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

All of our activites for those under the age of 18 without parental accompaniment will be run by highly qualified instructors. nm all young people must have appropriate parental consent for the activities. 

We have alot of experience organising and running activites for youth groups around the local area in conjunction with other local activity providers.

The Camas programme is jointly designed with you to meet your needs. Whatever the nature of the group, we aim to be flexible in enabling the best possible experience to occur from your stay at Camas.

We have been giving tuition in windsurfing and kitesurfing in our watersports school in Poole harbour for over 20 Years. It operates in the shallow waters of Poole Harbour - one of the most popular places to learn windsurfing and kitesurfing in the UK. All our windsurfing instructors have been trained to RYA standards and IKO standards.

Here at the SWC we are solely interested in creating Windsurfers!

We have said goodbye to teaching large groups and using fabric sails. Instead, we specifically teach all new budding windsurfers on a one to one ratio until they have mastered blasting and the beach starts. To date my P.B. has been zero to blasting and almost carve gybes in only six lessons!

Pleasley Vale is affectionately known as ‘little Matlock’ to local outdoor enthusiasts. Set in the impressive grounds of Pleasley Vale Mill Complex the centre provides the perfect opportunity for groups and individuals to experience the spirit of adventure without having to travel or pay the high costs associated with more traditional locations such as the Peak District.

A family run organisation based in Shropshire, our aims are:

To provide adventurous outdoor activities that challenge the individual

To promote good practice and responsibility in the outdoors

To inspire a love of the outdoors in others

We are experienced in dealing with big school and scout groups and offer great discounts.

“At SWAC we’re passionate about water sports…from sailing and rowing, to powerboating and stand up paddle boarding, we’ve got it all covered.

It offers a variety of facilities to provide opportunities for indoor and outdoor activities ranging from a Rainbow Day to Senior Section camping. Although close to local amenities, Pettypool is secluded enough to be a safe attractive environment for all who use it.

Pennine Outdoor Pursuits is an award winning training organisation established in 1987 offering tuition in a variety of outdoor activities for all ages and abilities all over the country.

Teesoutdoors was created because we are passionate about quality services for young people , and the value of experience and informal learning as educational processes. Our projects are more than activities, they are about moving from dependence to independence, gaining and using skills, and personal development through reflection. 

Stithians Lake in Cornwall is considered one of the windiest inland waters in England. It's not surprising therefore that it's a favourite with windsurfers and sailors alike. Watch the video by clicking on the play button in the images.

We are an Outdoor Centre that has been running for over 30 years set up to provide great activities in a friendly environment, staffed by Christians but available to all.

We have accommodation for up to 50 young people and only host one group at a time.

Wiston Lodge is a place where guests are able to develop personal, social and work skills. We can design and supply programmes tailored to suit your group's needs, or provide the venue for your own programmes. We welcome residential and day visits, during the week and at weekends.

We specialise in programmes for schools and youth groups. Since Powys started its outdoor centres, our focus has always been on giving young peple the opportunity to step out of the classroom and find new ways of learning.

Inspire adventure provide themed outdoor adventure activity days for families, hen and stag parties, adult social groups. Outdoor professional development courses are available for those wishing to expand their knowledge and skills in open canoeing, kayak, mountain biking, climbing and abseiling.

Give your kids a zest for the outdoors, and a hobby for life. Sailing, kayaking and powerboating are a fun way to get out in the fresh air, and we offer watersports coaching and courses for children aged eight upwards. We supply all the equipment from wetsuits and buoyancy aids to boats.

The Centre, which is RYA recognised, delivers practical courses in sailing, powerboating, personal watercraft (jetski) and kayaking. In addition, it offers RYA theory courses in Navigation, First Aid, VHF Radio and Diesel Maintenance.

We can help plan and deliver a range of outdoor learning packages for primary schools across all key stages.

Nestled within the mountains of the Brecon Beacons National Park you will find a whole host of fun filled adventure. Whether you are looking for an exciting new experience, or developing personal skills, Sbri Cymru can tailor make an activity day to suit you.

Pink Adventures provide a professional and friendly outdoor activity service throughout North West England. We provide a wide range of adventure activity holidays, days out and weekend breaks tailored to your specific needs with fully qualified and experienced staff.

The Adventure Service uses the outdoor world and group volunteering opportunities to enable people to develop the skills to become more independent and confident. We offer a post 16 day service, outreach work services in schools and teambuilding and adventure days for organisations and group homes.

 

We provide bespoke adventure and outdoor education programmes for schools and groups of young people of all ages and abilities. Please browse our website to get an understanding of how we can meet your needs - or better still give us a call now!

Whether you are a gnarly, experienced mountaineer, a foot weary walker off the West Highland Way, a youth group, stag-hen party or family and friends looking for an amazing day out, Ice Factor is the perfect place to have fun as you practice, train and learn every conceivable mountaineering skill. 

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