As we move towards a more coherent sector, and in order to improve the strength of our support and voice inside and outside the sector, we are creating standards to recognise the professionals within UK Outdoors member organisations.
After several years of research and consultation, this takes the sector forward towards establishing a chartered body for outdoor learning professionals.
- Having professional recognition clearly benchmarked against other established professions will strengthen our lobbying and representation activity with UK and Home Nation Governments.
- Professional membership of a UK Outdoors member organisation will be a required gateway for accessing pathways to individual Chartered Professional status.
Professional Recognition Benchmarks
Professional recognition distinguishes a level of education and experience working in any area of outdoor learning. It is in addition to each individuals’ specialisms and qualifications, e.g. instruction/coaching awards, IOL Accreditation, association memberships, teaching and/or management qualifications, etc.
Professional recognition 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.
Associate Professional Recognition
One years’ outdoor learning work experience plus relevant qualifications.
Professional Recognition
Five years’ outdoor learning work experience plus relevant qualifications.
Suitable qualifications at RQF/CQFW Level 3 / SQCF Level 6 or higher**
e.g. Outdoor Activity Instructor Apprenticeship, Mountain Leader Award, Forest School Leader, etc.
Statements of support confirming experience in instructing / leading / coaching in any outdoor activity.
Suitable qualifications at RQF/CQFW Level 5 / SQCF Level 8 or higher**
e.g. First Degree, Masters Degree, Diploma in Management, etc.
Statements of support confirming experience as an outdoor learning specialist, manager or advisor – or the teaching / development of the workforce.
** Requirements for equivalent qualifications and experience are in development.
Professional Recognition Process
Attaining professional recognition will further demonstrate your commitment to professional practice and your own continued professional development.
UK Outdoors Member Organisations offering Professional Recognition
- Institute for Outdoor Learning (IOL)
- Association of Heads of Outdoor Education Centres (AHOEC)
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, e.g. Full membership of AHOEC.
It is envisaged that Professional Recognition will define an individual’s membership level of UK Outdoors as organisations with our sector come together.
Associate Professional Recognition
Recognition as an associate professional demonstrates you have experience working in outdoor learning and a commitment to professionalism and your own continued professional development.
UK Outdoors Member Organisations offering Associate Professional Recognition
- Institute for Outdoor Learning (IOL)
- Association of Heads of Outdoor Education Centres (AHOEC)
Associate Professional Application Routes
APR ROUTE 1
Qualification + RPIOL, APIOL or LPIOL award
APR ROUTE 2
Suitable qualification
Copies of certificate of a suitable qualification
One statement of support that confirms your experience
Copies of certificate of a suitable qualification
Self-declaration of suitable experience on application form
Suitable qualifications:
All qualifications and awards that are directly relevant to your work in outdoor learning and are at RQF/CQFW Level 3 / SQCF Level 6 or higher may be suitable.
These include, but are not limited to:
- Outdoor Activity Instructor Apprenticeship
- MTUK Level 3 Rock Climbing Instructor
- MTUK Level 3 Award in Lowland Leadership
- MTUK Level 3 Award in Mountain Leadership
- Level 3 Forest School Leader
- Pearson BTEC Diploma in Sport and Outdoor Activities
IOL recognised qualifications and awards aligned to Outdoor Activity Instructor Occupational Standard at Level 3 can be found here.
Suitable experience:
- Provide safe and engaging outdoor learning sessions
- Organise resources and deliver within agreed programmes
- Prepare for and achieve planned outcomes
Professional Recognition
Recognition as a professional in outdoor learning values your experience and will further demonstrate your commitment to professionalism and continued professional development.
UK Outdoors Member Organisations offering Professional Recognition
- Institute for Outdoor Learning (IOL)
- Association of Heads of Outdoor Education Centres (AHOEC)
Professional Recognition Application Routes
PR ROUTE 1
Suitable qualification PLUS APIOL or LPIOL award
PR ROUTE 2
Suitable qualification PLUS member of AHOEC
PR ROUTE 3
Statement of experience
One statement of support that confirms your experience
One statement of support that confirms your experience
List of outdoor learning roles, responsibilities and dates
Copies of certificates of suitable qualifications
Copies of certificates of suitable qualifications
One statement of support that confirms your experience
Copies of certificates of suitable qualifications
Self-declaration of suitable experience on application form
Suitable qualifications:
- First or Higher Degrees in Outdoor Adventure Leadership, Outdoor Adventure Education, Geography, Environmental Science, etc.
- Level 5 Certificate / Diploma in Management and Leadership, Level 5 Certificate / Diploma in Effective Coaching and Mentoring, etc.
- Post Graduate Certificate in Education, Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training, etc.
Suitable experience:
Professionals in outdoor learning have a total of at least five years’ outdoor learning work experience at this level to enable them to:
- Shape effective outdoor delivery and exercise autonomy and judgement
- Build programmes of learning using purposeful and planned outdoor experiences
- Think and operate medium / long term planning and developing courses of action
- Positively influence colleagues and role model professional and reflective practice
- Deliver value to customers and the profession by addressing complex problems
Experience may be full time, part role or volunteer in any area of outdoor learning, as either a practitioner or academic, and include the responsibilities of one or more of:
Outdoor Learning Specialist
Instructors, Facilitators,
Teachers, Coaches, etc.
Manager of Outdoor Learning
Leaders, Managers, Advisors, etc.
Workforce / Profession Developer
Trainers, Lecturers, Researchers, etc.
