Standards of Practice for Adventure and Outdoor Recreation Activities

There are 10 standards of practice that have been developed to:

support providers in their delivery of safe and effective practice
support providers in meeting the expectations of Visit Wales for sustainable adventure activity tourism, and the adventure activity/outdoor recreation sector ‘good practice’ requirements
promote and assure quality of practice
support providers in assuring and demonstrating the standard of ‘customer care’
support providers and those who purchase services or use outdoor practitioners, to evaluate the standard of adventure activity tourism and outdoor recreation provision

The 10 required standards of practice are:

1. Autonomy and accountability - competence of instructional staff

Providers deploy instructional staff to practice within the scope of their competencies
Providers deploying instructional staff demonstrate the behaviours, skills and knowledge to fulfil the responsibilities of their role
Providers fulfil their duty of care to all involved
Providers demonstrate professionalism at all times

2. Delivering a safe and effective service

Where new roles are taken on, an appropriate planned orientation and induction programme is undertaken
Staffing and skill set is sufficient to support the services being provided
Operational procedures should be consistent with nationally recognised standards for each of the activities provided
Services are delivered in a risk-managed environment and offer a systematic, proactive and responsive approach to risk management (including lone workers) following the provider’s overall strategy
There is a systematic, proactive and responsive approach to emergency situations that follows the provider’s Emergency Action Plan

3. Learning and development

Providers actively engage with and reflect on the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) process to maintain and develop their staff currency of competence to practice
Providers offer quality CPD opportunities that help others learn and develop
Providers actively engage with supporting apprentices, trainees etc. and the development of their professional socialisation.
There are recognised structures, processes and resources in place that support learning and development in the workplace and enable providers and their staff to meet the requirements of their role and meet professional and regulatory CPD Requirements

4. Working in partnership

Services are designed, planned and delivered with the aim of promoting and improving tourism and recreation, environmental awareness, safety management, health and well being, as well as educating and developing all
Customers/clients are respected as individuals and placed at the centre of their own learning and development, thus empowering users to participate in their own development
Collaboration within and between service providers is established to enable ‘good practice’ models to be maintained
Work with the respective regional Charter Groups (SWOAPG, POCG and S-A /NWEOCG) to ensure environmental ‘good practice' models are maintained

5. Consent

Providers obtain and document the customer’s/client’s informed consent before activity delivery
In consenting, the customer/client is fully aware of what they are consenting to i.e. understand the type and level of activity to be undertaken and the levels of associated risk
Where a customer/client is under the age of consent, such consent must be obtained and documented via a third party i.e. parent or guardian

6. Record keeping and information governance

Records are stored whilst current and disposed of in accordance with legal requirements
Data capture systems are designed and maintained to provide effective security
Providers can evidence periodic audits of records, in respect of operational procedures, risk management and equipment etc., demonstrating governance currency and that equipment is/remains ‘fit for purpose’

7. Communication

Mechanisms exist to ensure effective communication within and outside of the provider’s business
Providers communicate effectively with customers/clients to ensure effective and efficient services
Providers communicate effectively with other outdoor professionals and relevant outside agencies to ensure effective and efficient services
Providers treat all information in the strictest confidence

8. Management and provision

There is fair and equitable access to services
Providers will take heed of the advice and/or guidance of relevant National Governing Bodies (NGBs), Awarding Bodies (ABs) and National/Regional Charters, as well as adhere to ‘good practice’ in all aspects of the business, including safety and quality
Providers display evidence that the management of safety is effectively advised by, one or more competent (Technical Advisor) person(s) with sufficient knowledge of safety matters in relation to the facilities for adventure activities delivered by the provider
The ‘Technical Advisor’ is to have the appropriate expertise and be competent to give advice

9. Evaluation of services

Effective quality improvement processes are in place, which are integrated into the existing structure
There is an audit programme to ensure continuous improvement of quality
There is a clear and responsive procedure for making and dealing with complaints

10. Promotion and marketing adventure activity tourism and outdoor recreation sector services

Information provided on services and products accurately reflects those offered by the provider
Services sold or supplied to customers/clients are necessary
The endorsement of a product or service is based on sound reasoning, evidence and consideration of cost and quality