The Adventurous Activity Permit Scheme exists to make sure activities are run safely by people with the right skills and experience. If you’re thinking about applying for a permit, here’s everything you need to know — from training and assessment to using and renewing your permit.
🌱 Training & Support
There’s no compulsory training required before applying for a permit — and you don’t need to hold a National Governing Body (NGB) qualification. What matters is that you can demonstrate the skills during your assessment.
Where you can get support:
- NGB-accredited courses – recommended as the best way to learn technical skills
- Scout activity teams – many counties offer open training and experience opportunities
- Your County Programme Team – a great first contact who can connect you with specialists
đź“ť How to Apply
You apply for a permit through My Membership.
The application process:
- Submit your application in My Membership
- Find an Activity Assessor – the system helps you locate one
- Let your Group or District Lead Volunteer know – not required, but good practice
- Complete your assessment
- The assessor submits a recommendation (this is not the permit)
- A Lead Volunteer or permit approver completes final checks
- Your permit is granted and recorded in My Membership
Any restrictions will be clearly explained so you know exactly what you can and cannot do.
🧠What to Expect in Your Assessment
Your assessment checks your technical competence, including:
- Practical skills
- Knowledge of the activity
- Logged experience
- Relevant qualifications (if any)
- Scenario-based questions
The assessment is not designed to catch you out — it’s simply to confirm you can run the activity safely and to the required standard.
If restrictions are recommended, you’ll be told why and what you can do to progress to a higher level.
🎟 Using Your Permit
Once granted, your permit allows you to run the activity within the limits of any restrictions.
Important points:
- All activities still require Lead Volunteer approval
- Activities must follow POR rules and guidance
- A first aid holder must be present at every activity
- If your required first aid qualification expires, you may be suspended from using your permit until renewed
🔄 Renewing Your Permit
Permits last up to five years. After the expiry date, you cannot lead the activity until a new permit is granted.
To renew:
- Apply again through My Membership
- Complete a new assessment
- Your logged experience may be used as evidence
- A Lead Volunteer or permit approver completes final checks
đź‘Ą Applicants Under 18
Young people can hold activity permits if they have the right skills and experience.
Key differences:
- Under‑18s do not need to complete safety or safeguarding modules
- All permits held expire automatically at 18
- To continue leading activities, you must complete adult safety/safeguarding and apply for a new permit
- Under‑18s with leadership or supervisory permits must still have the correct adult leaders present
🧗 Ready to Apply?
If you’re passionate about delivering adventurous activities safely, applying for a permit is a great step. With the right skills, support, and assessment, you’ll be ready to help others experience the outdoors with confidence.