RPIOL

Registered Practitioners of the Institute for Outdoor Learning plan, prepare and lead safe and engaging outdoor learning sessions to achieve intended outcomes.
 

• Fast track recognition as an Associate Professional in Outdoor Learning
• Coaching, guidance and advice for developing your practice
• Reflection on your strengths, interests and future aspirations
• Accreditation of your approach, understanding and experience

 

 

The RPIOL Criteria

IS RPIOL for you?

• Open to affiliate or student members of the Institute for Outdoor Learning.
• You have at least 1-2 years of experience with individuals or groups in the role of instructor, teacher, coach, leader, youth worker, trainer, ranger, education officer, etc.?
• Can work in any branch of outdoor learning, e.g. outdoor education, personal development, professional development, sports coaching, adventure tourism, outdoor therapy, etc.
• Can provide outdoor learning in any outdoor location – e.g. activity centre, school grounds, parkland, wider countryside, lakes, sea, lowland, open moorland, upland or mountains.
• Can specialise in one subject / sport (e.g. bushcraft, forest school, hill-walking, paddlesport etc.) or deliver a wide range of different activity sessions (e.g. multi-activity instructor).
• Lead sessions that include direct engagement with the outdoor environment (doing or experiencing), rather than simply taking place outside.
• RPIOL is an ideal partner to established staff induction and training programmes and university courses that include a strong practical experience element.

RPIOL Coaching

Individual coaching tailored to your situation and needs is a highly valued part of the RPIOL process. Your RPIOL Coach must be an APIOL Holder or Recognised Professional in Outdoor Learning willing to guide and support you as you complete your application. They provide as much or as little help as you need and can:

• Share tips, tools and techniques for briefings, teaching, reviews, etc.
• Be a sounding board so you can articulate the effect the outdoors has had on you and your future goals and aspirations
• Help you reflect on how you tailor your approach to suit the differing needs of participants
• Advise on CPD activities that will support your next steps in outdoor learning

How to start

1. Download RPIOL Registration and complete the self-assessment - if you are not yet an IOL Member you should join online first.
2. Connect with an Approved RPIOL Centre - either an Organisational Member of IOL, or an IOL Home Nation / Region.
3. Connect with an RPIOL Coach
   1. Approved RPIOL Centres can help you identify an IOL Coach who will support you through RPIOL and sign your completed application.
   2. If you do not have an Approved RPIOL Centre nearby contact the IOL Office for advice on how to select an IOL Coach and complete RPIOL.
4. Send to Join-IOL

IOL will contact you to confirm your registration is accepted and send you your RPIOL Application to complete.
 

Approved RPIOL Centres

RPIOL is completed through Approved RPIOL Centres. They can be either Organisational Members of IOL (offering RPIOL to employees and volunteers) or an IOL Home Nation or Region (offering RPIOL to independent practitioners). There is no additional charge for registration as Approved RPIOL Centre.

• Facilitate fast track recognition as an Associate Professional in Outdoor Learning for full-time, voluntary, part-role, and freelance staff.
• Enable candidates to register for RPIOL.
• Pair candidates with a suitable RPIOL Coach.
• Support candidates with session observations and confirmation of their knowledge and skills (employer backing).
• Promote RPIOL and the CPD benefits of being a RPIOL Coach or Assessor.

RPIOL Process

Your RPIOL application is a celebration of 'why you do what you do' and 'how you do it'

Your outdoor ‘CV’ shows the range of your education, training, experience, knowledge, skills.

Your outdoor learning development plan celebrates where you have come from and where you’re going next.

Your evidence against the criteria includes your reflections on approaches to outdoor learning and examples of outdoor leadership.

Your session observations and employer backing confirm your competence, experience and approach to delivering outdoor learning sessions.

Your professional endorsement from a coach confirms your professional conduct, reflective practice and future goals and aspirations.

How do I?