professionals or volunteers providing care and support.

Often the perpetrator is known to the adult and may be in a position of trust and/or power.

6. Signs and Indicators of Abuse and Neglect

An adult may confide to a walk leader, support leader or another participant that they are experiencing abuse.  Similarly, others may suspect that this is the case.
6.1 There are many signs and indicators that may suggest someone is being abused or neglected.  There may be other explanations, but they should not be ignored.  The signs and symptoms include but are not limited to:

• Unexplained bruises or injuries – or lack of medical attention when an injury is present;

• Person has belongings or money going missing;

• A regular walk participant losing or gaining weight / an unkempt appearance;

• Self-harm;

• A fear of a particular group of people or individual; and

• They may tell you / another person they are being abused – i.e. a disclosure.

When you make an enquiry or book a guided walk with us, we ask you to provide your name, address, email address and phone number. This is so that we can communicate effectively with you about your enquiry or booking. This information is held electronically in our website cloud storage facility indefinitely, unless you ask us to remove it.

In advance of your walk we ask you to complete a registration and medical form. The information we request includes confirmation of your name and address, where you are staying (if relevant), an emergency contact name and phone number, and details of any existing injuries or medical conditions that you have. The information on this form is requested so that if necessary, we can make provision for any existing medical conditions that you may have. It is also essential information that would be needed in case of an accident or medical emergency involving you, during the walk. Your guide(s) will carry this form with them during the day of the walk. In the case of you suffering a medical problem or accident that involved emergency services being called, or attending, we would share this information with relevant medical professionals or members of a mountain rescue team. You can choose whether you wish us to return the form to you after the walk, or whether you wish us to retain it for use on future walks in the same calendar year. If you have authorised us to hold the form containing your data, and you do participate in further walks, you have the opportunity to update the information on the form. You can also request that we destroy the form or return it to you at any time. At the end of each calendar year, any forms that we have been holding are destroyed.

If any incidents do occur during our walks then we will record this on an incident form which we keep for up to three years after the event occured. For children under the age of 18 this will be for three years after they turn 18.

We do take photographs throughout our walks. Please let us know if you are happy for us to take a picture, share a picture on social media and publish on our website and advertising material. You can say if you don't want any published or taken at any time. If we have a published photograph of you, you can ask us to remove it at any time.