Latest news with #CodesofPractice
Travel Daily News
16-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
SATSA 's '101 Adventures' for Southern African adventure tourism
SATSA launched new adventure tourism toolkits and Codes of Practice, enhancing safety standards and supporting industry growth across Southern Africa. DURBAN – SATSA has launched a new toolkit and five category-specific Codes of Good Practice, marking another milestone in the industry's journey towards global best practices and enhanced safety standards. 'SATSA's first set of guidelines was released in 2023,' says Hannelie du Toit, SATSA COO. 'It introduced a new level of compliance in a sector that was, at that point, largely unregulated. Today's launch gives more adventure operators the tools they need to meet international safety standards – and visitors peace of mind when they're booking adventures and activities.' The new resources, which are being shared publicly for the first time at Africa's Travel Indaba 2025 – and live on SATSA's website – cover five important categories: Aerial Non-Flight Activities (including zip lines, rope courses, canopy tours, and suspension bridges) Wheel-Based Activities (including mountain biking, BMX, skateboarding, ATVs, quad biking, and off-road motorcycling) Boat-Based Activities (including whale watching, shark cage diving and other marine-based activities) Paddling & Rafting Activities (on flat water, flowing water and oceans, including rafts, kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddle boards) Hiking & Trekking Activities (from short day walks to multi-day expeditions) These documents are open to public comment and are intended to spark dialogue, encourage industry input, and ensure broad-based ownership of the standards that will define the future of Southern Africa's adventure tourism. A Risk, Safety and Incident Management Toolkit has also been added, broadening the arsenal of existing resources. Currently, the resource library consists of a Self-Regulation Road Map, a General Code of Good Practice Guide and Checklist, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Participant Care. First-of-its-kind self-assessment tool and updated resources In another exciting development, SATSA has introduced a Self-Assessment Tool for adventure operators in Southern Africa. Designed to measure alignment with global best practices, the tool is freely available. It provides operators with a detailed benchmark of their operations across key areas, including safety, sustainability, and operational excellence. Operators who complete the assessment will also receive tailored feedback, practical tips, and links to additional resources – all at no cost. In line with this, all SATSA adventure tourism resources have been reviewed and updated to reflect current international standards and evolving market demands. The full range of toolkits and the self-assessment tool can be accessed via the SATSA website. 'What's really exciting is the level of industry input and buy-in. Right from the very beginning in 2023, industry experts have really leaned in to offer their expertise and support, including the team at Dirty Boots, SATIB Insurance Brokers, and Nick Shaw, SATSA's Adventure Chapter Chair,' says du Toit. As du Toit explains, what makes the approach unique is its fluid, collaborative nature. The toolkits include publication and review dates, allowing for honest feedback, additional input, and ongoing updates as standards evolve and technology advances. The framework actively encourages industry feedback, creating a living document that grows with the industry. 'The new documents align with international best practice, incorporating elements from ISO standards, European standards, Australian frameworks and input from the Adventure Travel Trade Association's (ATTA) Travel Life programme,' says Nick Shaw, Adventure Chapter Chairperson. Economic impact across all regions Adventure tourism plays a crucial role in South Africa's broader tourism strategy, particularly in addressing geographic diversity, job creation, youth development, and tourism prosperity. While traditional tourism hotspots like Cape Town and Kruger National Park have recovered strongly post-pandemic, regions like the Eastern Cape, which has so much potential as an adventure destination – have lagged far behind. 'There's a reason this initiative is called '101 Adventures',' says SATSA CEO David Frost: 'While New Zealand may call itself the adventure capital of the world, South Africa offers a far more diverse range of adventure experiences with superior products – closer to 104 at last count – we just need to position ourselves better globally. These toolkits are a critical step in that direction.' Next steps Alongside the launch of the '101 Adventures Southern Africa' toolkits and self-assessment tool, SATSA is conducting a comprehensive Adventure Tourism Industry Survey to better understand the sector's size, economic contribution, and employment statistics. All adventure tourism operators are encouraged to participate by completing the survey here. A webinar scheduled for 28 May at 12:00 will guide operators through the toolkits, the self-assessment process, and how to attain certification. Regular quarterly webinars will follow, providing ongoing support and updates. 'This initiative is about positioning Southern Africa as the premier global adventure destination,' says Frost. 'We have the industry will – now we're creating a framework that will drive growth, ensure safety, and spread tourism benefits to every corner of our region.'
Daily Mirror
29-04-2025
- Daily Mirror
Cruel carer took Snapchat of vulnerable pensioner on toilet – then it went viral
Cara MacLennan, 20, was removed from her role at Eilean Dubh Care Home in Fortrose in Scotland after taking a photo of a vulnerable pensioner A cruel carer who took a photo of a vulnerable pensioner sitting on a toilet in only their pyjamas has been struck off. Cara MacLennan hid to take the photo and held up a "v" sign with her fingers during a shift at Eilean Dubh Care Home in Fortrose in the Highlands in Scotland in February last year. The 20-year-old posted the image on Snapchat alongside a caption which read "can't see me ha ha ha" and "doesn't know what I'm doing". A friend shared the image on Facebook which went viral and led to MacLennan's removal from the profession when the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) amounted her behaviour to "abuse". Daily Record reports the ruling stated: 'You have taken a selfie photograph of a resident and thereafter added derogatory remarks about her, before sending this to a friend via a social media platform. Your behaviour of sending the photograph had consequences, whereby these were posted by a third person on a public Facebook page which caused concern to the public in general. 'The first incident took place within the workplace, where you were expected to care for the resident in an appropriate manner, thus your behaviour placed the resident at the risk of emotional harm. Your behaviour therefore amounts to an abuse of trust and showed a level of disregard for the Codes of Practice and amounted to abuse of a vulnerable resident.' The panel further heard MacLennan lied on a care assistant job application. The brazen carer told her new employer she had left her previous role because she had been "offered a new job". She had, however, been sacked. MacLennan also failed to mention she was under investigation by the SSSC for the incident. The panel ruling continued: 'You were dismissed from your employment and failed to disclose the reason for this dismissal which shows a level of dishonesty and concealment. You also demonstrated a lack of integrity by not disclosing that you were subject to a SSSC investigation.' Her behaviour was described as 'extremely serious' and 'fundamentally incompatible with continuing registration'. MacLennan was banned from working in social care indefinitely. The panel added: 'The SSSC considers a Removal Order is the most appropriate sanction as it is both necessary and justified in the public interest and to maintain the continuing trust and confidence in the social service profession.' This comes after a nurse was struck off after an inquiry found she had falsified records by booking fake appointments with patients so she could clock off early. Nina Groves was found to be impaired by "reason of misconduct" by the Nursing and Midwifery Council. While working at Clee Medical Centre (CMC) in Cleethorpes, a hearing was told she had meddled with booking systems and lied about patient appointments in order to leave herself with extra free time and given out prescriptions of highly addictive, controlled medication, putting patients "at risk of harm".
Daily Record
29-04-2025
- Daily Record
Cruel carer who took Snapchat of vulnerable OAP on toilet struck off
A cruel Scots carer who mocked a vulnerable OAP after taking a photo of them on the toilet in their pyjamas has been struck off. Cara MacLennan, 20, posed beside the pensioner and held up a "v" sign with her fingers during a shift at Eilean Dubh Care Home in Fortrose in February last year. MacLennan, from Fortrose in the Highlands, posted the photo on Snapchat alongside the caption "can't see me ha ha ha" and "doesn't know what I'm doing". Her friend then shared the image onto Facebook , where it went viral. MacLennan was removed from the profession after the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) amounted her behaviour to "abuse". The ruling , which was published on Monday, stated: 'You have taken a selfie photograph of a resident and thereafter added derogatory remarks about her, before sending this to a friend via a social media platform. 'Your behaviour of sending the photograph had consequences, whereby these were posted by a third person on a public Facebook page which caused concern to the public in general. 'The first incident took place within the workplace, where you were expected to care for the resident in an appropriate manner, thus your behaviour placed the resident at the risk of emotional harm. 'Your behaviour therefore amounts to an abuse of trust and showed a level of disregard for the Codes of Practice and amounted to abuse of a vulnerable resident .' The panel further heard that MacLennan lied on a care assistant job application. The brazen carer told her new employer she had left her previous role because she had been "offered a new job". She had, however, been sacked. MacLennan also failed to mention she was under investigation by the SSSC for the incident. The panel ruling continued: 'You were dismissed from your employment and failed to disclose the reason for this dismissal which shows a level of dishonesty and concealment. You also demonstrated a lack of integrity by not disclosing that you were subject to a SSSC investigation.' Her behaviour was described as 'extremely serious' and 'fundamentally incompatible with continuing registration'. MacLennan was banned from working in social care indefinitely. The Panel added: 'The SSSC considers a Removal Order is the most appropriate sanction as it is both necessary and justified in the public interest and to maintain the continuing trust and confidence in the social service profession.'
Scottish Sun
28-04-2025
- Scottish Sun
Cruel carer struck off after posing on Snapchat with OAP in toilet
Cara MacLennan, 20, then lied about being sacked to try and get another job as a carer SICK STUNT Cruel carer struck off after posing on Snapchat with OAP in toilet Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A CRUEL carer has been struck off after posting a selfie on Snapchat with a vulnerable OAP while she was in the toilet. Cara MacLennan, 20, from Fortrose in the Highlands, pulled the sick stunt while she was working as a care assistant at Eilean Dubh Care Home in February last year. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 The former care assistant lost her job then lied on another application about the SSSC investigation in to her conduct 3 Eilean Dubh Care Home where Cara MacLennan was employed as a care assistant for the elderly 3 Cara MacLennan was struck off after the SSSC deemed her unfit to practice In the picture MacLennan is posing with two fingers up while the elderly resident was in the toilet. MacLennan also sent derogatory comments about the pensioner, who she was supposed to be caring for, telling a pal she 'doesn't know anything I'm doing'. Her pal then shared the Snapchat image on Facebook, which was then seen by countless others. A panel of the Scottish Social Service Council (SSSC) said MacLennan's behaviour amounted to 'abuse' It said: 'You have taken a selfie photograph of a resident and thereafter added derogatory remarks about her, before sending this to a friend via a social media platform. 'Your behaviour of sending the photograph had consequences, whereby these were posted by a third person on a public Facebook page which caused concern to the public in general. 'The first incident took place within the workplace, where you were expected to care for the resident in an appropriate manner, thus your behaviour placed the resident at the risk of emotional harm. 'Your behaviour therefore amounts to an abuse of trust and showed a level of disregard for the Codes of Practice and amounted to abuse of a vulnerable resident.' The panel heard MacLennan later also lied on a care assistant job application, telling her new employers she had left her previous employment because she had been 'offered a new job', when in fact, she had been sacked. MacLennan also failed to mention she was under investigation by the SSSC for the incident. Carer Support Payment: New benefit for unpaid Scots The panel said: 'You were dismissed from your employment and failed to disclose the reason for this dismissal which shows a level of dishonesty and concealment. 'You also demonstrated a lack of integrity by not disclosing that you were subject to a SSSC investigation.' MacLennan was given credit by the panel for 'showing insight' and 'cooperating with the SSSC at all stages of the investigation'. However her behaviour was deemed 'extremely serious' and 'fundamentally incompatible with continuing registration' and she was banned from working in social care. The Panel added: 'The SSSC considers a Removal Order is the most appropriate sanction as it is both necessary and justified in the public interest and to maintain the continuing trust and confidence in the social service profession.'
