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Key Operating Standards of Adventure Perthshire Operators'
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All members of the Adventure Perthshire Group (hereby known as the Group) have agreed to comply with key operating standards as agreed by the Group and administered on their behalf by VisitScotland Perthshire. The Group is self-regulating and the Charter covers the standards set out below. Participating operators will display Adventure Perthshire certification at their premises.
Customer Service & Feedback
All Group members undertake to offer exemplary customer service before, during and following activity sessions. Additionally members will offer all customers a feedback mechanism to enable them to comment on the quality of their experience, which can inform revisions to customer service and activities in the future.
Public Liability
All operators must have valid public or civil liability insurance cover for a minimum of £1,000,000, a record of which will be maintained by VisitScotland Perthshire. This should cover legal liabilities for damages and legal costs arising out of third party loss, injury or damage, in connection with the activities offered by that operator. Cover should also include Breach of Professional Duty, damage to leased and rented premises, member to member liability, indemnity to principals and liability arising out of goods sold or supplied. Customers must accept that adventure sports involve an inherent element of risk. Although you are in highly experienced and qualified hands, you will be asked to sign a liability release form. Adequate personal insurance is recommended but not mandatory. Your operator will be able to advise about personal injury insurance cover.
Equipment Standards
All members of the Group undertake to provide clients with well-maintained equipment throughout the duration of the activity. Where relevant, equipment will conform to standards laid down by the appropriate National Governing Body(ies).
Meeting all legal business requirements
All members of the group agree to abide by the legal requirements necessary to conduct their business with the utmost safety for clients and the highest levels of professionalism for which they are already widely respected. Furthermore, each operator will publicise a named health and safety officer and be able to show, where requested, evidence of up-to-date and operating health and safety policies, risk assessments and employee training.
National Governing Body (NGB) Standards
All members of the Group must conform to the standards and regulations laid down by their appropriate National Governing Body(ies). The following NGB's apply to Adventure Perthshire Operators:
Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA) - www.aala.org
Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI) - www.ami.org.uk
Mountain Leader Training Board (MLTB) - www.mltb.org
The British Hanggliding and Paragliding Association (BHPA) - www.bhpa.co.uk
British Microlight Aircraft Association (BMAA) - www.bmaa.org
Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) - www.caa.co.uk
Trekking and Riding Society of Scotland (TRSS) – www.ridinginscotland.com
British Canoe Union (BCU) - www.bcu.org.uk
British Off Road Driving Association (BORDA) - www.borda.org.uk
British Horse Society (BHS) - www.bhs.org.uk
Scottish Canoe Association (SCA) - www.scot-canoe.org
Royal Yachting Association (RYA) - www.rya.org.uk
British Gliding Association (BGA) - www.gliding.co.uk
Scottish Clay Target Association (SCTA) - www.scta.co.uk
British Association of Snow Patrollers (BASP) - www.basp.org.uk
Where an activity is not covered by an NGB but elements of it are, operators will endeavour to follow NGB guidelines for that element i.e. swift water rescue technician (as set out in the British Canoeing Union guidelines) should be available for swift water elements of canyoning.
Where activities are offered to under 18 year olds that are not supervised by parents or guardians, all operators must conform to the conditions set out in The Activity Centres (Young Persons Safety) Act 1995. This requires operators to be licensed by the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA) for the activities they offer this age group. Further information about AALA is available by visiting www.aala.org or calling 029 2075 5715.
Membership of the Adventure Perthshire Operators' Charter
All members of the Group undertake to join the scheme and abide by existing and new conditions annually.
Environmental Standards
Group members are committed to ensuring that our natural environment, upon which their activities are so dependent, is safeguarded for future generations to enjoy. Many NGB's have environmental policies, which should be adhered to. In addition members of the Group undertake to exercise responsible access to outdoors resources and to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and avoid conflict with other users and stakeholders.
Complaints Procedure
Complaints relating to equipment standards, customer service and safe activity operation should be addressed to the operator used by the client in the first instance. If the decision at first stage is unsatisfactory, the complaint should then be referred to VisitScotland Perthshire who will notify the operator concerned and the Group's committee. The Group's committee will consider the complaint and assess the need for further investigation. If this is required an independent inspector may be appointed who will respond to the complainant within 28 working days. Second stage complaints should be sent in writing to: Adventure Perthshire, VisitScotland Perthshire, Lower City Mills, West Mill Street, Perth, PH1 5QP.
VisitScotland Perthshire
VisitScotland Perthshire undertakes to provide administrative assistance to the Group, however decisions relating to the group are taken within the Group and VisitScotland Perthshire cannot be held responsible or implicated in these.
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