Expectations of organisations and field staff to respond to weather have risen exponentially with the advancement of technology, stakeholder expectations and the changing climate in which we operate. However, outdoor providers and staff need further training or professional development to support decision-making and systematic implementation of practice.
We report findings of the NATCORR National Weather Survey conducted in collaboration with the Bureau of Meteorology. We examined what resources outdoor organisations and staff required, what professional development they drew upon and the services they relied upon to inform their decisions, aligned with weather safety management.
Key survey findings include:
1. Challenges: Rising expectations due to technological advancements, stakeholder expectations and climate change.
2. Findings Analysis:
o Resource Needs: Identifying necessary resources for weather risk management.
o Professional Development: Evaluating existing opportunities and identifying gaps.
o Service Reliance: Exploring reliance on weather-related services.
3. Implications and Recommendations: We will present options for enhancing weather safety practices through informed interventions.
They underscore the need for tailored support and professional development, ensuring safer outdoor experiences for all stakeholders.