CUSTOMER CARE
PARTICIPANT SAFETY IS OUR TOP PRIORITY
Just Challenge considers the safety of all our participants and staff to be of top priority and as such, we have in place robust safety protocols and safety management systems. Our safety considerations formalise our ethos when it comes to risk management and bring together the procedures and strategies that we use to audit all aspects of our challenges – from vehicles and accommodation, to the challenge activity itself.
We hire the best people and work with the best in-country partners to deliver bespoke, spectacular and most importantly safe challenges all over the world.
The Just Challenge Operations team is made up of experienced outdoor professionals, trained to assess risk and implement tools and safety measures onsite to ensure individual and group safety.
Just Challenge Operations is run out of New Zealand, one of the top adventure tourism hubs globally, and a world-leader in safety management. Our challenge specific Safety & Risk Management System was developed by a Registered Safety Auditor and meets/exceeds ISO 21101 – The International Standard for Adventure Tourism Safety Systems.
A robust auditing system is employed to monitor and ensure safety & compliance of our in-country partners. Additionally, our Challenge Directors recce every expedition, providing our safety teams with a live feed to further assess and manage risk.
COVID-19 NOTICE
Just Challenge’s existing safety management framework has been supplemented to address the Covid-19 global pandemic. All Covid-19 associated risks are monitored, mapped and analysed, closely considering the variables applicable to the delivery of each challenge.
The Just Challenge safety and risk management framework in respect of Covid-19 ensures the following procedures and protocols:
- Compliance with all government guidance and regulations.
- Commitment to a Covid-19 Safety Management Framework.
- Mapping of all Covid-19 associated risks to develop an onsite Covid-19 Risk Management Plan.
- Implementation of the Covid-19 Risk Management Plan onsite.
- Clear communication with staff and participants in respect of exposure and risk control strategies.
- Defined onsite procedures for any staff member or participant who shows, or has been exposed to someone with, Covid-19 symptoms.
- Updated onsite emergency plans to consider Covid-19.
- Staff training for onsite Covid-19 procedures.
Katherine Parker
GENERAL MANAGER, OPERATIONS
Katherine Parker
Being raised in New Zealand, Katherine’s love of the outdoors was inevitable. After beginning her career in advertising (and hating it!) she very quickly transitioned into the sports industry to combine her passion with her career. Katherine is responsible for Just Challenge’s operations and safety & risk management globally. She has travelled extensively and led a number of epic challenges all over the world. Katherine is experienced in operating ground teams and developing exceptional product in mind-blowing locations with health, safety and risk management at the forefront.
SONG THAT WAKES YOU UP IN THE CAMPSITE
BILL WITHERS LOVELY DAY
KATHERINE PARKER
Katherine Parker
Mark Smith
HEAD OF RISK & SAFETY
Mark Smith
Mark’s taste for adventure and travel began when he travelled overland from the UK to New Zealand at the age of 7. After many more years of travel, and challenging himself and others through outdoor experiences, Mark is now regarded as one of NZ’s leading outdoor safety experts. He has led the development of adventure-based safety systems in New Zealand and also works with a number of adventure operators all around the world. As Just Challenge’s Head of Safety Mark’s focus is on making sure that every effort is made to provide clients with the safest and most truly memorable experience. When he’s not at work, you will find him with his family – out camping, sailing, in the surf, or up on the snow.
SONG THAT WAKES YOU UP IN THE CAMPSITE
KATRINA & THE WAVES WALKING ON SUNSHINE
MARK SMITH
Mark Smith
Craig Baker
CHALLENGE DIRECTOR
Craig Baker
Hailing from New Zealand’s Southern Alps, Craig grew up climbing mountains and finding new ways to come down them. He is an active member of Fire and Emergency NZ and the Wakatipu Land Search and Rescue team with extensive experience in wilderness safety and emergency response. After throwing in the towel on an advertising career to pursue his love of the outdoors, Craig finds himself more often on top of mountain in a foreign land than at home with his slightly mental springer spaniel Mitsi. When he’s not chewing someone’s ear off in on a Just Challenge expedition (while also ensuring everyone’s safety), you’ll find him trudging through the snow in the Southern Alps or trying desperately not to crash his paraglider. Suffering from an affliction that can only be described as a severe kit addiction, don’t get Craig started on the topic of outdoor gear.
SONG THAT WAKES YOU UP IN THE CAMPSITE
BRONZE RADIO RETURN LIGHT ME UP
CRAIG BAKER
Craig Baker
