What is the adventure activities licence? It’s a legal requirement for some providers who offer certain activities to young people under 18 for payment.
This guide gives general information only. The rules can change, so check the latest advice from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and GOV.UK, and always confirm details with your provider.
What the scheme is
The Adventure Activities Licensing Authority sits with the HSE. Its scheme is aimed at providers who offer certain adventure activities to young people for payment. Those providers must hold a licence before they can run the activity commercially.
The activities named in the scheme are caving, climbing, trekking and watersports. The exact scope has conditions, so a provider’s own licence page is the best place to check.
What it doesn’t cover
The licence is about activities for young people under 18. It doesn’t mean every provider or every adult activity is licensed. Many popular activities fall outside the scheme, such as skydiving, quad biking and paintball.
An activity being outside the scheme doesn’t mean it isn’t regulated. Other rules and industry standards apply, so ask the provider what they follow.
What to do if you’re booking for young people
If your group includes anyone under 18, ask the provider whether the activity needs a licence and whether they hold it. A licensed provider can tell you straight away and will show you the licence.
Schools and youth groups often have their own checks as well, so ask your organiser what they need.
What to do if you’re booking for adults
For adult groups, the scheme is less likely to apply, so look at other evidence of good practice. Check instructor qualifications, insurance and membership of governing bodies. Our guide to checking a provider covers this.
In short:
- The licence is for certain activities for under 18s
- It doesn’t cover every activity or every provider
- Ask for details in writing for the activity you want