Remote supervision is the term used when the leader is not directly present with participants. Remote supervision comes in varying degrees and is used in a variety of circumstances. In its simplest form participants may be given time to look round a museum on their own; at the other end of the spectrum, young people may take part in wild country expeditions where they have limited contact with their leaders for long periods of time.
Working without immediate supervision can help learners to develop independence and self-reliance. When such activity is planned the Visit Leader must be confident that learners have the appropriate skills to operate without undue risk. Training and briefing should reflect this.
Visit Leaders remain responsible for participants even when not in direct contact with them. They should not underestimate the challenges of remote supervision. It requires extra planning and contingencies to be put in place. This should be reflected in the Visit Plan.
