Health & Safety Risk Assessment

Phil McCarthy • March 13, 2023

This risk assessment process is based on the model shared by the Diocese of Leeds for their St Wilfrid’s Way Pilgrimage. The Hearts in Search of God project is grateful for their generosity.


The group leader should consider the risks involved in the pilgrimage and record the steps taken and planned to mitigate the risk, the responsibility and timescale for action and an assessment of the residual risk level. Examples are given below. Group leaders should produce a briefing for walkers to address the risks identified. A written briefing can should be circulated to participants in advance of the walk and a verbal briefing given on the day of the walk.


The model risk assessment can be adapted for the circumstances of the particular pilgrimage.  

MODEL RISK ASSESSMENT
By TJ Guile • October 28, 2026
TJ Guile asks which is more important to a pilgrimage: the journey or the destination, or is it both combined?
By John Eade • October 28, 2026
John Eade examines the ground breaking work of anthropologists Victor and Edith Turner on pilgrimage.
By Sandra Jones • October 28, 2026
Sandra Jones explains what is known about Archbishop Sigeric, who is closely associated with the Via Francigena from Canterbury to Rome.
By TJ Guile • October 27, 2026
Tim Guile reflects on the historical development of pilgrimage in England & Wales.
By John Eade • October 27, 2026
John Eade explains why anthropologists and other academics study pilgrimage, how they carry out their work and what has been learnt so far.
By Fleur Dorrell • October 27, 2026
Fleur Dorrell considers what makes a journey religious and how this is manifested.
By Fleur Dorrell • October 27, 2026
Fleur Dorrell explores the nature of travel and some key journeys in the Bible to help us navigate our own lives.
By Professor Gavin D'Costa • October 27, 2026
Professor Gavin D'Costa examines the metaphor of the 'pilgrim people of God' and explains its relevance to the Church today.
By Fr Christopher Thomas • October 27, 2026
Canon Christopher Thomas explains why Pope Francis called us to be Pilgrims of Hope in the Jubilee Year, despite all the challenges of our world.
By André Brouillette, SJ • October 26, 2026
Fr André Brouillette, SJ, reflects on how pilgrimage is understood theologically.