IOL co-ordinates Statements of Good Practice where it is deemed beneficial to the sector as a whole, is something that is supported by and supportive of, our members and no other relevant guidance exists.
IOL position statements give the Institutes view in a particular area related to Outdoor Learning and clarifies expectations and requirements of members. The web pages provide links to a range of resources and further information.
The following Statements of Good Practice and Position Statements are currently in development. If you would like to find out more, or feel you have something to contribute to any of the following please get in touch with the IOL Professional Standards Manager.
Digital Technology and Outdoor Learning
Digital technology has the potential to be a huge distraction from and enhancer of outdoor learning. This year, David Hills, an outdoor educator and researcher, is conducting a major study on this topic in consultation with practitioners and organisations in the outdoor learning sector. This statement will not aim to promote the inclusion or exclusion of any particular digital device but will provide guidelines and support to professionals and organisations on including and excluding digital technology in outdoor learning. The statement will be presented at the sector conference in November 2020 and published on the IOL website in January 2021.
Outdoor Learning Coaching
Coaching is a flexible and powerful tool used by outdoor learning professionals in individual and group development. The statement will set out the IOL Model for Coach Development in this area and highlight considerations of ethics, boundaries of competence and training pathways.
Woodland Based Education and Learning
The statement will set-out the essential elements and value of Bushcraft, Forest School and similar approaches and offer guidance to help early years, schools, youth development organisations and outdoor learning providers choose the most appropriate programme to suit the individuals/groups they are working with.
Mental Health First Aid Training for Outdoor Professionals
The Institute received considerable support for the recent statement of good practice on Outdoor Mental Health Interventions alongside comments from members on their desire to increase their knowledge and activity to support their workforce wellbeing and mental health. Following consultations and presentations at the IOL North West Annual Conference (January 2020), the Institute is looking at developing specific guidance on Mental Health First Aid for Outdoor Professionals. If you feel you have expertise to share in this area, please get in touch to offer support.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Position Statement
The Institute has encouraged and supported research in a range of areas, including gender equality, over recent years. The position statement will bring together common threads and call on the sector to take action to raise its game in this important area.
The standards of behaviour agreed to and upheld by members of the Institute as they cultivate and promote the special values and importance of outdoor learning experiences.
Outdoor Learning Occupational Standards support career pathways and are the reference point for training and awarding organisations to align with the skills and knowledge and behaviours required by employers in a particular role.
A National Governing Body (NGB in England, Northern Ireland and Wales) and Scottish Governing Body (SGB) governs and administers a sport on a national basis - including the setting of standards of instructor/coach training and scope of practice.