For our individual outdoor leaders
Being an individual member of IOL establishes and maintains you as a professional in Outdoor Learning. We provide publications, courses, accreditation and job site to support you throughout your Outdoor Career.
Who are we?
We call ourselves outdoor instructors, youth workers, development trainers, field studies officers, teachers, lecturers, outdoor educators, coaches, students, environmental officers, expedition leaders, volunteers, therapists and leaders and more…
Outdoor learning professionals create positive memories and help people gain skills and learn more about themselves, each other and the natural world. Working on a full-time, part-role or voluntary basis, they lead a range of adventure sports, outdoor skills and challenges, field studies, and environmental appreciation activities and programmes. Outdoor professionals are members of their professional body and are trained and experienced in using the outdoors to make a difference for others.
Values learners
Guides, encourages and supports each learner in their development to achieve their potential. Focusses on agreed outcomes, responds to changing individual and group needs. Role-models an inclusive, motivating and positive approach.
Values the environment
Champions, actively respects and cares for the environment. Builds awareness of impact and encourages behaviours in others that support sustainability. Inspires connection, understanding and promotes on-going engagement with the outdoors.
Values their development
Is a self-starter that learns from experience, research and reflection. Inquisitive and open to new opportunities and advances in good practice. Takes pride in their profession and seeks to develop others as they develop themselves.
