Key roles for leading groups

Award Leader

The D of E Leader has the responsibility for a group of young people and facilitates their involvement in each level of the Award.

Their key tasks are:

1.  Recruit and support volunteers. Identify suitable trainers, supervisors and assessors. Confirm their qualifications, and confirm appointment with operating authority. Induct them to group.

2.  Plan the programme, ensure that sections selected and ventures meet Award conditions. Provide notification and tracings to appropriate Wild Country Panel.

Trainer

The Trainer has the responsibility for the planning and delivery of all or some of the Expedition training.

The Trainer's key tasks are to work with the D of E Leader to plan an overall programme, providing training appropriate to the level of the Award and the syllabus. They also confirm the group's competence, knowledge of emergency procedures and equipment.

Supervisor

The Supervisor is responsible to the Operating Authority for the safety and well-being of the young people while they are carrying out their qualifying venture. They also direct the work of assistant supervisors and helpers.

The Supervisor's key tasks are to check the proposed expedition meets the conditions of the D of E, and that the participants are properly trained and equipped. They also need to have a good knowledge of the route, checkpoints and timings. They also meet with the groups, and maintain contact throughout the expedition.

Assessor

The Assessor confirms that young people fulfil the requirements and conditions of the Section.

      At Bronze level, the Assessor must not have trained the group;

      At Silver the Assessor should be independent of the group;

      At Gold the Assessor must be independent of the D of E Group.

The Assessor meets the group at the beginning and end of the venture. They monitor and meet with them during the venture as appropriate and receive a review or presentation after the venture. They also complete, sign and return the Record Books to the group.

The Assessor is responsible for ensuring that the expedition meets the 20 conditions of the Expedition Section. Where participants have individual needs that mean that some of the 20 conditions cannot be met, they must apply for a variation to enable them to complete their expedition. Variation Forms are available here.

The same person could fulfil one or more of the roles of Award Leader, Trainer or Supervisor.

For more information on the minimum competency requirements for these roles, see the Competency Matrix page.