Outdoor Programme Accreditation Schemes For Third Party Providers Saturday 7th May 2016 Graham Wardle

Accreditation Schemes WHY Provides a “benchmark” -against set and agreed ‘good practice’ industry standards for outdoor programs/ventures

Accreditation Schemes What’s out there? 3 options for Providers in Asia: 1. Wilderness Education Association (WEA) 2. Association for Experiential Education (AEE) 3. British Standard 8848:(2014)

Association for Experiential Education (AEE) Accreditation Process – obtain a copy of the standards 1. application by organization seeking accreditation; pay initial application fee 2. internal review by organization seeking accreditation – self study 3. external review by Accreditation Program; includes a site visit 4. evaluation by Accreditation Council; for an initial 3-5 years 5. maintenance of accreditation Cost US$4K

Wilderness Education Association (WEA) 1. Complete -Self Study (4-9 months) 2. Digital - Application 3. Site Visit- by a Team Site Visit Report - written 4. Commission – reviews all docs and awards Accreditation TIME FRAME 12-18 months Cost US$4-5K Wilderness Education Association (WEA) Obtain the Accreditation Manual – review standards $80

BS 8848:(2014) How does the standard protect users? BS 8848 details good practice for venture providers to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone taking part. It shows Providers how to: plan ventures, identify potential risks and manage them effectively. It also requires participants to be given clear information so that they can make informed decisions about risks to their own safety.

BS 8848:(2014) 3 ways of gaining Compliance 1. Self Assessment – Purchase from BSI the Standard 100 pounds sterling Compile – all of the evidence to claim compliance 2. External Audit – by Technically Competent Assessors 3. External Government Audit (Currently Not available) Two 3rd Providers – at OFFSEAS

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