Core Sessions
Safety, Inspection and Licensing Post AALA
In November 2018 the Minister of State for disabled people, Sarah Newton MP, confirmed her support for the HSE Board’s decision to pursue Option 3 - removal of the AALR regulations and move to an industry-led, non-statutory, not- for-profit scheme underpinned by the Health and Safety at work etc. Act 1974, to provide assurance to users of outdoor activities.
Career Pathways, Workforce Training and Apprenticeships
The past 12 months has seen some significant developments for the outdoor workforce, including publication of an outdoor professional profile and approval of a NEW Outdoor Activity Instructor Apprenticeship. Current work includes mapping outdoor career opportunities, developing occupational standards for new job roles, and establishing pathways for Chartered professional status.
Changing the Impact of Outdoor Learning through Research
Regional Outdoor Learning Research Hubs draw together past and present research, as well as identify current and future research needs of practitioners in Outdoor Learning. They enable a more integrated approach to research and practice at a local level. The Journal of Adventure Education & Outdoor Learning is a peer reviewed journal, with an international review board, which aims to promote dialogue, research, thinking, teaching and practice from critical perspectives in the fields of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning.
Reinvigorating Youth Work in the Outdoors
The issues of health, wellbeing and personal development amongst young people remain key for UK society. In May 2019 the Education Secretary Damian Hines MP announced a Character Panel to explore best ways for young people to build character and resilience. In 2018 the YMCA was quoted in the APPG Youthwork Enquiry report, “many young people are now missing out on opportunities outside the school setting to engage in positive activities that support their learning and development, opportunities previous generations took for granted”.