We follow rigorous safety standards and procedures
Our equipment is regularly checked and always well maintained to ensure safety and reliability
Testimonials
Safety and insurance Matters
Safety is the prime consideration at Skern Lodge. We are licensed by the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority to provide specified activities under the following headings: Watersports, Climbing, Trekking. The exact details can be obtained from our office, and confirmed by telephoning the Authority on 029 2075 5715 or visiting the link above.
‘Kyle was an excellent course director – firm but
fair and very enthusiastic about his role. We were
fortunate to have a number of outstanding instructors
who were skilful enough to allow a bit of slack but
bring the children back on course when necessary’
Gayhurst 2011
Trained and Qualified Staff
Not all the activities at Skern Lodge come under the scope of the licence. However, as with all activities at the Lodge, every member of our staff is fully trained and qualified to conduct the activities that they instruct. All our instructors and tutors are carefully selected before employment. Interviews, careful following up of references and CRB checks - we take great care in checking that they are right for us and right for you!
Not only the instructional staff but also most support staff are first aid trained. This includes maintenance, cleaning, catering and office – making sure we take care of you.
All the catering staff have Health & Hygiene certificates and the catering is regularly appraised by the local Environmental Health Department to ensure catering and domestic standards are the highest. Following a full programme of outdoor activities most people still put on weight!
‘Fantastic week. He’s (Phil Harris, Course Director) adaptable,
flexible, amenable – just super’
flexible, amenable – just super’
Prior Park 2011
‘Lotti is an amazing young woman! What charm and charisma,
you are a star! We think you are old beyond your years
(not in a wrinkly way!) and really made our week fab’
you are a star! We think you are old beyond your years
(not in a wrinkly way!) and really made our week fab’
Eggbuckland 2011
Superb Activity Equipment
Modern and maintained to the highest standards by full time staff. And it's all provided, you only need to bring personal clothing, we take care of the rest.
All minibus drivers hold a PCV licence. All our minibuses are less than four years old and, of course, have three point seat belts to each seat. The vehicles are also PsV registered which, effectively, means they have an MOT every 10 weeks! They are inspected daily and professionally serviced and maintained.
‘Thank you, a very good weekend, well organised and
instructed/overseen. Excellent staff, very high standard
of safety and awareness’
Leweston School 2011
‘The Residential Experience
This is another vital ingredient for many visiting us at Skern. Most of our staff have been with us for years and live
on-site. In addition we have a night duty system to provide assistance if required, this ensures that at whatever the time, day or night, someone is available to look after you.
The whole site is inspected on a regular basis to ensure that standards are maintained. A Quality Audit covers all aspects of our operations and site. Checking and risk assessing the domestic areas is as important as activity safety – good lighting, working locks, safe stairs and beds and excellent fire precautions are just a few examples.
Most groups stay at our own residential centre at Skern Lodge in Appledore but others do stay nearby and visit us just for activities. View our sample menu and photos of the centre.
‘I have been to Skern now several times with different
groups and cannot fault anything. A great time had by
all including staff’
groups and cannot fault anything. A great time had by
all including staff’
South Gloucestershire council 2011
Risk Assessments
Risk assessments for the activities you will be partaking in are available on request following completion of your Activity Options.
N.B. We have looked at the option of putting Health and Safety documents such as the risk assessments as downloadable items on the website. However, as part of our ongoing quality assurance, these documents are continually being reviewed and updated so we have decided to continue with e-mailing them on request.
Insurance
Please note that the following documents are available in PDF format. You will need the Adobe Reader software to view them.
Download a copy of our Insurance policy.
‘Simon and his team have played a major role in
improving our Young Peoples Communication and
teamwork skills over the past few days’
improving our Young Peoples Communication and
teamwork skills over the past few days’
Swindon Youth Service 2011
‘Ed, our instructor was excellent throughout. He really
understood our client’s needs, showed patience and
empathy. A real credit to your organisation’
Wembdon Rise Children’s Centre 2011
understood our client’s needs, showed patience and
empathy. A real credit to your organisation’
Wembdon Rise Children’s Centre 2011
AALA Licence
You can view our Adventure Activities Licensing Authority License on the AALA website, http://www.hse.gov.uk/aala/
‘Everything this week has been excellent. Al the
staff have given 100%. The week has run like clockwork’
staff have given 100%. The week has run like clockwork’
Akeley Wood School 2011
‘We have had another fantastic trip, the girls have thoroughly
enjoyed all activities. Thank you once again’
enjoyed all activities. Thank you once again’
City of LondonSchool for Girls 2011
N.B. We have looked at the option of putting Health and Safety documents such as the risk assessments as downloadable items on the website. However, as part of our ongoing quality assurance, these documents are continually being reviewed and updated so we have decided to continue with e-mailing them on request.
