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Registered Practitioner

Of the Institute for Outdoor Learning (RPIOL)

 

 

Registered Practitioners of the Institute for Outdoor Learning plan, prepare and lead safe and engaging outdoor learning sessions to achieve intended outcomes.

 

  • Fast track recognition as an Associate Professional in Outdoor Learning

  • Coaching, guidance and advice for developing your practice

  • Reflection on your strengths, interests and future aspirations

  • Accreditation of your approach, understanding and experience

 

Find an RPIOL Centre

 

RPIOL Centre Map

 

RPIOL Interview Dates

Once your RPIOL Application is complete please send this to the IOL Office with the interview date of your choice, if you would like an alternative date please give dates and time when you are available.
Interviews are held via Zoom, will last 45 minutes and candidates are required to have sound/video and a good broadband connection..

  • Friday 23rd February - 09:00, 10:00 or 11:00
  • Friday 29th March - 09:00, 10:00 or 11:00
  • Monday 22nd April - 09:00 and 10:00 

 

 

The RPIOL Criteria

 

RPIOL Award holders have a passion and enthusiasm for outdoor learning and are able to:

 

RPIOL Criteria

 

Is RPIOL for you?

  • Open to affiliate or student members of the Institute for Outdoor Learning.
  • You have at least 1-2 years of experience with individuals or groups in the role of instructor, teacher, coach, leader, youth worker, trainer, ranger, education officer, etc.?
  • Can work in any branch of outdoor learning, e.g. outdoor education, personal development, professional development, sports coaching, adventure tourism, outdoor therapy, etc.
  • Can provide outdoor learning in any outdoor location – e.g. activity centre, school grounds, parkland, wider countryside, lakes, sea, lowland, open moorland, upland or mountains.
  • Can specialise in one subject / sport (e.g. bushcraft, forest school, hill-walking, paddlesport etc.) or deliver a wide range of different activity sessions (e.g. multi-activity instructor).
  • Lead sessions that include direct engagement with the outdoor environment (doing or experiencing), rather than simply taking place outside.
  • RPIOL is an ideal partner to established staff induction and training programmes and university courses that include a strong practical experience element.

 

RPIOL Coaching

Individual coaching tailored to your situation and needs is a highly valued part of the RPIOL process. Your RPIOL Coach must be an APIOL Holder or Recognised Professional in Outdoor Learning willing to guide and support you as you complete your application. They provide as much or as little help as you need and can:

  • Share tips, tools and techniques for briefings, teaching, reviews, etc.
  • Be a sounding board so you can articulate the effect the outdoors has had on you and your future goals and aspirations
  • Help you reflect on how you tailor your approach to suit the differing needs of participants
  • Advise on CPD activities that will support your next steps in outdoor learning

 

How to start

  1. Download RPIOL Registration and complete the self-assessment - if you are not yet an IOL Member you should join online first.
  2. Connect with an Approved RPIOL Centre - either an Organisational Member of IOL, or an IOL Home Nation / Region.
  3. Connect with an RPIOL Coach
    • Approved RPIOL Centres can help you identify an IOL Coach who will support you through RPIOL and sign your completed application.
    • If you do not have an Approved RPIOL Centre nearby contact the IOL Office for advice on how to select an IOL Coach and complete RPIOL.
  4. Send to Join-IOL
    • IOL will contact you to confirm your registration is accepted and send you your RPIOL Application to complete.

 

Approved RPIOL Centres

RPIOL is completed through Approved RPIOL Centres. They can be either Organisational Members of IOL (offering RPIOL to employees and volunteers) or an IOL Home Nation or Region (offering RPIOL to independent practitioners). There is no additional charge for registration as Approved RPIOL Centre.

  • Facilitate fast track recognition as an Associate Professional in Outdoor Learning for full-time, voluntary, part-role, and freelance staff.
  • Enable candidates to register for RPIOL.
  • Pair candidates with a suitable RPIOL Coach.
  • Support candidates with session observations and confirmation of their knowledge and skills (employer backing).
  • Promote RPIOL and the CPD benefits of being a RPIOL Coach or Assessor.

 

RPIOL Process

 

RPIOL Process

 

Your RPIOL application is a celebration of “why you do what you do” and “how you do it.”

Your outdoor ‘CV’ shows the range of your education, training, experience, knowledge, skills.

Your outdoor learning development plan celebrates where you have come from and where you’re going next.

Your evidence against the criteria includes your reflections on approaches to outdoor learning and examples of outdoor leadership.

Your session observations and employer backing confirm your competence, experience and approach to delivering outdoor learning sessions.

Your professional endorsement from a coach confirms your professional conduct, reflective practice and future goals and aspirations.

 

 
RPIOL Award Information Pack

 

RPIOL Award Criteria

 

RPIOL Award Candidate Registration Form

 

 

Professional Accreditation Document Store

Log In to access all of the RPIOL documentation

 

How Do I?..

Begin RPIOL

  1. Download RPIOL Registration and complete the self-assessment - if you are not yet an IOL Member you should join online first.
  2. Connect with an Approved RPIOL Centre.
  3. Connect with an RPIOL Coach - Approved RPIOL Centres can help you identify an IOL Coach who will support you through RPIOL and sign your completed application.
  4. Send your registration to IOL - IOL will contact you to confirm your registration is accepted and send you your RPIOL Application to complete.

Investment

  • For existing members of IOL, RPIOL costs £85 to complete.
  • For new members of IOL, membership plus RPIOL costs £115.

Start RPIOL if there isn't an Approved RPIOL Centre near me

Contact the IOL Office for advice on how to connect with a Coach and complete RPIOL.

If you have already identified a RPIOL Coach willing to support you (either an APIOL Holder / Recognised Professional in Outdoor Learning or current IOL Coach) that will make the process easier to set-up.

Be an Approved RPIOL Centre

  1. Be an Organisational Member of IOL (to offer RPIOL to employees and volunteers) or an IOL Home Nation or Region (to offer RPIOL to independent practitioners).
  2. Designate a RPIOL Facilitator (must hold APIOL or LPIOL) and identify any further RPIOL Coaches
  3. Download the registration form
  4. Email your completed and signed form as a .PDF or .JPEG to institute@outdoor-learning.org

View current list of Approved RPIOL Centres

Be an RPIOL Coach

  1. Being a RPIOL Coach is a voluntary role to support fellow professionals.
  2. RPIOL Coaches should hold an APIOL award or be a Recognised Professional in Outdoor Learning and should be familiar with the current RPIOL processes and criteria.
  3. There is no specific training required. Coaches should be honest, open, non-judgemental, and focussed on each candidates needs and on-going development.
  4. RPIOL Coaches can work with RPIOL candidates from inside or outside their organisation.

Registration with IOL as a Coach is OPTIONAL for RPIOL Coaches.

Be an RPIOL Assessor

RPIOL assessors are appointed by IOL and are independent of the candidate’s centre/organisation to allow them to freely express their views and experience without prejudice or fear of adversely impacting their role or future career.

  1. RPIOL assessors hold an APIOL award and are familiar with the current RPIOL processes and criteria.
  2. Apply to be a RPIOL Assessor

Highlight your RPIOL award or Approved RPIOL Centre status

Request a copy of the logo and guidelines for use on websites, brochures, etc.

Contact Fiona at IOL

Talk to someone about RPIOL

If you would like to register for RPIOL or discuss your application please contact the IOL Office, email Dave or call us on +44 (0)1228 564580

If you have other questions, suggestions or feedback about RPIOL Neal Anderson - Professional Standards Manager

 

 

Warwick Mill Business Centre, Warwick Bridge, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA4 8RR

+44 (0)1228 564580
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