1.4.3 Terrorism Awareness and Safety

Overview

Although rare, terrorism-related incidents have occurred in the UK and internationally. Groups of children and young people may be targeted or caught up in wider occurrences. Visit Leaders should consider these risks as part of their overall planning, ensuring that sensible precautions are in place and that staff know how to respond if an emergency occurs.

Terrorism risks should be treated like any other safety risk: assessed proportionately, kept in perspective and considered within normal risk management processes.

Preparing Before the Visit

When planning a visit, you should stay informed about potential risks and include terrorism considerations within their overall emergency planning.

You should:

• Monitor current events and developments at the destination
• Review relevant Government guidance on terrorism and national emergencies
• For overseas visits, check with relevant government department for safe travel overseas
• Include potential security risks within the visit risk assessment and emergency plan
• Review guidance on current threats and how to assess and respond
• Check whether venues provide safety or security guidance for visitors and contact them if necessary

In addition, UK Settings should:

• Review UK Government guidance on terrorism and national emergencies https://www.gov.uk/terrorism-national-emergency
• For overseas visits, check Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advice early, regularly, immediately before departure and during the visit. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
• Review guidance from Protect UK on current threats and how to assess and respond. https://www.protectuk.police.uk/

Planning for Busy Locations

Visits to cities, busy locations (e.g transport hubs), places of worship, major attractions or large events may require additional planning.

You should consider:

• Identifying safe rendezvous places or shelters nearby
• Minimising time spent waiting in large crowds or outside venues
• Agreeing meeting points for briefings and headcounts
• Ensuring staff phones are fully charged and emergency numbers are shared
• Providing participants with contact cards in case they become separated
• Identifying exit routes and alternative travel plans if disruption occurs

You should also consider how you would manage situations such as transport disruption, unexpected overnight stays or the group becoming separated.

During the Visit

While on the visit, staff should remain aware of their surroundings and be prepared to respond if needed.

Good practice includes:

• Staying aware of exits and escape routes
• Positioning staff strategically around the group rather than together
• Subgroups with leaders if staying as a whole group is not possible
• Remaining alert to suspicious behaviour or unattended items
• Avoiding prolonged gatherings near entrances or crowded areas
• Moving efficiently through transport hubs such as airports or ports
• Identifying emergency meeting points in case the group becomes separated

Participants should understand the basic “Stay Safe” principles: Run, Hide, Tell, and staff should be prepared to follow instructions from emergency services if required.

Leadership in Emergencies

In an emergency situation, clear and decisive leadership is essential. You should provide calm, direct instructions and prioritise the safety of the group.

Preparedness, competence and awareness help ensure that educational visits remain safe and well managed even in challenging circumstances.