The AAIAC is a unique, free-standing UK-wide body and is supported by us and the Sport and Recreation Alliance (SRA). It also acts as the technical reference group for the sector.
Its roles include:
- maintaining and improving health & safety standards in the industry, and advising on industry-wide safety issues and standards;
- advising on skill development and on the competency of standards, particularly in those instances where no relevant 'sport governing body' exists.
Its members are individuals who apply to join, but they are also nominated by other sector organisations and individuals. Members are appointed on the basis of individual experience and capability. People who are experienced and capable also tend to have links to other sector organisations. This secondary feature of membership ensures ongoing relevance and currency regarding AAIAC's work for the outdoors sector.
AAIAC was established in 1996 by the Health and Safety Commission as a standing industry advisory committee. Initially, much of AAIAC's work was concerned with the licensing and regulation of outdoor activity centres following the introduction of the Activity Centres (Young Persons' Safety) Act 1995.
Recent work carried out by AAIAC includes:
- The successful lobbying of the Health and Safety Executive on behalf of the industry following concerns about the impact of the Work At Height Regulations 2005 on adventurous activities within the 'outdoor workplace'.
- Input into the development of guidance on good practice within high ropes and coasteering activities.
- Ongoing work with the sector to ensure that reassurance for participants in and consumers of adventurous activities is available in the form of a robust voluntary accreditation scheme incorporating independent assessment which covers all aspects of the sector.
More information about AAIAC, including meeting minutes, can be found on the AAIAC website.
