Notes on the MTE National Council Meeting: 14/10/26
Notes on the MTE National Council Meeting: 14/10/26
from IOL Representative David Armstrong
News from the meeting which may be useful to know
• Current and ongoing financial resilience discussion across MT organisations.
• Observable Behaviours benchmarks published on MTE website to provide greater clarity, consistency and rigour in delivery of MT qualifications. Intention is to provide benchmark descriptions of candidate behaviour associated with differing levels of competence for climbing and walking awards.
• Safeguarding training requirement at assessment upcoming, further information coming soon.
• More work to be done to ensure MT Skills courses can link into and lead more effectively into the qualifications courses.
• One-day walking skills course to be developed and MTE looking to appoint a Skills Officer to develop this along with associated resources.
• Climbing for All booklet to be launched at upcoming IOL Accessible OL conference at Calvert Kielder in November.
• Seated Belaying guidance in development and will be published soon and circulated.
• MTE Resources and Downloads page highlighted as useful resource for providers and candidates.
• Additional digital training modules published inc. Geology (3 modules) and Effective Climate Action. Available via the e-learning area in MT candidate management system (Tadah) for those registered.
• 'Outdoor Her' resource hub for well-being in the outdoor, pregnancy guidance now available on the resource pages and published on the BMBC website.
• Information on Mountain Training bursary funds for individuals and organisations highlighted.
• Recent work has been done by military training organisations On use of Garmin In-Reach devices and further information to follow on this.
• Contract for the MTE Participation Research project has gone to Plymouth Marjon University. Laura Wallis and Stu Watson lead researchers on this and very interested to hear about and receive the APPG-OL Access and Equity Report.
• Stimulating discussion on the issue of competence and how to evidence this and anecdotal evidence of move towards Technical Adviser sign-off route rather than NGB qualifications in some circumstances.
• Dates of next meetings: 10 March 2027, 9 June 2027, 20 October 2027
