Who we are

The English Outdoor Council is an umbrella body which consists of the following representative organisations:

image001AHOEC Association of Heads of Outdoor Education Centres

Membership of the association includes managers of multi activity centres, sometimes in urban areas and Centres equipped for those with special needs.

The aims of the Centres are to foster greater confidence and regard for others through a series of adventurous challenges requiring co-operation set in the outdoors.

w: www.ahoec.org; e: trevor@bendrigg.org.uk ; t: 01539 723766


BAHA British Activity Holiday Association Ltd

The British Activity Holiday Association is a trade body representing providers of adventure courses, activity holidays, summer camps and day camps. Member centres have all agreed to abide by the BAHA Code of Practice and are subject to regular inspection. The BAHA scheme was the first to be assessed and approved by the Adventure Activities Industry Advisory Committee as meeting the inspection standards required to recommend member centres for Adventuremark and the LOtC Quality Badge. BAHA is also a member of SkillsActive and has taken a lead role in developing initial training standards for new activity centre staff.

w: www.baha.org.uk ;  e: info@baha.org.uk ; t: 01244 301342


CCI Christian Camping International

CCI is an association of Christian organisations and individuals involved in residential holidays, camps, conference and outdoor centre ministries. It provides benefits that enable them to accomplish, more effectively, the unique work to which God has called them. CCI promotes the benefit of the ‘Christian residential experience’ and provides the public with associated services and resources. About one million people each year go through a CCI member on a course, holiday or retreat. Many of their members use the outdoors as a tool in this context.

w: www.cci.org.uk ; e office@cci.org.uk ; t:01908 641641


IOL Institute for Outdoor Learning

The Institute for Outdoor Learning supports your work and career as an outdoor professional, field study officer, instructor, teacher, youth worker, outdoor leader, management development trainer, student or anyone involved in learning outdoors.

Whether you enjoy recreation, expeditions, bush-craft, adventure, therapy, teaching or learning in the outdoors, on water or land, in rural or urban areas, there will be benefits to you to become an active member. Membership gives you the opportunity to widen your horizons of influence and networks, develop your career and gain access to deals on books, insurance, gear and training.

w: www.outdoor-learning.org ; el: institute@outdoor-learning.org ; t: 01228 564580


NAFSO National Association of Field Study Officers
(represented by Field Studies Council)

Nafso is the only organisation in the UK which represents professionals employed in teaching, developing and promoting field studies. a Voluntary Association which aims to disseminate good practice amongst its members and works to ensure that their interests are represented nationally. an organisation whose members are directly involved in raising awareness of, understanding of, and respect for the environment, making a hugely valuable contribution to life long learning.

w: www.nafso.org.uk ; e: office@nafso.org.uk ; t: 01780 782386


image009NCVYS National Council for Voluntary Youth Services

Established in 1936, the National Council for Voluntary Youth Services is a diverse and growing network of over 170 national organisations and regional and local networks that work with and for young people.

Our mission is to ensure the development and recognition of a vibrant, sound and diverse voluntary and community sector that involves, empowers and meets the needs of all young people.

w: www.ncvys.org.uk ; e: mail@ncvys.org.uk ; t: 0207 278 1041


OEAP-colour-logoOEAP Outdoor Education Advisers’ Panel

The OEAP offers practical help, advice and support to staff taking children off site, to different environments including visits to local areas, museums, places of worship, visits abroad and adventure activities.

The OEAP is not just about climbing and canoeing but ensuring that staff have access to high quality advice to ensure that young people have enriched learning opportunities.

w: www.oeap.info ; e: graham.lodge@norfolk.gov.uk ; t: 01603 433276


image011OIA Outdoor Industries Association

The OIA is a growing trade association for manufacturers, retailers, holiday providers, outdoor centres and others who provide services, products, activities and enjoyment of outdoor leisure in the UK and beyond.

We engage with government, the public and with other bodies who work to encourage people to become more active, to be healthy and to enjoy the pleasures of the outdoors, with the resultant increase in the interest in suitable equipment, clothes, holidays and clubs. Members enjoy a host of business benefits and savings as well as unique networking opportunities and access to research and data.

w: outdoorindustriesassociation.co.uk ; e: info@outdoorindustriesassociation.co.uk ; t:0131 333 4414


image014YET Young Explorers’ Trust

The YET is a national charity dedicated to promoting safe and responsible expeditions for young people. It does this by providing advice and support to schools, youth organisations, commercial expedition providers and groups of friends who intend to run their own youth expedition.

As the national voice of youth expeditions the YET also offers a wide range of practical assistance to aspiring or experienced expedition leaders and commercial providers alike.

w: www.theyet.org ; e: info@theyet.org ; t: 01623 861027


The following consulting members attend as observers:

Central Council for Physical Recreation
Department for Children, Schools and Families
National Youth Agency
Royal Geographical Society with IBG

SkillsActive
Relevant National Governing Bodies

Officers are:

Chair – Randall Williams
Vice Chair – Martin Hudson
Secretary/Treasurer – Mary Sanders