Policies

Raleigh Venturer & Venturer Manager Agreements

We expect all our staff and venturers to uphold high standards of behaviour and attitude. In order to support the safe and positive delivery of our programmes, we ask all volunteers to sign up to our Agreement. Anyone who fails to abide by it may be asked leave programme.

Terms and Conditions

Volunteers must agree to Raleigh’s Terms and Conditions of an Expedition booking, as well as some basic guidelines to consider so that you can get the most out of your programme. This also ensures your safety and that of others on Expedition.

Safety on Expedition

Raleigh International has always endeavoured to be at the forefront of safety protocols and systems. We believe in providing a safe environment for all our staff and volunteers, and for other stakeholders with whom we work. We have over 40 years experience of delivering safe programmes, and we know what it takes to keep people safe. To minimise risks we focus on prevention, but we’re also readily prepared to respond when incidents happen.

Safeguarding and child protection

Raleigh is committed to ensuring the health, safety, welfare and development of all young people with whom it works regardless of gender, age, stage of development, disability, sexual orientation, religion, culture or ethnicity. Anyone who takes part in activities organised by us should enjoy taking part in these without fear of harm. We guide all staff and volunteers to show respect for and understanding of people’s rights, safety and welfare, and to conduct themselves in a way that reflects our principles.

All Raleigh staff, volunteers and project partners are made aware of our safeguarding policy and reporting structure and are all trained in how to report any concerns they may have. We have a dedicated staff member responsible for safeguarding in every country in which we work. They work closely with our global safeguarding leads based in the UK to ensure we respond effectively to all safeguarding issues.

As part of our commitment to operating responsibly all our volunteers abide by our strictly controlled Child Protection Policy and submit criminal record checks before arrival.

Read our safeguarding and child protection policies

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

At Raleigh International we love that everyone is different. Our ambition is to celebrate the diversity of our staff and volunteers.

We are committed to eliminating discrimination and creating a workforce that reflects the societies we live and work in. We are also committed to creating an inclusive workplace culture that supports diversity and inclusion, allowing all colleagues and volunteers to bring their whole selves to work or their volunteering placement, without fear or judgement.

We believe achieving equality, diversity and fairness of opportunity is our shared responsibility and we are working hard to ensure that as an organisation and as individuals we are all accountable. It starts with us.

Raleigh International Alcohol Policy: No Alcohol on Expedition

Raleigh operates a no alcohol and no misuse of drugs policy on all our Expeditions.  

Our no-alcohol policy provides a safe, nurturing, and productive environment for young adults to make a positive impact, learn valuable life skills, and create lasting memories during their time with us. Other reasons and benefits: 

Health & Safety: Staying alcohol-free significantly reduces the risk of accidents, injuries, and health issues—especially important when living and working in remote environments. It also helps Venturers maintain their physical and mental wellbeing throughout the Expedition.  

Clearer Decision-Making: On Expedition, every action counts. Avoiding alcohol supports better judgement and clearer thinking, which helps Venturers contribute positively to their team and the communities they’re working with. 

Stronger Connections: Without the distraction of alcohol, teams are more likely to form genuine, lasting friendships. Stronger bonds create a more supportive and collaborative group experience, both in the field and at Fieldbase. 

Enhanced Learning: Being fully present allows Venturers to immerse themselves in local culture, languages, and customs—key parts of the Raleigh experience. Alcohol-free living ensures deeper engagement and more meaningful cultural exchange. 

Improved Productivity: With more energy and focus, Venturers can get the most out of each project day—whether they’re building, trekking, or conserving. This leads to a greater sense of achievement and impact. 

Positive Role Modelling: Raleigh Venturers often work closely with local youth and communities. By living alcohol-free, they model healthy behaviours and demonstrate that fun, connection, and adventure don’t need alcohol. 

Better Conflict Resolution: A clear head helps Venturers communicate more openly and resolve challenges calmly and constructively – crucial for group dynamics during Expedition. 

Personal Growth: Raleigh is about discovering your potential. Without alcohol, Venturers have space for self-reflection, personal growth, and learning what really matters to them. 

Protecting Vulnerable Populations: Many projects involve working with children or vulnerable groups. An alcohol-free policy ensures their wellbeing and reinforces trust between Raleigh teams and local communities. 

Focus on the Mission: Whether supporting education, conservation, or community development, the absence of alcohol helps keep energy directed toward the Expedition’s purpose. 

Respecting Local Culture: Alcohol-free living aligns with local customs in many of the countries where we work, showing cultural awareness and respect. 

No Hangxiety: With no alcohol, there’s no post-night-out regret or anxiety. Just clearer mornings, more meaningful days, and better memories. 

Inclusivity: No alcohol creates a supportive environment for all Venturers, including those who do not drink for cultural, religious, or personal reasons. 

Drinking whilst on Expedition is not tolerated. Every case of consuming or purchasing alcohol is taken seriously. It will be evaluated carefully by the Expedition Manager and in country team with the final decision being made on a case-by-case basis. As per our terms and conditions, we retain the right to remove you from an Expedition immediately if we reasonably consider that you have misused drugs or consumed alcohol during (or immediately before the Expedition). 

This is enforced for the duration of Expedition, from when you are picked up by our staff for the first time to when you are dropped off at the airport for the last time.  

Prior to joining Expedition you will be required to agree and sign the Venturer/Venturer Manager agreement. This includes agreeing to follow the above alcohol policy.

No Phones on Projects (Venturers)

As Venturers, you will not have access to your phone whilst on project sites. This can be up to 19 days at a time, however, you will have access to your phone during project changeover at Fieldbase.

Part of our mission at Raleigh International is to empower young adults to become proactive global citizens who can confidently navigate the challenges of the world. Allowing you to disconnect from your phone while on project aligns with this goal by encouraging you to take responsibility for your actions and choices.

We understand the natural instinct of family and friends to be in constant communication. However, we see this period of detachment as an essential part of the learning experience. It encourages participants to make independent decisions, build resilience, and develop the skills needed to face uncertainty with confidence.

We want you to discover the power of self-reliance and embrace your capabilities. This newfound sense of responsibility and independence will be invaluable in shaping your future endeavours and fostering a deeper understanding of your own capabilities.

• Venturer Managers will have their phones but are encouraged not to use them in front of Venturers.
• We recommend you bring cameras but the VMs can take photo memories and we also aim to have a content creator and photographer on each Expedition.

Covid-19

At Raleigh we are committed to the safety of our staff and volunteers, and in response to the Covid-19 pandemic each of our global offices have implemented country-specific policies to help keep staff and volunteers safe. All volunteers signing up to one of our programmes will be informed of the Covid-protocols specific to them. If you have any further questions feel free to contact us.

Staff presence, security information and networks

Raleigh International has a permanent staff presence and office in each of the countries in which we operate. We maintain good working relationships with National Governments, as well as representatives of British High Commissions or Embassies. We regularly consult with the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to gain further information on their latest advice, and have legal representation or support available in each country in which we work. We have well established networks of medical facilities and transport agencies, ensuring that we are ready to respond to any situation.

If you wish to keep up to date yourself on the latest travel advice from the British Government for the country you intend to volunteer in, please visit the FCDO advice page.