Technical Advice
Who needs technical advice?
Our clients fall into two categories:
Commercial providers of outdoor activities for under-18s who have a licence from the Adventure Activity Licensing Service, but who do not have a suitably qualified and experienced person on their staff to take on the role of Technical Adviser for some activities. The regulations state that management of safety is in the hands of, or effectively advised by, a competent person with sufficient knowledge of safety matters in relation to the adventure activities covered by the licence. Clients include outdoor centres, non-residential outdoor activity providers, and seasonal holiday providers.
Outdoor activity providers who are exempt from the licence scheme because they do not directly charge for the activities, but who recognise that they need training and advice, for example Scouts, schools offering outdoor activities or running their own climbing wall.
PHOTO COURTESY OF TARIQ SHEIKH
Our clients use our expertise in the following ways:
To further staff training and experience
To provide NGB award courses: Mountain Leader, Lowland Leader, Rock Climbing Instructor
To explore new venues for activities
For site specific training and validation for staff who do not hold NGBs but who are competent and experienced, at outdoor venues and indoor climbing walls
For advice on and approval of safety management systems, eg risk assessments and the measures and arrangements arising from them
For advice on the implementation of safety management systems to ensure that they are based on accepted good practice and that they comply with the written systems
Our approach is to always look at the client’s ways of working and giving advice, rather than suggesting set methods.
You might find these blog posts useful:
Who needs technical advice?
Variety is the Spice of Life
photo courtesy of martin paley
The main areas covered are:
Staffing
To advise on appropriate qualifications for activities
To assess staff competence in the absence of NGB qualifications
Training
To identify staff training needs and priorities
To provide in-house training as required, including NGBs
To monitor in-house training
Operations
To advise on the establishment of safety procedures
To monitor and review safety procedures
To advise on activity venues
Equipment
To advise on purchase and use of equipment
To monitor equipment maintenance and replacement procedures
General
To advise on Mountain Training policy
To assist with inspection visits as required
Fees for NGB training & assessment courses
We will quote you a price depending on what you need and the number of people in your group.
Courses outside Cumbria incur 50p/mile travel expenses.
Fees for all other technical adviser visits
In 2024:
1:1 - £240 per full day
1:2 - £260 per full day
1:3 - £280 per full day
1:4 - £300 per full day
1:5 - £320 per full day
1:6 - £340 per full day
In 2025:
1:1 - £248 per full day
1:2 - £268 per full day
1:3 - £288 per full day
1:4 - £308 per full day
1:5 - £328 per full day
1:6 - £348 per full day
All visits incur 50p/mile travel expenses
£35 per hour for any admin work not relating to a specific visit
How Does It Work In Practice?
You contact us, and we discuss your specific needs.
You send us your written safety management policies, together with a copy of your most recent licence application, if relevant.
Feedback is given on the above.
Once the relationship has been established, a contract of agreement is provided, and the first visit is arranged. The frequency of visits is entirely up to you.
A written report is given after each visit, with recommendations on policies and procedures.
Can we help you? Please phone for a chat on the number below.
