Accreditation

Accreditation

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To ensure we work to the very highest standards possible, we have successfully applied for accreditation from the leading industry bodies governing work in the outdoors.  This involves thorough checks by experienced experts of our systems and operational procedures, both in the field and behind the scenes, as well as our risk and incident management plans. Please click on the links below to see more information about the various organisations we are accredited by or affiliated to.

  • ABTOT

    The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 for ESOC Ltd T/A The Exploration Society, and in the event of their insolvency, protection is provided for the following:

    1. non-flight packages commencing in and returning to the UK;
    2. non-flight packages commencing and returning to a country other than the UK; and
    3. flight inclusive packages that commence outside of the UK and Republic of Ireland, which are sold to customers outside of the UK and Republic of Ireland.

    1, 2 and 3 provides for a refund in the event you have not yet travelled. 1 and 3 provides for repatriation. Please note that bookings made outside the UK and Republic of Ireland are only protected by ABTOT when purchased directly with ESOC Ltd T/A The Exploration Society.

    ABTOT Website

  • Adventurous Activities Licensing Authority

    Conforming with AALA is a legal responsibility for any company offering activities in remote or challenging environments. The standards expected are extremely high to reflect the responsibility of taking young people out to to adventurous activities. As well as submitting details about our safeguarding processes, our risk/benefit analysis, our incident and emergency response protocols and information about our staff qualifications and competency, we are also inspected regularly by leading experts in the field to ensure we are following best practice.

    View our AALA listing

  • Duke of Edinburgh's Award - Approved Activity Provider

    As an AAP for the Duke of Edinburgh's award, we deliver the training and expedition section for Bronze and Silver participants and run hiking and canoeing trips in the UK and abroad. To attain AAP status we are required to submit details about our safe guarding processes, our risk/benefit analysis, our incident and emergency response protocols and information about our staff qualifications and competency.

    View our AAP Listing

  • The Royal Yachting Association

    The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is the National Governing Body for all forms of boating under power or sail and are internationally recognised. We are a Recognised Training Centre for RYA First Aid and as such adhere to their requirements for the delivery and quality of courses.

    View our RYA Listing

  • Learning Outside The Classroom

    The LOtC Quality Badge, awarded by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom, provides for the first time a national award combining the essential elements of provision – learning and safety – into ONE easily recognisable and trusted accreditation scheme for ALL types of learning outside the classroom provider organisation. The LOtC Quality Badge reduces the red tape associated with learning outside the classroom by making it easier for teachers and other education providers to incorporate LOtC into the everyday curriculum. This increases the likelihood of children having the opportunity to have wider educational experiences which directly benefit their educational, social and emotional development.

    View the LoTC Website

  • The Institute for Outdoor Learning

    The Institute for Outdoor Learning encourages outdoor learning by developing quality, safety and opportunity to experience outdoor activity provision and by supporting and enhancing the good practice of those who work in the outdoors. As a member we adhere to their code of conduct and support best practice in the outdoor industry.

    View the IOL website

  • Forest School

    Forest Schools is a programme put in place to encourage outdoor learning with young people, particularly connected to schools. Allowing children to find independence in the outdoor environment and beyond. Mainly focusing on child led play and development with an emphasis on exploration of one environment in particular where familiarity can grow their creativity and ability. We run our own version of the Forest School system which we refer to as Woodland Adventure.

    Forest School Website

  • National Navigation Award Scheme

    Young Navigators Star Award (YNSA): This award forms part of the programme for younger participants and can be completed on or near school sites. The Young Navigator Award can be integrated into the curriculum across several subjects, such as PE, Geography and Maths. Children work through Bronze, Silver and Gold stars to gain increasing skills, knowledge, understanding and competency. Topics covered include map concepts, symbols, orientation, spatial awareness, line navigation, compass bearings and contour appreciation.

    NNAS Website