Safety and Accreditation

Fellowship Afloat is committed to providing a safe environment for all its visitors and staff.

Statement of Safety Policy

Fellowship Afloat is committed to providing:

  • Safe, healthy and comfortable environment for visitors.
  • Safe, healthy working conditions for all employees and volunteer staff.
  • Safe and healthy supervision and instruction for all activities.
  • Training and support for employees and volunteers to achieve the above.

Operational details of how our safety policy is implemented are described in the FACT Centre Code of Practice.

A thorough Risk and COSSH Assessment has been conducted by FACT and is reviewed annually.

Andrew Eastham, Chief Executive, Fellowship Afloat Charitable Trust, is responsible for maintaining and revising the Safety Policy.

An Outline of How our Commitment to Health & Safety is Expressed:

1.  Management Structure

Fellowship Afloat Charitable Trust was established in 1969 and in 1997 became a limited company registered in England and Wales, Company No: 3264887, Charity No: 1059143.

The emphasis is upon encouraging young people to gain skills and develop self-confidence in a unique, supportive Christian atmosphere in the context of the floating centre, Trinity.

A board of Trustees oversees the governance and policy of the Trust.

The full time staff team manage the day to day running of the centre and its activities; two to three are permanently resident onboard the centre. Volunteer sessional staff who are appropriately qualified also contribute to the running of the courses and care onboard.

Staff are recruited for their experience and qualifications; the Trust has a commitment to staff development and the attainment of professional qualifications.  Appropriate personal checks, which include a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Check (DBS), are made on all new staff, and are regularly reviewed.

A schedule of qualifications for both full time and voluntary staff may be obtained from the FACT office.

2.  Residential Centre

The centre is based onboard a Trinity House lightvessel which was originally refitted and commissioned in 1991. A further development was started in 2016 and continues in phases over the winters and is scheduled for completion in 2024.

The extensive refit has enabled modern fire resistant materials to be used throughout, generous toilet and shower facilities and a modern galley which conforms to the Food Act legislation.

Group accommodation comprises 2, 4 and 5 berth cabins each with heating and washing facilities. A fire and smoke detection system protects all parts of the vessel.

The Fire Office and Local Authority Environmental Health Office have approved the facilities.  A rigorous fire escape routine is in force with all staff regularly trained and practised in its execution. All fire & smoke detection equipment and fire fighting equipment is regularly maintained and tested.

3.  Sailing & Activities

FACT is recognised as a teaching establishment by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), Tel: (02380 627400) – the UK Governing Body for sail training.  The RYA regularly inspect the centre to approve the standard and maintenance of activity and safety equipment and staff training.

The Adventure Activity Centres Licensing Authority, (Tel: 029 2075 5715)  has issued Fellowship Afloat Charitable Trust with a licence to be a provider of sailing and improvised rafting activities to young people under the age of 18 years pursuant to the Activity Centres (Young Persons’ Safety) Act 1995 and the Adventure Activities Licensing Regulations 1996.  Registration Number: L14910/RO224.

Our Chief Instructor (CI) or deputy manages all water and land based activities.  Each of the sailing craft has an appropriately qualified instructor.

Staff/trainee ratios will be in accordance with RYA recommendations.

Sailing craft always sail as a fleet with safety craft in attendance; VHF communication radios and appropriate safety equipment are maintained to a high standard.

All trainees and instructional staff must wear appropriate personal buoyancy and if necessary waterproof clothing, both of which are available free from the centre.

4.  First Aid Policy

Fixed and mobile First Aid equipment is available for use by visitors and staff at all times. First Aid equipment comprises items recommended by the latest Health and Safety Executive guidance. All full time staff are qualified first-aiders.  An appointed FACT senior first-aider takes responsibility for managing training, equipment and first aid services onboard.  A rigorous accident & medical treatment and “serious incident” recording system is in place. A doctor is always on hand locally to attend any medical needs.

5.  Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy

A Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy covers all aspects of the work of FACT.  This includes a policy for vulnerable adults, or those deemed ‘at risk’.

All staff are trained and supervised to uphold the very highest standards of care and supervision of guests.

6.  Insurance

FACT has the usual Craft and Buildings Insurance and Statutory Employer Liability Insurance.

The Trust also has in force Public Liability Insurance with a limit of indemnity of £10 million.

The insurance brokers are Gallagher Heath.

Guests are advised to make their own arrangements for holiday insurance to cover cancellation costs, personal accident and property loss if required.

Enquirers are welcome to view copies of the Trust’s Codes of Practice, Health & Safety and Insurance documentation upon request.

“Pupils’ sense of adventure can be explored and pushed to their limit, whilst staff and parents can have peace of mind that safety is always paramount.”

Deputy Head Teacher