15th May 2020 - Note this information will evolve over the coming weeks and months
Following the UK Government’s announcement on 11th May about easing lockdown restrictions in England, we’re aware that MTA members may be looking for clarification about what this means for hill walking and climbing, gaining further experience, using your qualifications and the delivery of Mountain Training courses and MTA workshops.
In addition to the guidance below we urge our members, as and when appropriate, to resume activity in a measured, sensitive and cautious manner. The reputation of the professional mountaineering community will be under unique scrutiny at this critical time.
Hill walking and climbing
With regards to participating in these activities, the situation varies depending on where you live and we would encourage you to read the latest information from the relevant mountaineering council about hill walking and climbing.
Logging experience
Prior to lockdown, many members were in the midst of gaining further experience towards training or assessment prerequisites and you may be itching to resume that pursuit. We encourage you to read and understand the latest advice being given by the UK and devolved governments and the mountaineering councils (links above) in considering whether it is yet appropriate to do so.
Whilst it may be useful during your consolidation phase to test your abilities and learn from mistakes by getting small things wrong, members should risk assess whether getting it wrong at the moment would have negative or unintended consequences on others. At this time, you are encouraged to stay well within your personal limits of ability and competence.
Other things you can do during your consolidation phase:
Using your qualifications
As a collection of awarding organisations, Mountain Training is not a ‘governing’ body. So while it can define the scope of each qualification it is not in a position to determine what an individual may or may not do with their qualification(s).
The Mountain Training Association’s overarching aim is to provide support and development opportunities to enable our members to excel. We are committed to fostering progression and encouraging good practice so that others can enjoy professionally-led activities. Our vision is to continue leading the way in this field and to widen recognition from within the outdoor industry.
Covid-19 is a hazard and should be risk assessed in the same way you assess all other risks. Before you undertake any activity you should be confident that this risk can be managed at an acceptable level for both you and your participants, and that government guidance allows it.
We would encourage all members to check their insurance policies and consult with their insurance companies if they have any concerns. If you currently have Ascend insurance read the latest update from Lockton.
Mountain Training course and MTA workshop delivery
The national Mountain Training organisations, collectively referred to as Mountain Training, are working hard to plan for a return to course and workshop delivery in a climate of uncertainty and evolving guidance.
They have outlined a number of key considerations related to Mountain Training course and MTA workshop delivery (beyond established risk assessment for the activity) which may also be useful to members in thinking about using qualifications, as and when that becomes appropriate:
- Travel – are people allowed to travel to course delivery destinations?
- Overnight/longer term stays – are these allowed? Do they encourage visits to vulnerable communities (rural with significant older populations etc)?
- Health and hygiene – managing use of personal and shared, activity-specific and disease control, PPE e.g. ropes, harnesses, group shelter, face coverings, gloves etc.
- Social distancing and social contact limitations – is it possible to deliver a course effectively for all participants whilst social distancing/contact limitation measures are in place?
- Safe workspace – what does a safe workspace look like in each of our course delivery environments?
- Candidate health status – are there any new prerequisites for course attendance relating to the known or believed health of the participant(s)?
- Safety and Rescue – in dealing with emergencies, what’s the availability of MR teams? New first aid protocols for course staff?
- Liability – is it clear what implications exist for course providers and participants if people become infected during a course?
This list of considerations is not definitive and will evolve as the situation develops, for example if ‘Test and Trace’ is implemented as a suppression tactic.
Finally, thank you for supporting the association and each other during this challenging time. We’re doing our best to keep up with the guidance being produced by the various policy makers and associated bodies and anticipate several further updates as the year progresses.