Safety Management System
The safety of our groups is the single most important responsibility we have and the NST Travel Group is committed to providing our groups with the highest possible safety standards at all times.
Since 1994, the NST Travel Group has operated a comprehensive Safety Management System, which is annually audited by a suitably qualified external body
Download the NST Safety Management System Policy Document:
DfES Guidelines
Whilst these guidelines only technically cover state schools in England, the advice given and the information regarding the NST Travel Group Safety Management System will undoubtedly be of interest to any college or university in the United Kingdom, which undertakes educational visits, in the interests of establishing best practice.
The DfES guidelines relating to Health and Safety on Educational Visits state:
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The LEA or governing body should advise schools to ask tour operators for a copy of their safety management system.
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A safety management system should define clearly how a tour operator manages safety for the component parts of the visit they will be providing. In particular tour operators should also be able to show how they are duly diligent in checking the safety of hotels and transport.
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The tour operator should also provide details of independent checks made by appropriate external organisations on their safety management system.
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The guidelines also explain that teachers have a Common Law duty of care to follow the advice of their LEA or governing body.
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The guidelines also explain that Head Teachers should ensure that the accreditation or verification of providers (i.e. tour operators) has been checked.
For more details and exact wording see www.teachernet.gov.uk/responsibilities and www.teachernet.gov.uk/visits - standards for LEA’s, sections 56 – 61
Pioneering Safety Management System
In view of the DfES guidelines, we are delighted to advise you that since 1994, the NST Travel Group has operated a comprehensive Safety Management System. This Safety Management System was developed in conjunction with RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) and has received the support of the NAHT, SHA, PAT and SSTA plus an increasing number of Local Education Authorities.
NST's Safety Management System covers all aspects of safety on your tour including:
- Accommodation
- Coach Operators
- 24-hour Emergency Assistance
- Pre-Tour Safety Guide
- Inspection Visits
Our Safety Management System continues to reassure to both parents and teachers alike.
Rigorous External Inspection Standards
In the absence of a single worldwide standard, the NST Safety Management System is annually inspected by a suitably qualified body in accordance with current best practice. This standard is based on the principles established in the Health & Safety Executive publication "Successful Health & Safety Management" (Commonly refered to by its reference number HSG65) and relavent standards within any National Governing Body (NGB) guidelines.
