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

Real Adventure is a unique outdoor company based in the Lake District. We provide a wide variety of high quality adventure courses tailored for individual clients at no extra charge. At Real Adventure we provide expert innovative learning that combines adventure and education in a positive and creative environment.

Based at the picturesque, rural setting of Talkin Tarn. Located in Brampton, just off the A69 east of Carlisle, Cumbria. We offer a wide range of outdoor adventures for families, groups and individuals of all ages and abilities. So why not come and have a go.

At Studland Sea School we offer a wide range of kayaking tours, tuition, BCU courses and hire, kayak fishing, coasteering and BSAC snorkelling catering for all levels of ability. 

Marrick Priory is a historic 12th century medieval building that was developed in the 1970s into an Outdoor Education and Residential Centre.  It is situated in Swaledale in the heart of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales National Park and welcomes groups of visitors from all over the world.

Our eco award-winning centre is perfectly located to enjoy the Stackpole Estate. The recently upgraded residential centre with theatre, meeting and classroom facilities can accommodate up to 140 guests and is ideal for educational groups, corporate clients, private group hire and family holidays.

We provide an opportunity for people to maintain their interest and continue to develop their skills and confidence through youth work and adventurous water activities.

We are a small, friendly, sailing school, situated on the Studland peninsula, at the entrance to Poole harbour, close to the southern side of the Sandbanks ferry.

Shell Bay Sailing holds a licence to operate from the Adventurous Activities Licensing Service and is an RYA recognised training centre.

Kernow Coasteering is the UK's most westerly coasteering centre offering coasteering around Penzance and St. Ives. located on the Lands End peninsula in the far west of Cornwall, we're only a short drive from numerous awesome locations for coasteering where you can experience towering cliffs, caves and jumps.

We are based right in the heart of Abersoch, on the beautiful Lleyn peninsula. Learn how to sail or powerboat, or hire a dinghy, kayak or pedalo against a backdrop of jaw dropping scenery, including the beautiful Snowdonia mountain range​.

We create life changing adventures with a light touch on nature, focus young people’s sight & skills for the future and help organisations with innovation & sustainability. We play for the planet.

Growing up in St Davids, we've been swimming, surfing, and generally looking for fun and adventure on this coastline for decades. Ma Simes Surf School, established in 2001, is the oldest dedicated surf school in the area, with many thousands of surfers having passed through our Whitesands classes.

With brand new lakeside camping pods (new for 2015), traditional Acorn camping in pre-erected tents or bushcraft bivvi nights to choose from. This Great Welsh Adventure not only offers a market leading water sports programme for school and group trips, it’s a refreshingly genuine outdoor experience.

This elegant Edwardian Country House offers exceptional facilities and stunning views over an untamed Welsh landscape. We are located on the edge of Llanwrtyd Wells, between the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian mountains, with a 5 acre lake and adjoining river providing a lovely backdrop.

The centre is in easy reach of the River Wye, the Brecon Beacons and limestone areas to the south containing some of the most extensive cave systems in Britain and both natural and quarried climbing areas.

This local environment provides an area of outstanding natural beauty, and means we are able to offer courses of an adventurous and challenging nature.

This licence holder is currently non-operational.

Cumulus Outdoors provides only the highest quality in planning and running outdoor adventure activities for youth. Through our unique experience, approach and focus, we bring maximum benefit to schools, youth groups and DofE.

We are always raring to go and have even more to offer - Level 3 Better Sailing for adult beginners, and for our advanced sailors, RYA Start Racing.

We are a friendly, long-established sailing and powerboat school located in one of the largest and most beautiful natural working harbours in the world. We are situated off the Fal Estuary, in the heart of the historical maritime town of Falmouth.

With over 20 years experience providing Outdoor Activities, Fairburn Activity Centre is sure to provide an unforgettable visit. As a Small Centre, we pride ourselves in ensuring we tailor your visit to your individual needs and aim to meet every expectation you may have!

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