BMS Security and Risk Management Guidelines

Training for short term participants

Training for short term participants

In obedience to Christ’s command to go into all the world and in response to the desire to work amongst the most marginalised and least evangelised people in the world, BMS remains committed to sending mission workers to places where security risks remain a threat to safety and well-being.

The safety of our workers in such environments is of the highest priority, and this policy is designed to help short term workers to take preventative measures to minimise some of the risks that are present.

Training for short term participants

The training module consists of three stages• Stage 1: Read through the BMS Security and Risk

Management Guidelines• Stage 2: Read a short presentation highlighting some of the

key points from the policy• Stage 3: Answer some questions on the policy

Guidelines for completing training

• We would recommend allowing approximately 45 minutes for this training module

• You can exit the training by pressing the escape key. However, if you exit at any stage, you will need to start again from the beginning

• To pause the training, use ‘Alt + tab’ on a Windows machine or ‘Cmd + tab’ on a Mac

• At the end you will receive a unique code which we ask you to send to us in order to confirm you’ve completed the training

Stage 1 – Read the guidelines

Please download and read through the BMS Security and Risk Management Guidelines, found here

Stage 2 - Presentation

Please read the following presentation highlighting some of the key points from the policy

Preparation before travel

• Personnel should carry at all times the BMS/Cyan insurance card detailing contact phone and policy numbers. This should have been sent to you already

• The insurers phone numbers (and policy number if possible) must also be entered into mobile phone prior to departure

• Enter the BMS emergency phone number as a speed dial or shortcut on your mobile phone

• Make extra copies of your important documents (visa/passport/insurance certificate)

Preparation before travel - Medical

• It is required that all BMS personnel travelling acquire medical clearance prior to travel and before being added to the BMS insurance policy

• Take plenty of spare medication if you need it• Carry blood group on person or make someone you will be

working with aware of it• Prepare a first aid kit and carry it with you whilst overseas• Research carefully all the vaccinations you will need • Find out whether you will need to take a mosquito net or

malaria tablets

Preparation before travel

• All UK Nationals working for BMS and travelling overseas should register their presence in another country at the local embassy or high commission if this service is offered in the country of service

• Please read the travel advice provided by gov.uk for your country of travel (found here). You should also sign up for email updates to this advice

• Research the contact details of the British Embassy or Consulate before travel

Managing risk overseas

Risk assessment and risk awareness• On or before your arrival in the country of service, your

supervisor should have completed a risk assessment of the various threats and hazards related to their place of living, socialising and work. The key points of this will be brought to your attention either before departure or during your initial orientation in country

• In addition to this you should complete a Risk Awareness Form (see Appendix 5A of the Security and Risk Management Guidelines for your specific accommodation and area of work)

Managing risk overseas

Form good relationships with local, trusted partners• It is recognised that one of the best ways to minimise risk is to

gain and maintain good relationships with local communities• Good relationships should be fostered at every opportunity

and the advice of local, trusted partners and experienced colleagues adhered to

• Local communities will often be aware of a threat before it becomes public knowledge

Managing risk overseas

Take preventative behavioural measures to minimise risk• Avoid predictable daily behaviour and avoid travelling alone

where possible. Where appropriate, consider the possibility of carrying an attack repellent such as a personal alarm

• Tell other people where you are going and how long you expect to be, both within and out of the country

• Dress appropriately• Avoid leaving money and other valuables around the house

and be aware of when withdrawing large sums of money from the bank, have safe, quick and direct route back to the car

• Read this information from InterHealth about avoiding illness

Managing risk overseas

Social media• In the event of a serious emergency, BMS mission personnel

should be wise and take care not to draw attention to themselves or others through the use of alarmist or sensationalist updates on social media such as Facebook or Twitter

Specific situations

Carbon Monoxide• Please watch this video about carbon monoxide poisoning• All short term workers should carry a carbon monoxide alarm

and keep it in the room where they sleep• Be aware of appliances that burn carbon-based fuels• Be aware of signs; yellow flame, soot build up and

condensation on windows• Be aware of symptoms; headache, dizziness, vomiting and

erratic behaviour• If you suspect CO poisoning open all doors and windows,

switch off appliances and seek medical assistance immediately

Specific situations

The use of vehicles• BMS short term workers are not permitted to drive whilst

overseas except with the written permission of their Regional Team Leader

• Whether on public transport, partner vehicles or non BMS private vehicles, where possible, travel in roadworthy vehicles which are insured, driven by a licensed driver, have seat belts and are not over loaded

• BMS short term workers should check with their regional team leader before using motor bikes. If permission has been given a helmet must always be worn

Specific situations

Kidnapping• BMS policy is not to pay ransoms in the case of kidnap• Every effort will be made to secure the safe release of a

hostage via diplomatic or outside expertise• BMS follows Foreign Office advice and policy, who advise

people and organisations not to negotiate directly but to do everything through the British High Commission, Embassy or Consulate

• Practical guidelines on surviving a kidnapping are found in appendix 6 of the policy

Specific situations

Political Instability• Political instability, social unrest and armed uprisings often

belong together• At times of heightened tension: do not use camera’s to

capture the sense of conflict or protest; avoid crowds and demonstrations; anticipate problems; have food in cupboards, candles, fuel in vehicle, money in wallet

• Tune in to TV/radio as appropriate where available• Stay in touch with local partners and heed their advice• Appendix 7 of the policy outlines guidelines to be considered

in the event of the need for evacuation

Specific situations

Natural disaster• If you are going to an area of risk anticipate problems - have

food in cupboards, candles in the cupboard, fuel in vehicle, money in the wallet

• Be aware of the emergency procedures agreed by the organisation to which you are seconded

• There should be a recognised point where people go to register the fact they are safe, satellite phones will inform BMS of those who have reported safe. Families will need to know urgently

• Be aware of post-incident looting

Specific situations

Recreation and extreme sports• BMS mission personnel are not insured for extreme sports

e.g. paragliding, parahawking, bungee jumping, trekking over certain altitudes

• Always check limits of insurance before taking part

Stage 3 - Questions

Now please answer the following questions

Question 1 of 5

Prior to travelling overseas, you should have done the following:

Made copies of your important documents

Registered for country specific travel updates on gov.uk

Entered the BMS emergency number in your mobile

phone

All of the above

Question 1 of 5

Prior to travelling, all mission personnel must have the following,

All of the above

Correct!

Question 2 of 5

When arriving to a new country, what actions should you do?

Complete a risk awareness form of various threats and hazards related to the place of living, socialising and

work; form good relationships with local, trusted partners; and take preventative behavioural measures to minimise risk.

On arrival to the country take it easy and do not venture far from your house. Do not speak to locals, only fellow

westerners and do what they do.

Question 2 of 5

When arriving to a new country, what actions should you do?

Complete a risk awareness form of various threats and hazards related to the place of living, socialising and

work; form good relationships with local, trusted partners; and take preventative behavioural measures to minimise risk.

Correct!

Question 3 of 5

While you are overseas, in the city you are based there is political unrest and many local and national people are demonstrating in the city centre. People at home are asking you what it’s like, what do you do?

Post updates on your Facebook and Twitter accounts giving an hour by hour update, giving your personal opinion of what you are witnessing

Discuss these issues with your supervisor regarding communication concerning security issues and incidents

Question 3 of 5

While you are overseas, in the city you are based there is political unrest and many local and national people are demonstrating in the city centre. People at home are asking you what it’s like, what do you do?

Discuss these issues with your supervisor regarding communication concerning security issues and incidents

Correct!

Question 4 of 5

What is the BMS policy regarding short termers driving overseas?

Short term workers are not permitted to drive overseas except in exceptional circumstances where the Regional Team Leader has authorised it

Short term workers are permitted to drive vehicles which are insured, driven by a licensed driver, have seat belts and are not over loaded

Question 4 of 5

What is the BMS policy regarding short termers driving overseas?

Short term workers are not permitted to drive overseas except in exceptional circumstances where the Regional Team Leader has authorised it

Correct!

Question 5 of 5

What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

Stomach crampsA sulphurous smell with a mistPersistent headache, dizzinessStinging/itchy eyesAll of the above

Question 5 of 5

What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

Persistent headache, dizziness

Correct!

Q1. Incorrect – Preparation before travel• Personnel should carry at all times the BMS/Cyan insurance

card detailing contact phone and policy numbers. This should have been sent to you already

• The insurers phone numbers (and policy number if possible) must also be entered into mobile phone prior to departure

• Enter the BMS emergency phone number as a speed dial or shortcut on your mobile phone

• Make extra copies of your important documents (visa/passport/insurance certificate)

Q1. Incorrect – Preparation before travel

• It is required that all BMS personnel travelling acquire medical clearance prior to travel and before being added to the BMS insurance policy

• Take plenty of spare medication if you need it• Carry blood group on person or make someone you will be

working with aware of it• Prepare a first aid kit and carry it with you whilst overseas• Research carefully all the vaccinations you will need • Find out whether you will need to take a mosquito net or

malaria tablets

• All UK Nationals working for BMS and travelling overseas should register their presence in another country at the local embassy or high commission if this service is offered in the country of service

• Please read the travel advice provided by gov.uk for your country of travel (found here). You should also sign up for email updates to this advice

• Research the contact details of the British Embassy or Consulate before travel

Q1. Incorrect – Preparation before travel

Q2. Incorrect

Section 3.2 of the policyIt is imperative that all personnel take positive and precautionary steps to minimize the threats posed by security risks. Actions include,

• Complete a risk awareness form, see appendix 5 of the policy • Form good relationships with local, trusted partners• Take preventative behavioural measures to minimise risk

Q3. Incorrect

Section 3.2 of the policy• Social mediaIn the event of a serious emergency, BMS personnel should be wise and take care not to draw attention to themselves or others through the use of alarmist or sensationalist updates on social media such as Facebook and Twitter. Such updates can cause distress for friends and relatives in the UK; may give unhelpful and misleading information which could create a further threat to others involved in an incident; may create an unhelpful media storm at a time when measured response might be best to protect the welfare of those caught up in the emergency situation.

Q4. Incorrect

Section 4.5 of the policy states• Volunteers and short term team members must not drive

motor vehicles unless an exemption has been made by a Regional Team Leader. Mission personnel and volunteers must not drive or ride on motorbikes unless they have received the permission of the Regional Team Leader to do so. Where permission is granted a helmet must be worn and the motorbike must be fully insured and roadworthy. BMS insurance does not exclude riding as a passenger in a three wheeled ‘tuk-tuk’ but every precaution should be taken when using this mode of transport to ensure the vehicle is roadworthy.

Q.5 Incorrect

Appendix 9 of the policy Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning The main symptom is a persisting headache. Other common symptoms are dizziness, nausea and/or vomiting, drowsiness, difficulty in concentrating or erratic behaviour. If any worker experiences any of the above symptoms and CO may be involved, urgent medical advice must be sought from a doctor, who should be asked for a blood or breath test to confirm the presence of CO.

Training Completed

Thank you for taking the time to complete this training. If you have any questions resulting from this, please send them to Graeme Riddell griddell@bmsworldmission.org

To notify us that you have completed this training please email your unique completion code to tleask@bmsworldmission.org

Click here to reveal your unique training completion code

Write this code down before exiting