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

Experience Adventure (Northern) Ltd, for instruction in outdoor activities including Canoes, Kayaks, Archery and Rock Climbing. Set in an inspiring North Yorkshire location, ideal river setting with private landing steps leading to the river Ure make for perfect facilities.

Evolution Outdoors Ltd has provided top quality adventurous outdoor activities since 2007.

Based in the Peak District, Evolution Outdoors is a young and exciting outdoors company run by an unusual mix of people with backgrounds ranging from ex-soldiers to chemistry graduates, all with a wealth of outdoors and leadership experience. 

 

Energise is rated as 'Excellent' by Quest, which is Sport England's continuous improvement scheme to ensure quality-run leisure facilities. Only 30 centres out of over 650 in the UK hold this prestigious level.

Elton is one of the longest established sailing clubs in the North West. The reservoir is owned by British Waterways, and serves as a feeder for the Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal.

ElementalUK has been delivering high-quality outdoor educational activities for many years. We have a close association with our local schools and with schools all over the country, and we pride ourselves on forming excellent working relationships with staff and students alike.

ElementalUK has been delivering high-quality outdoor educational activities for many years. We have a close association with our local schools and with schools all over the country, and we pride ourselves on forming excellent working relationships with staff and students alike. 

We offer you the complete package; our own residential centre complete with 5* en-suite activity accommodation, conference room and break-out rooms, transport, locally sourced home-cooked food, trainers with over 25 years experience and exclusive access to on-site activities creating an excellent, unrivalled, training venue.

Eden Outdoor Adventures is a small, friendly, family company run by Ian and Melanie. We specialise in providing activities for individuals, schools and groups that are tailored to your needs. We pride ourselves on providing affordable, fun, adventurous days out ,with high quality instruction and guiding with a personal touch.

East Lothian Yacht Club was founded in 1928, initially renting the upstairs of the Fishermen's Hall as its base (next door to the present clubhouse). In 1931 the club moved to its present place, an old granary built circa 1802, which it leased from the Hamilton Dalrymple family. This is a grade 'B' listed building. Later the club leased the lower store from the Town Council.

East Lothian Council Outdoor Learning Service provides high quality, safe and sustainable outdoor learning opportunities. The service promotes progressive experiential learning and the benefits of healthy lifestyles. 

Located on the edge of the North York Moors and close to Yorkshire’s Heritage Coast we are ideally situated to provide a wide range of courses in stunning natural surroundings. Within 20 minutes of the Centre you could be mountain biking on the moors, scrambling up a beck or exploring the seashore.

Situated on the Dartington Estate in Totnes, Dynamic Adventures can offer a wide variety of outdoor activities for all ages and abilities. All activities are supervised by our qualified instructors for you to enjoy a fun, safe and enjoyable session.

We can cater for groups up to 100 onsite and we are fully operation throughout the year.

Usually most schools work with us to select either a half or a full day with activities from our multi-activity, then we can ensure a jam packed day for the kids that will leave them with a big smile on their faces! We can also run a host of other great activities on and off site!

Woodlands is located in the village of Glasbury on Wye, in the Welsh County of Powys. The listed, Regency building is set in ten acres of grounds overlooking the River Wye and the Black Mountains, within easy reach of the Brecon Beacons National Park and the limestone area to the south. Our courses make full use of this outstanding and spectacular area of natural beauty.

Darley Barn Outdoor Centre is a purpose built outdoor activity centre, located at Darley Park, in the heart of the Derwent Mills World Heritage Site in Derby. It offers a wide range of outdoor activities including canoeing, orienteering, environmental and heritage pursuits.

Based in South Tyneside, North East England, we specialise in designing outdoor activities to suit your personal needs. We guarantee that your experience will be fun, enjoyable, challenging, exciting but ever important - memorable!

Gateway Outdoors is a Shrewsbury based business that specialises in providing high quality outdoor instruction based entirely on the requirements of the client group. We aim to use as much of the local resources as possible at the most cost effective price for groups or individuals, to experience something new and enjoyable.

We are providers of outdoor activities, skills coaching, personal development and are the original river Severn paddlesport specialists. Based in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, the river Severn and surrounding area is our daily Playground. We operate throughout the UK & Abroad.

There Base is in the heart of Brecon town centre and is the Home of Bikes and Hikes and the Brecon Barbarians Cycling Club. The Brecon Cycle Hub offers cyclist local trail information for all the cycle hubs in the Brecon Beacons; Sennybridge, Brecon, Talgarth, Tal-y-bont on Usk, Crickhowell and Abergavenny.

Burrs Activity Centre is situated in the award winning Burrs Country Park close to the centre of Bury, with the river Irwell, the East Lancashire railway, a newly developed Caravan Club site with 80 pitches, the Brown Cow Public House, a Heritage Trail and the activity centre, all on site, it really is worth a visit.

Paul is an active mountaineer, walking, mountain biking and climbing whenever possible. For over fifteen years now he has been involved in Outdoor Education, delivering a wide range of experiences and challenges for schools, as well as many other organisations and groups,  of all ages, ability and backgrounds. 

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