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Professional Recognition

To recognise skills, knowledge and experience in any area of outdoor learning

Professional recognition benchmarks a level of education, responsibility and experience working in any area of outdoor learning.

1 - Recognised

Get recognised for your experience and be confident that your knowledge, skills and training is benchmarked at a level matched to other professions.

2 - Valued

Demonstrate the value you bring as an Outdoor Learning Professional to participants, customers, employers and stakeholders.

3 - Supported

A community of recognised professionals will continue drive outdoor learning forward to the benefit of all.

Professional Recognition Flowchart.png

 

Professional Recognition Benchmarks

Professional recognition is in addition to each individuals’ specialisms and qualifications, e.g. instruction/coaching awards, association memberships, teaching and/or management qualifications, etc.

It also brings expectations and responsibilities including a commitment to safe, ethical practice, evidence of completing CPD annually and being up-to-date and connected to current good practice.

Professional Recognition Process

Attaining professional recognition will further demonstrate your commitment to professional practice and your own continued professional development.

Submissions will be reviewed by an application review team against the published requirements. Depending on your eligibility, you may need to:

  • Provide details of your outdoor learning work experience (template provided)
  • Provide statements of support that confirm your experience (template provided for signature by peer or senior manager)
  • Provide copies of certificates of relevant qualifications at the required level
  • Provide evidence of an equivalent, existing professional membership at the level
  • If required, additional information will be requested from applicants before a decision is reached
Associate Professional in Outdoor Learning

 

Professional in Outdoor Learning
Senior Professional in Outdoor Learning

Associate Professional in Outdoor Learning 

  • Do you have responsibility for leading safe and engaging outdoor learning sessions in order to achieve intended outcomes?

  • Do you have one or more years outdoor learning work experience?
  • Statements of support confirm your experience in instructing / leading / coaching in any outdoor activity.
  • Do you have relevant instructor qualifications or RPIOL?
  • Regulated qualification at RQF/CQFW Level 3 / SQCF Level 6 or higher e.g. Outdoor Activity Instructor Apprenticeship, Mountain Leader Award, Forest School Leader, etc.
  • Equivalent experience is assessed through the RPIOL Award.

Professional in Outdoor Learning

  • Do you have responsibility for shaping effective outdoor learning in any setting by exercising autonomy and judgement within medium / long term parameters?

  • Do you have five or more years of outdoor learning work experience?
  • Statements of support confirm your experience as an outdoor learning specialist, manager, advisor, workforce teacher trainer, or researcher.
  • Do you have relevant learning at first degree level or equivalent?
  • Regulated qualification at RQF/CQFW Level 5 / SQCF Level 8 or higher. e.g. Relevant Degree, Masters, Diploma in Management, QTS, QTLS, etc.
  • An equivalent experience process is available for those without a relevant degree.

Senior Professional in Outdoor Learning

  • Do you have extended experience at a senior level for example, in research, management, leadership, delivery or advocacy.

  • Can you evidence how your Values influence your practice and your leadership against the five Mindset Criteria?

  • Do you have ten or more years of outdoor learning work experience?
  • Statements of support confirming your experience and senior professional mindset.
  • Do you have relevant learning at degree level or equivalent?
  • Regulated qualification at RQF/CQFW Level 6 / SQCF Level 9 or higher. e.g. Relevant Degree, Masters, Diploma in Management, QTS, QTLS, etc.
  • An equivalent experience process is available for those without a relevant degree level qualification.
Associate Professional in Outdoor Learning

 

Professional in Outdoor Learning
Senior Professional in Outdoor Learning

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