Your say on adventure activity licensing: time is running out

By Jake Wiid, Publisher · 5 Nov 2026

Just two days left to tell HSE what you think.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)(https://www.hse.gov.uk/index.htm) is reviewing aspects of the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA) scheme, and it wants to hear from you. If you plan visits that involve adventurous activities, now's the time to speak up.

First, the reassuring bit. This isn't a review of the legislation, and HSE has confirmed it's committed to keeping a licensing regime for adventurous activities involving under-18s.

Why is the scheme being reviewed?

1. Money. HSE says the current fees don't cover the cost of running the scheme. Application fees have barely changed for years, while government expects regulatory schemes to pay their way.
2. Scope. HSE is asking whether today's exemptions and activity definitions still match modern outdoor learning and adventure provision.

What's being proposed?

• Moving away from a single contracted inspection provider
• Letting providers choose and pay an HSE-approved inspection body, with reports going straight to the applicant
• A reduced AALA application fee
• Possibly narrowing some exemptions and widening the definitions of activities that need a licence

What to do now

1. Email your feedback to aala@hse.gov.uk by 6 November
2. Share what works for you as a Visit Leader or EVC when you check a provider's licence

HSE will launch a formal consultation after this initial round, so this is your chance to help shape it early. We'll keep you posted here at The EVC Magazine.

Jake Wiid

Publisher

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