Equality, Diversity, Inclusion

High quality outdoor learning can be achieved through respecting and promoting the rights, responsibilities and dignity of individuals within all our professional activities and recognising the value of every person.
We believe every individual has the right to be treated with respect and dignity, to experience a learning environment which enables moving towards ones full potential. All outdoor learning professionals should recognise these rights and be aware of their role as a leader in ensuring that participants experience these rights.
The Institute for Outdoor Learning (IOL) is collaborating with the Association of Heads of Outdoor Education Centres (AHOEC) to encourage and guide aspirational and achievable action from outdoor learning specialists, leaders, managers and educators that will make a positive difference in our community.

We are building on the longstanding commitment of members of the IOL Adventure for All professional practice group, the IOL Managing Diversity Policy (part of the Code of Professional Conduct) as well as the initiatives and expertise of our members. Our aim is to create a more inclusive environment that respects the equality and diversity of those participating or working in Outdoor Learning to achieve the maximum benefit, enjoyment and fulfilment from the activity.

Equality

We will work to ensure that every individual has an equal opportunity to make the most of their lives and talents.

No individual will be unjustly discriminated against because of the way they were born, where they come from, what they believe, or whether they have a disability. We will promote equality of opportunity by seeking to remove barriers and promote equal access to outdoor learning experiences, employment, education and training.

Project Partners

 

Diversity

We recognise that, though people have things in common with each other, they are also different in many ways.

People from different backgrounds bring fresh ideas and perceptions into the workplace and outdoor learning arena, adding value to our work and the outdoor learning environment. The more diverse our workforce, the better we are able to respond to and reflect the individuals and communities we support.

Inclusion

We will encourage and champion a culture that allows people to be themselves where differences are not just accepted, they are valued.

Inclusive leadership, language and actions help ensure people feel involved, respected and connected. The greater the mix of people, the greater the mix of skills, experiences, perspectives and ideas that can be can drawn on.

Project Goals

• Sharing research, guidance, information and sources of expertise in this area to better our community.
• Identifying good practice in the areas of equality, diversity and inclusion for Leaders and Managers in Outdoor Learning.
• Determining some best-fit education and training options for all members of the Outdoor Learning workforce to be able to support greater levels of equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Encouraging further research initiatives.
• Identifying aspirational campaigns and achievable action to increase equality, diversity and inclusion within our sector.

INclusivity in the OUTdoors - 2021 Raising our Game Webinar Series

The 2021 Raising Our Game webinar series provided an opportunity for the Outdoor Sector to explore a range of themes around Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in the outdoors. Over 9 webinars running between January and June 2021, our vision was to stimulate conversation and collaboration on EDI, inspiring action on broadening participation and strategic leadership, particularly within the Outdoor Learning community.

The free to attend webinar series was a collaboration between IOL, AHOEC, MOSAIC Outdoors, The Outward Bound Trust and the University of Cumbria. The series saw 1348 live attendees across the first 9 events and over 1,200 YouTube views of the recordings (by 22 September 21).

The webinar series provided opportunities to gather information about where the sector is at on a wide range of EDI themes. Despite the topic being a ‘conversation’ within the sector for 40+ years there was an appetite to make change happen with 46% of attendees wishing to “help shape the system and change EDI in the outdoors”. The Raising Our Game Webinar Series Report includes The Outdoor Learning for Everyone Report and The Webinar Series Report, and gives insights, recommendations and examples of action.

Insights and recommendations from the 2021 Raising Our Game Webinar Series Report

Supporting Organisations