Trust & Blisters: What Can Hiking With Students Teach Us About Work Culture?

I’ve just returned from a 4-day school trip here in Zambia—one of those experiences that leaves you sunburnt, tired, inspired, and slightly in awe of what young people are capable of.

Our students were taking part in their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions—both practice and assessed journeys. Unlike some of our more structured school trips, this one puts the responsibility firmly in the students’ hands.

They plan their own routes.
They carry their own gear.
They cook, and in once case even catch, their own meals
They sign a code of conduct, but once the expectations are clear, the freedom is theirs to manage.

Teachers are nearby, of course, but the ethos is very deliberate: this is a chance for students to step up, explore independence, and learn from the experience—not from micromanagement.

And yes, there were blisters, and yes there were some questionable cold porridge choices.
But every single student came away having learned something real—and with a genuine sense of accomplishment.

It got me thinking...

What if we treated educators the same way?
What if we trusted professionals with clear expectations, offered them autonomy, and were there with support when needed, rather than micromanaging?

Just like the students on this trip, teachers thrive when:

• There’s a clear framework to work within

• Expectations and boundaries are transparent

• They’re trusted to use their judgment

• There’s room to grow, make mistakes, and move forward

This is exactly the kind of thinking behind the Ethical Employer Scheme—a set of principles designed to help schools move from “good intentions” to genuinely respectful, supportive employment practices.

One of the scheme’s pillars is Professional Trust—the belief that when we treat educators as capable professionals, we not only improve wellbeing and retention… we unlock innovation, collaboration, and growth.

So next time we’re thinking about policies, procedures, or professional development, maybe we can take a lesson from the trails:
Set the compass.
Provide the right support.
And then step back and let people find their stride.

Because whether you're carrying a 15kg hiking pack or navigating a full teaching load, being trusted makes the journey a whole lot better..