Mountain Leader Training UK held a quarterly business meeting in Scotland on 1st March at Glenmore Lodge National Centre. Twenty-four representatives were present from all four home nations, some from Mountain Leader Training, some from the Mountaineering Councils and assisted by observers from the Association of Mountaineering Instructors, Mountain Guides and the National Mountain Centres.
Several important issues were discussed and some important resolutions were passed.
The revised programme for the International Mountain Leader scheme is now being provided, and the text for the handbook has been posted on the MLTUK website (http://www.mltuk.org/docs/documents/IMLHandbookMay2007.doc) A laser printed copy is sent to registrants, and the final handbook will be published after the first winter courses have run and been reviewed.
The Climbing Wall Award has been launched, and has proved popular despite missing a specific launch event. Hundreds of people have already registered for the scheme and several courses have been completed, with excellent feedback. Providers are required to have completed a movement skills coaching workshop and a scheme induction workshop as pre-requisites to formal approval.
The Board discussed developments within the Mountain Leader Training Association (www.mlta.co.uk) Details of a civil liability indemnity scheme designed specifically for MLTA holders has been published on the MLTA website.
Negotiations with Sports Leader UK over quality control for the Award in Basic Expedition Leadership have continued. MLTUK requires moderation by technically competent auditors – ML or WGL holders. Until these are resolved the Board has reluctantly been obliged to remove ABEL from its National Guidelines. We recognise that many providers produce excellent courses, but without technically competent moderators the standard of delivery cannot be universally assured.A series of deadlined goals have been projected and it is hoped that SLUK will agree to meet these.
The Board discussed the implications of EU legislation for transferability of qualifications within the EU. A working party has examined this MIA?MIC syllabus wording, and the chaired group comprising AMI, BMG and BAIML reported back on the issues that need to be addressed in order to support AMI members wishing to work overseas. Further progress was made in drafting an empowering wording format that clarifies the situation. This is a complex area that requiresa high level of international co-operation to progress. It is hoped that the forthcoming UIAA seminar for international training bodies hosted by MLTUK and Plas y Brenin on 3-4th May will continue to build bridges at an international level
Steve Long 10/4/08