Adventurous Activities Licensing Authority (AALA)

Adventurous Activities Licensing Authority (AALA)

The Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA) is the body which oversees adventurous activities in the UK. Run by the Health and Safety Executive, AALA contracts out the licensing of venues to the Adventure Activities Licensing Service. Following a consultation process which lasted from 2011 to 2015 the AALA was confirmed as continuing to operate in its current form until further notice by the coalition government in March 2015.

Visit the AALA website HERE

Licenseable Activities

Under the Adventurous Activities Licensing Regulations 2004 there is a list of adventurous activities for which providers and venues must be licensed in order to be able to deliver them commercially. In August 2013 by way of clarification AALA also added a list of activities they specify as not requiring a licence in order to be delivered commercially. This was because it was felt that not every activity that appeared licensable on first sight was actually licensable and vice versa.

 Licensable activities include the following:

 Activities not requiring a licence include the following:

 Climbing (on natural outdoor features)

 Climbing

 Rock climbing

 Climbing walls

 Ice climbing

 Zip wires

 Abseiling (incl. on buildings & disused railway viaducts

 Tyrolean traverse

 Coasteering

 Tree scrambling

 Via Ferrata

 Jacob’s ladder

 Gorge/Ghyll scrambling

 Crate climbing

 Canyoning

 Abseiling towers

 Sea level traversing

 Scrambling (if no specialist equipment/techniques required)

 Bouldering (specialist equipment/techniques required)

 Bouldering (if no specialist equipment/techniques required) 

 

 Pool jumping/Tomb stoning/Plunge pooling

 

 Weasiling (as distinct from caving or bouldering)

 

 Ropes courses (incl. obstacle/assault courses)

 

 

 Trekking (journeying in remote moorland/mountain areas above 600m)

 Trekking

 Gorge walking

 Quad bikes

 Mountaineering

 Camping (in remote terrain)

 Wave skiing

 Mountain boarding

 Hill walking

 On-road cycling

 Fell running

 On-piste snow sports

 Orienteering

 Grass slope skiing

 Pony trekking

 

 Off-road cycling/Mountain biking

 

 Off-piste snow sports

 

 Ski touring

 

 Improvised sledges

 

 Ski touring

 

 

 

 Caving and Underground (in natural caves or mines)

 Caving and Underground

 Pot-holing

 Show caves/tourist mines

 Mine exploration

 Artificial cave systems

 Caving

 Mines still being worked

 Cave dicing

 

 

 

 Watersports (on most lakes, fast flowing rivers & the sea)

 Watersports

 Open canoeing/kayaking (sea & inland)

 Rowing boats

 Sea level traversing

 MCA registered yachts

 Sit on tops

 Rigid inflatable boats (RIB)

 Stand-up kayaks

 Wake boarding

 Katakanus

 Water skiing

 Improvised rafting

 Body boarding

 Kite surfing

 Surfing

 White-water rafting

 Snorkelling

 Improvised rafting

 Scuba diving

 Paddle surfing

 Open water swimming

 Sailboarding

 Sand/land yachting

 Windsurfing

 Blo-karting

 Dragon boating

 Power boats (and floats towed behind)

 Surf skiing

 Powered/towed inflatable/rafts

 Wave skiing

 

 Sailing (boats & dinghies)

 

 Duckies

 

 River bugs

 

 Keel boats

 

 Bell boats

 

 Hydrospeeding/Hydroboarding

 

 Stand-up paddleboarding

 

 Artificial white water courses

 

 

 

 Miscellaneous

 Miscellaneous

 

 Archery

 

 Rifle shooting

 

 Paint balling

 

 Survival & Bushcraft

 

 Team building exercises

 

 Bridge jumping

 

 Fencing

 

 Airborne Activities

 

 Clay pigeon shooting

 

 Air rifles

 

 Problem solving exercises

 

 Environmental studies

 

 Bungy jumping

 

 Go karting

 

 Adventure games

 

 BMX biking

 

Adventurous Activity Licensing Service (AALS)

The Adventure Activities Licensing Service (AALS) came into existence on 1 April 2007. It exists to provide licensing of licenseable activities delivered by venues and providers on behalf of AALA. The AALS is presently operated by TQS Ltd, a not-for-profit company under contract to the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA). TQS Ltd was previously the AALA.

If you want to take the children in your care, to an activity centre or provider you can contact the Adventure Activities Licensing Service on 029 2075 5715 or email info@aals.org.uk and they will tell you if the provider is licensed. It is especially important to do so for any of the above activities or any similar ones.

 

Role of AALS

AALS delivers the licensing regime on a day-to-day basis on behalf of AALA. Some of the ways it does this are:

  • considering applications for licences (including renewals and requests for changes;
  • carrying out inspections, including spot checks, of providers of adventure activities;
  • deciding on applications and issuing licences;
  • revoking or varying licences to secure safety;
  • investigating complaints within its remit;
  • making information about licence holders available to the public;
  • answering general queries about licensing.

 

AALS inspectors

The AALS has a small, permanent team of senior inspectors who are all highly qualified and experienced outdoor professionals. They have worked in the sector for many years before joining AALS and all still participate actively in adventure activities. Overall the team has detailed knowledge and experience of all licensable activities and many non-licensable ones which are often found at centres. The requirement to be suitably experienced or qualified is set out in the regulations.

The knowledgeable permanent team is supported by freelance inspectors who can be called upon when needed to deal with particular projects or peaks of work. All inspectors are appointed in writing and carry identification. They will show this on request.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1.  Why are only caving, climbing, trekking and watersports activities within scope of the regulations? What about, for example, motor sports, rope courses, archery and water skiing?

The licensing regulations encompass a broad range of activities but concentrate on those which are done in the most hazardous environments.  Licensing with compulsory inspection is a very strict form of regulation. The list of activities covered by the regulations was decided on following a review of the accident and incident history in this sector and a desire to regulate the activities with the greatest potential for multiple fatalities or severe injuries.

Q2.  The risks in the voluntary sector or on teacher-led trips may be as great or greater. Why aren't they included?

The licensing scheme arises from the tragedy at Lyme Bay in 1993, which involved a commercial organisation assuming responsibility for children's safety and then discharging it negligently. When children go on trips as part of the normal school curriculum under the continuing guidance of the teacher that is different from handing over responsibility to another party of whom certain skills, knowledge and qualifications are expected.

The Department for Education has produced guidance about school trips. There is also guidance for Scotland and the Outdoor Education Advisor's Panel has produced guidance for England. The Welsh Government has issued this guidance.  

The Adventure Activities Licensing Authority prepares guidance for the Adventure Activities Licensing Service inspector. This can be found by following the links on the left. Although written for the inspectors, the guidance may be useful to provider, schools and members of the public.

Q3.  What are the requirements on schools and teachers then?

Teachers leading their own pupils in adventure activities and assuming responsibility for their safety do not have to be licensed. But the school should however ensure that they are competent in the activity which they are leading. The fact that they do not fall within the scope of the regulations does not exempt them from their existing legal duty of care, as a teacher.

If the activity is organised by the school, the local authority or board of governors will, as employers, be subject to the provisions of the Health and Safety at Work Act and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. They require employers to assess the risks to teachers and pupils of any of their activities and to have in place measures to ensure that the significant risks are controlled. A part of this is ensuring that employees are sufficiently competent.

Q4.  Why not licence the entire range of activities on offer at a particular centre rather than just certain activities carried out there? Surely this is confusing for the public?

The Licensing Service inspectors have always acted as the eyes and ears of the health and safety enforcing authorities. They are required to bring any issues they become aware of to the attention of the provider and to the appropriate authority, if appropriate. Read The Approach to the Inspection of Providers for more detail about how the AALS inspect.

Q5.  Are there any voluntary schemes?

A non-statutory safety accreditation scheme, Adventuremark, is now established. It is suitable for activity providers who are out of the scope of the regulations but would like an independent accreditation. It is also available for AALA licence holders who would like an accreditation of those activities they offer but which are not in scope of licensing. You can find out more at Adventuremark. This scheme is voluntary but providers who are in scope of the regulations do still require a licence.

Adventuremark also feeds into the Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge, which is suitable for those providers looking for accreditation to recognise both quality and safety. The LOtC Quality Badge covers all types of learning outside the classroom, from farms to historic buildings, and adventurous activities to expeditions overseas

There are other non-statutory inspection and accreditation schemes such as those offered by Tourist Boards and the various National Governing Bodies of Sport.

Q6.  Do the regulations apply to centres overseas which are operated by British companies?

No, statutory regulations cannot apply outside of Great Britain for legal reasons. The legislation does not apply outside the boundaries of Great Britain and no remit exists for inspecting providers of adventure activities operating in Northern Ireland, Crown Territories, Crown Dependencies or foreign countries. Providers outside GB may find the Adventuremark scheme of interest.

Q7.  Do non-GB providers need a licence to offer activities in GB?

Yes - if they are providing activities in scope of the regulations then they require a licence.

Q8.  What is the law about minibuses, drivers and trailers?

This is a complex area involving both road traffic law and insurance. AALA and AALS inspectors are not competent to advise on this subject.  Activity providers who are part of a local authority should contact their transport department for information. Other providers should contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency or the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency as appropriate.

Q9.  Do the Adventure Activities Licensing Regulations require providers to do criminal records checks?

No - there is nothing in these regulations that requires providers to do criminal records checks. However there are other legal duties on those working with children and vulnerable adults. Further information can be obtained from the Disclosure and Barring Service, or in Scotland, Disclosure Scotland.

 

Complaints

Queries or complaints about individual licence holders should be made direct to the Licensing Service (details above). They will investigate complaints. If the matter is beyond their remit or ability to investigate, they will pass it on to the appropriate enforcing authority and will let you know that they have done so.

 

Incidents at Accredited Centres

The AALS keeps track of all reported incidents which occur at licenced adventurous activity venues.

information about incidents, accidents and near misses that have happened will be of use to anyone who is interested in adventurous activities, as a provider, user, enthusiast, organiser etc. This information is updated from time to time with safety developments and recommendations from within the outdoor community. Often an entry results from specific incidents and the intention of AALA is to look at the outcomes and implications of these and not at the incidents themselves.

The entries have been compiled by the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority.

Venues with this Accreditation

True Adventure provides a choice of quality expeditions, lasting 2 - 4 weeks, to a number of contrasting destinations, organised by expedition professionals and led by first class leaders.

The expertise we have in our field, together with our passion for each destination enables us to provide unparalleled opportunities which are so much more than just a trip to an exotic location.

For over 20 years the Kingsway Centre has been providing adventurous, fun and engaging programmes. We not only offer Adventure, but a range of services from Field Studies, to Corporate Development.

The Delaware Outdoor Education Centre near Gunnislake in the Tamar Valley provides a centrally heated, residential base, with a large sports field and a sunny garden with picnic benches.

Tirabad Outdoor Educational Centre is located in the village of Tirabad near Llangammarch Wells in the stunning mid-Wales countryside, just north of the Eppynt Moor and Sennybridge on the A40.

Hothersall Lodge is situated in a secluded and picturesque corner of the beautiful Ribble Valley. It occupies a secure 7 acre south facing site, which has its own canoe lake and gives a sheltered, sunny aspect to this lovely location. Residential stays are possible with 80 beds and a campsite available.

  • Outdoor Learning Activities including Outdoor Pursuits and Environmental Field Studies
  • Courses for primary schools, secondary schools and corporate groups
  • CPD and Inset Courses for Teachers
  • Residential courses for up to 72 people
  • Day visits for up to 108 students at a time

Castle Head Field Centre lies in its own extensive grounds between the southern fells of the Lake District and the shores of Morecambe Bay. 

We aim to inspire happiness and health, passion and knowledge through a creatively stimulating and physically challenging environment; helping our customers and staff to realise and achieve their full potential

Schools: Give us a ring, we can do progression and one off sessions, to your requirements. Climbing fits with the GCSE syllabus as well.

Cantref Bunkhouse Accommodation is situated on the foothills of the Brecon Beacons just outside of Brecon, South Wales and is the ideal retreat for walkers as we are in walking distance to the Brecon Beacons, safe for cyclists as you will have access to a lockable bike shed, handy for canoeists as we have a large car park which is perfect for trailors & of course it's perfect for groups and

Paul Lethebee and Jim Davis both enjoy the pleasures that travelling and playing on water brings. They have many years of experience of living and working in the countryside and live in the Yorkshire Dales.

Adventure Plus (A+) has worked with over 50,000 young people and adults through outdoor adventures since 1990, including some of the most vulnerable in our society. An interdenominational Christian Charity (Reg no 1081059) A+ is s

Chris Hughes Multi Activity Services Limited (CHMAS) is a small UK family run business based in Shrewsbury, providing outdoor activity instruction for individuals, families and small groups. It was founded in 2006 by Chris and Janet Hughes, both of whom have been involved in the outdoors since childhood.

It’s so simple to start climbing at Evolution. If you are over 6 years old, all you have to do is turn up during opening hours, but please bring a grown up along to look after you. No experience or booking is required to use the Bouldering areas – Just turn up, pay and climb.

The future of this special place is so important to us that we have partnered with the National Trust (and give them a percentage of your money) and we have a detailed eco policy, in order to give something back to the environment that we are privileged to share with you.

We specialise in bespoke outdoor programmes for both the youth and adult markets. If you are looking for an overseas expedition, medical training course or a team building session, you have come to the right place.

You can come to our Centre for day activities, holidays, the Greenhouse, Team Q and Gold day services, Friday evening club or Saturday morning club. You can come with a group of friends, your family or carer, your school or club.

Class Adventure has the knowledge, experience, ability and resources to make outdoor adventure education both exciting and developmental. We can provide programme options at price levels that will meet your budgetary requirements, and itineraries designed to achieve your target outcomes. 

4th Dimension was established in 1987 by Chris Taylor, a graduate teacher of Physical and Outdoor Education after 12 years in teaching, the last 3 of which were as Head of Department at a large 11-18 split site, comprehensive school.

Welcome to Dragon Boat Events Ltd, the home of dragon boating. We are the UK’s premier dragon boat event provider, and specialise in providing high quality corporate and charity dragon boat racing events.

Extreme Ventures Ltd is a business created for families, with this we aspire to provide everyone an experience to remember for years to come and ensure everyone has an adventure they will never forget.

Developing desire for adventure! That’s what I do - I am available for made to measure coaching, guiding and expeditions.

Lambourne End Centre for Outdoor Learning offers educational learning opportunities in our '54 acre classroom' to build self-esteem, confidence, social skills and raise aspirations. Using our unique blend of adventure, farm and environmental activities we aim to inspire people to make a positive contribution to their lives and their communities.

Experience the thrill and challenge of Quad Biking, negotiating a 250cc or 90cc Honda all-terrain vehicle, with a trek through our cross-country nature trail whilst enjoying some of the best views of the Taff and Rhymney Valley's in South Wales.

Rock and River are Outdoor Pursuits specialists. We have been running adventurous outdoor activities since 1996.

Our main site is at Cliff's Farm Activity Centre on a 180 acre farm in Mawdesley, near Ormskirk. We also have a second, smaller site at Ashworth Valley, Rochdale. We run outdoor activities for schools, colleges, youth and corporate groups and scouts and guides.

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