Are Mountain Leader Qualifiactions Required?

Q. I am part of a University Hiking Club and also on the committee of it.

Committee members lead groups on walks but none of us have any ML (Mountain Leader) qualifications - we all are competent and have first aid training and make sure the correct kit is carried etc but we are wondering if there are any guidelines or rules about qualifications that are needed for leading groups round.

I am basically trying to find out if something did go wrong if we could be liable.

Any views would be welcomed.

Tim Tringham

Q. I suggest that your first port of call is your university student union officers, they will advise you of anything that is required to comply with their insurance policies.

It is always a good idea to have documented procedures and guidelines for club events, such as what kit should be carried etc.

You may like to have some form of documented risk assesment, a route card with escape routes and weather forcasts is a good start.

Members can be asked to complete an Acknowledgement of Risk that states they acknowledge that hill walking is a potentially risky activity that they will follow the instructions of the group leader and look out for fellow members.

If you also publish a list of kit that is suitable for a day out walking etc.

Stuart Charters, Durham

Add your answer to THIS question | Ask a NEW walking and hiking question

Return to the main list of Walking and Hiking Questions

Search for an existing Walking and Hiking Question or Answer