AIM & AHOEC - Gold Standard : what it represents for AIM Members

For providers working within the adventure activity and outdoor education sector, demonstrating quality, professionalism and robust systems is central to both safe delivery and long‑term sustainability. The AHOEC Gold Standard is one such benchmark that aims to recognise centres delivering excellence not only in safety, but also in learning, leadership and organisational practice.

For AIM members, many of whom already operate at high professional standards, the Gold Standard represents a sector‑led approach to quality assurance, developed by practitioners for practitioners.

AHOEC: A Brief History

The Association of Heads of Outdoor Education Centres (AHOEC) was established in 1963, bringing together leaders of outdoor centres from across the UK. Since its inception, AHOEC has played a key role in championing outdoor learning, influencing policy, sharing best practice and supporting professional development within the sector.

AHOEC’s membership spans local authority, charitable, independent and commercial providers, united by a shared commitment to outdoor education as a powerful tool for learning, personal development and wellbeing. The Gold Standard emerged from this long-standing professional community as a way of articulating what “good” looks like beyond statutory minimums.

What the Gold Standard represents

All providers working with under‑18s in licensable activities must hold an AALA licence, confirming compliance with nationally recognised safety standards. The AHOEC Gold Standard does not replace this; instead, it builds upon it.

The Gold Standard is designed to recognise centres that demonstrate well‑embedded systems, reflective practice and educational intent, assessed across five key areas:

• Safety and Risk Management
  Strong safety culture, effective operational systems, competent staffing and well‑maintained equipment underpin all Gold Standard centres.
• Quality of Service and Leadership
  Clear leadership, good governance, effective communication and a professional approach to clients, staff and stakeholders.
• Learning and Educational Provision
  Programmes with clear learning outcomes, appropriate progression and a strong understanding of how outdoor experiences support personal and social development.
• Facilities and Resources
  Facilities, accommodation and activity environments that are fit for purpose, well maintained and appropriate to the provision offered.
• Inclusion and Accessibility
  A commitment to widening participation, adapting provision where possible and removing unnecessary barriers to access.

For AIM members, this framework will feel familiar, closely aligned with good risk management, defensible decision‑making and quality assurance already expected within the insurance relationship.

If you’re proud of the quality of outdoor learning you offer, or are curious to explore the Gold Standard further, we warmly invite you to get in touch using the details below and begin the journey with us.

The AHOEC Gold Managing Group may be contacted directly through Teresa Thorp, Head of Outdoor Learning Service for North Yorkshire Council and Chair of the AHOEC Gold Managing Group: Teresa.Thorp@northyorks.gov.uk

"AIM is proud to support the AHOEC Gold Standard as part of its wider commitment to promoting quality, safety and excellence within outdoor learning. Having worked with AHOEC for several years, this partnership builds on a strong relationship between two organisations that share a commitment to supporting high standards and good practice across the sector.

For AIM, supporting AHOEC Gold is about recognising the work undertaken by outdoor learning providers to maintain high standards and helping to promote the importance of quality, professionalism and safety throughout the industry”.