Health and Safety

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Health and Safety

I can honestly say that the project was the best I've ever seen, the H&S was perfect, and the science structure was sound. I would recommend GVI to any potential volunteer.

Marcus Johnson, 2005

The health and safety of all GVI participants is paramount. Therefore GVI adopts strict systems and procedures during the introduction of new project partners and expeditions, as well as for the day-to-day care of all participants in the field.

To help us achieve these high standards GVI employs a network of over 50 personnel and advisers in more than 30 countries. Together everyone works towards the success of the projects as well as the enjoyment and fulfilment of all volunteers. All GVI expedition personnel are on long-term, professional contracts so have in increased knowledge of the projects and the project destinations to increase the safety of all participants involved, the quality of research conducted, each project’s development and conservation, and everyone’s enjoyment of expedition life. GVI also only works with the leading organisations in their field.

GVI field staff send regular information bulletins to GVI headquarters to ensure we are always in touch with the most up-to-date local and regional developments, so we can give you the advice you need to make an informed decision. GVI also receives Foreign Office advice on a regular basis.

In addition all GVI volunteers receive:

Pre-departure advice documents concerning travel and safety issues
Airport pick-up and local orientation
Accommodation arrangements
Support and knowledge from GVI’s field coordinators
A 24 hour emergency phone line.

In order for a project or expedition to become eligible for inclusion on GVI’s programme, it will have been fully researched and visited by at least one GVI staff member, usually more. GVI expeditions are staffed on a permanent basis by GVI employees, and an updated health and safety assessment is done and returned to GVI UK at the beginning of each five week phase. Each ten weeks the full risk assessment is also updated.

Unlike our expeditions, which are staffed by full time GVI employees, GVI projects are staffed by our host country partners. We provide all our partners with our health and safety guidelines and ask each one to commit to taking the health and safety of all our volunteers very seriously. Following the inception of a new project, it will be visited on average once a year by a GVI staff member, who will update the risk assessment and establish whether the necessary control measures are sufficient.

PLEASE NOTE: GVI programmes are not holidays! It must be understood that all programmes by definition are going to have a risk factor, whether you are diving on a coral reef or spending an extended time in the Amazonian rainforest. All future participants should be aware of the risks involved and make an informed decision on participation. GVI sometimes operates in remote conditions and in some cases deals hands-on with wildlife. GVI endeavours to offer you the safest way to visit new places and experience amazing opportunities.

To request more information on GVI’s health and safety polices or to ask for more information on why GVI expeditions, projects and courses offer unparalleled support, services and in-the-field safety, please contact us.

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