Code of conduct · The Apprentice Hike

This code applies to everyone on an Apprentice Hike event: attendees, the team, drivers and volunteers. It covers the hike and the organised parts of the day. Any gathering afterwards is not run by The Apprentice Hike, and what people choose to do in their own time is up to them.

1. Why we exist and what we stand for

Our purpose: to give apprentices the opportunity to meet other apprentices, talk through their schemes and employers, and get advice from people at a similar stage, in a relaxed setting outdoors. A hike gives people time to talk properly, away from screens and in nature. We do this safely, responsibly and with respect for the places we visit.
Everyone is welcome, whatever your background, faith or identity. We promote to apprentices and young professionals, so most people are around 18 to 25. Most hikes suit any fitness level, but some will be harder, and we will say so clearly when you book. Nobody should feel out of place on one of our hikes.
We look after each other. Every person on a hike, attendee or team, shares responsibility for the safety and enjoyment of the whole group.

2. What we expect from attendees

You must be 18 or over to take part.
Come prepared: sturdy footwear, clothing for the weather, enough water and food for the day, and any medication you need.
Be honest about your fitness and health. Tell us about medical conditions and allergies on the booking form so we can plan for them. If a hike sounds too hard for you, say so before you book.
Stay with the group. Do not walk ahead of the front lead or fall behind the back marker. The group moves at the pace of the slowest person and nobody gets rushed.
Tell a team member straight away if you feel unwell, need to stop, or want to leave.
No risky behaviour near edges, cliffs, water or roads.
Treat every hike like a professional environment. Our attendees are apprentices and young professionals building their networks, so behave as you would at work or at a networking event.
Zero tolerance for harassment. No bullying, verbal abuse, discrimination or offensive jokes, in person or in the group chat, towards other attendees or the team. No unwanted physical contact. If someone says stop, stop.
Include people. Talk to those you do not know yet and make sure nobody is left on their own.
Be at the meeting point on time. For Chiltern Hills that means by 10:30, because we set off at the stated time.
Photos: we take photos and video for our content. If you do not want to appear in it, tell a team member. Do not post other people's photos or personal details without their say so.
Food: tell us your dietary needs when you book. Be considerate of other people's needs, especially allergies.

3. Looking after the places we visit

Stay on the marked paths to prevent erosion and damage to habitats.
Pack it in, pack it out. Take all your rubbish, food scraps and waste home with you.
Keep a safe distance from wildlife and livestock, close gates behind you, and leave plants, rocks and natural objects where they are.
Follow all rules set by the landowner or National Trust, including any restrictions on dogs, fires and parking.
Keep noise down in quiet areas and around other walkers.

4. Hike lead authority and safety

The hike lead has the final say on the day. That includes changing the route, shortening or turning back because of weather or conditions, and asking someone to leave if they are a risk to themselves or the group.
Emergencies: call 999 first, then tell the hike lead. The team carries a first aid kit and knows who the nearest first aider is. We count the group at the start, at every stop and at the end.
Bad weather: the lead may delay, shorten or cancel a hike. We will tell attendees as early as we can, and the booking terms say what happens with refunds.
If there is no phone signal, the team follows the plan set by the hike lead for that day and briefed at the start, including who goes for help and where the group waits.
No alcohol or recreational drugs before or during the hike, with no exceptions. Anyone who turns up under the influence will not be allowed to take part.
Anyone driving for The Apprentice Hike must hold a valid licence and insurance, must not drink alcohol beforehand, and must not use a phone while driving.

5. What the team commits to

Run a clear safety briefing before every hike.
Take every concern seriously and deal with it privately.
Follow this code ourselves. It applies to the team as much as to attendees.

6. If someone breaks the code

A member of the core team makes the call on the day. Warnings and removals are recorded by the team.
Step 1: a private, friendly word from a team member.
Step 2: a formal warning, recorded by the team.
Step 3: removal from the hike with no refund, if the behaviour continues or is serious.
Step 4: suspension or a permanent ban from future hikes.
Serious breaches, such as harassment, violence or putting others in danger, can skip straight to removal or a ban. In an emergency or where a crime may have been committed, we will contact the emergency services or police.

7. Raising a concern

Speak to any team member on the day, or contact us confidentially at theapprenticehike@gmail.com.
Concerns are handled privately, taken seriously, and nobody is treated badly for raising one.
If your concern is about a member of the team, email us and say so, and it will be handled away from that person.

8. Agreeing to this code

By booking a place you confirm you have read this code and agree to follow it. You will tick a box to confirm this at checkout.
This code sits alongside the participant information and risk acknowledgment for each hike. It does not take away any legal rights you have.