The mountains of the UK are remote, technical and exposed to harsh and unpredictable weather. This makes them a hazardous place for novice walkers and the ML is designed to help responsible leaders who wish to operate in mountainous terrain in summer conditions. ML courses develop your group management skills, the ability to navigate in all conditions, the ability to deal with mountain hazards (including steep ground) and increase your awareness of environmental issues. There is an expedition element to the scheme.

Prospectus and Syllabus

• Introduction
• Scope of the Scheme
• Stages in the Scheme
• Registration
• Training
• Consolidation Period
• First Aid Requirements
• Assessment
• Exemption
• Equal Opportunities
• Complaints & Appeals Procedure
• Further Experience

Syllabus

• Group Management and the Responsibilites of the Group Leader
• Navigation
• Access and the Environment
• Hazards and Emergency Procedures
• Equipment
• Expedition Skills
• Weather
• Background Knowledge
• Appendix 1: Mountainous Country, Quality Mountain Days and Wild Camping

1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 The Mountain Leader Award (ML) was established to promote the safe enjoyment of the hills and mountains. The scheme provides training and assessment in the technical and group management skills required by those who wish to lead groups in the mountains, hills and moorlands of the United Kingdom and Ireland, other than in winter conditions. It integrates experience, training, and assessment in a variety of testing conditions in mountainous country.

2 SCOPE OF THE SCHEME
2.1 The MLA Scheme offers the opportunity to gain technical competence in leading walkers in the hills and mountains. It does not provide a rock climbing qualification, nor does it cover the skills required for the planned use of the rope. Completion of a training course, without a pass result at assessment, is not a qualification in itself.

2.2 It is the combination of technical skills, wide experience and personal leadership qualities, which forms the basis for effective group management and the scheme assesses all these aspects. The employer or operating authority must ultimately decide whether a leader possesses the personal attributes needed to take responsibility for a particular group of people.

2.3 The scheme is intended for those leading groups in mountainous or remote country. For a full list of areas in the UK and Ireland defined as mountainous country, refer to Appendix 1 of the Prospectus. The ML Award is recognised by the Health and Safety Executive and the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority as being the appropriate award for 'trekking' in summer conditions (see 'Guidance to the Licensing Authority' L77, HSE Books)

2.4 The Mountain Environment: mountains mean freedom, adventure, beauty and solitude. Therefore, while fostering a love of the hills in others, group leaders should show appreciation of the needs of hill users, rural communities and upland habitats and encourage an understanding of the problems of mountain conservation and access. Consideration of these aspects is vital if the mountain environment is to be protected.

2.5 The term summer is used to describe any conditions not covered by winter. Winter can be described as the time when snow and ice prevail or are forecast. The ML scheme does not provide training and assessment in the skills required to cope with the special hazards of winter conditions, particularly snow and ice. Mountain Leader Training Scotland's Winter Mountain Leader Award scheme provides specific training and assessment for winter conditions in the UK and Ireland. More information about the winter scheme is available from MLTS (see contacts for address details).

3 STAGES IN THE SCHEME
The scheme consists of six stages:

3.1 Gain personal hill walking experience.

3.2 Register and be issued with a logbook.

3.3 Attend a training course.

3.4 Consolidate experience.

3.5 Attend a assessment course.

3.6 Continue to gain and record experience and any relevant additional training.

4 REGISTRATION
4.1 To register you should have at least twelve months experience of hill walking. You must also have an interest in leadership of groups in the hills and be at least eighteen years of age. (See footnote 1)

5 TRAINING
5.1 In order to attend a training course you must be registered with the Mountain Leader Scheme and have experiences at least twenty quality mountain days (see appendix 1). The sample logbook page and personal mountain walking pages in your logbook will help you present this information to your training course Provider.

5.2 Candidates must attend a training course with a Provider approved by one of the four home nation training boards. Courses are delivered in a variety of formats and have a minimum of sixty hours contact time with the trainers. Lists of courses are available from the boards.

5.3 The training course is for potential leaders and assumes basic competence as a hillwalker. It emphasises those skills which a candidate might have difficulty in learning without expert guidance. Some aspects of the syllabus may not be covered during the training course and candidates are expected to deal with these items themselves.

5.4 At the end of the course the Course Director will complete the training course report page in the logbook and will attach a numbered sticker to the endorsement page.

5.5 Candidates are reminded that attendance on a training course must not in any way be considered a qualification in its own right. This is only achieved by completion of the entire ML scheme including an outright pass on the assessment course.

6 CONSOLIDATION PERIOD
6.1 During the period between training and assessment, candidates are expected to gain personal experience in mountain areas. This should preferably include some practice in leading parties in easy hill country. Working under the guidance of a suitably experienced leader in more difficult terrain is also recommended. Every opportunity should be taken to practise the skills learned during training.

6.2 Prior to attending an assessment course candidates must have experienced an absolute minimum of forty quality mountain days. They should aim for maximum variety within these forty days. This experience should be gained in at least three regions of the UK and Ireland and should include at least eight nights camping. (See Appendix 1 for definitions of quality mountain day (QMD) and wild camping.).

6.3 Experience gained in other mountain activities is useful but not a pre-requisite. Some non-UK experience may be included but should be in terrain and conditions that are similar to those in the UK. Normally these days would be considered as additional experience and should not form a substantial part of the required total of QMDs.The ML scheme is specifically designed for the terrain and conditions encountered in the UK and Ireland. See MLTUK's National Guidelines for futher information on remits.

7 FIRST AID REQUIREMENTS
7.1 For the mountain leader, First Aid is an essential skill and the ML assessment requires a current first aid qualification. The minimum requirement is that such a course must involve at least two full days or sixteen hours of instruction and include an element of assessment. Candidates are further expected to undertake such additional elements of first aid training as are consistent with their work in wild and remote country, including emergency assistance and evacuation techniques.  It is the responsibility of award holders and/or their employers to evaluate their likely work and the type of situations that they can reasonably expect to encounter and to maintain current appropriate first aid training and qualifications.

8 ASSESSMENT
8.1 Candidates should be familiar with all aspects of the syllabus before assessment, even if some parts were not covered during training. Assessment courses provide at least sixty hours of contact time between candidates and assessors and candidates are tested in accordance with the syllabus.

8.2 The Course Director endorses the logbook with an assessment report and makes appropriate recommendations. The assessment report will take one of three forms:

Pass: awarded where the candidate has demonstrated a proper knowledge and application of the course syllabus and has shown the necessary experience and attributes of mountain leadership. The Course Director issues a pass page and numbered sticker.

Defer: awarded where the candidate has generally performed well and has shown the necessary experience and attributes, but where complete proficiency has not been attained in certain aspects of the syllabus or where a lack of experience has been identified.

Fail: awarded where the candidate's performance has been generally weak, or the necessary experience and attributes have not been shown.

8.3 In the case of a deferral, candidates are encouraged to return to the original assessment provider but can be assessed by any assessment Provider approved by Mountain Leader Training. Practical re-assessments cannot take place within three months of the initial assessment. All deferrals must be completed within five years. Only two re-assessments are permitted before having to take the entire assessment again.

9 EXEMPTION
9.1 Candidates who already have substantial personal experience in mountainous areas as well as experience in the leadership of groups may apply for exemption from training. To qualify for exemption, candidates must, at the very least, meet the minimum experience of leading groups and camping wild in the mountains of the UK and Ireland.

9.2 To apply for exemption, candidates must

• be registered with the ML Scheme.
• obtain and complete an exemption application form.
• forward the fee and logbook extracts as detailed on the application form.
• Candidates should allow at least three weeks for completion of this process.

9.3 There is no exemption from assessment.

9.4 Holders of the WGL Award can present their training and assessment courses as part of an application for exemption from training alongside relevant personal experience.

10 EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The Training Boards are committed to promoting equal opportunities for all participants in hill walking, climbing and mountaineering. Candidates, trainers and assessors should express a positive attitude towards equal opportunities and act as positive role models.

11 COMPLAINTS & APPEALS PROCEDURE

11 The ML scheme is subject to continual monitoring, culminating in a formal review once every four years. Candidates with feedback on their courses are encouraged to submit written comments to the Provider or to their Board.

If for any reason you find it necessary to complain about an aspect of your training or assessment then you should contact the Course Director or the relevant officer within Mountain Leader Training.

If you feel that aspects of your assessment were unfair you should:

• make contact with the Course Provider, explain your concerns and seek clarification.
• if this does not resolve your concerns, contact the Secretary of your Board for advice and for details of the appeals procedure. The decision of the Board will be final.

12 FURTHER EXPERIENCE

Award holders should follow the National Guidelines issued by the MLTUK (see www.mltuk.org). In particular they should note that the award remains valid only where the holder is deployed within the remit of the award and the holder has recent logged experience appropriate to that award. Also, the responsibility for ensuring that leaders receive refresher training must lie with the provider of the service, or the individual in the case of self-employed leaders.Syllabus

SYLLABUS

1 GROUP MANAGEMENT AND THE RESPONSIBILITES OF THE GROUP LEADER
Candidates must be conversant with the main areas of responsibility of the mountain leader.

1.1 General responsibilities
a. to individuals,to the group as a whole and where appropriate to parents/guardians.
b. to the organising authority, committee or manager of the activity.
c. to the general public, the environment, environmental bodies and organisations, local residents, land managers, the mountaineering fraternity, fellow leaders and Mountain Leader Training.

1.2 Specific responsibilities
a. to choose objectives appropriate to the experience, skills and motivation level of the group, the prevailing conditions and leader's own experience and ability.
b. to carry out or supervise relevant planning considerations, e.g. parental consent, authority clearance, personal and medical information, finances, insurance and transport.
c. to complete detailed preparations, e.g. plan routes, check access , obtain weather forecasts and brief the group.
d. to ensure the group is appropriately prepared for the activity
e. e. to comply with current legislation relating to the activities.

1.3 Operational responsibilities in the mountains
a. to manage the group effectively by setting and reviewing targets, performing ongoing risk assessments, positive decision making, delegating where appropriate, group control, discipline and good communication.
b. to meet the changing needs of the group paying particular regard to the health and fitness of its members, whilst maintaining confidence and enthusiasm.
c. to provide a safe and rewarding experience for each group member through involvement, interest, enjoyment and achievement, through imparting appropriate technical skills and competence and through fostering environmental awareness.
d. to evaluate the experience and motivate towards further participation.
e. to supervise groups on unaccompanied sections of a walk.

1.4 Personal and Leadership Skills
a. demonstrate a flexible leadership style and sound judgement with regard to the group and its objectives.
b. demonstrate good practice with regard to individual skills: pace, rhythm, foot placement, conservation of energy, balance and co-ordination.
c. make suitable route choices, interpret and evaluate terrain, revise routes where necessary.
d. identify and manage risk.
e. move with the group on difficult terrain including scree, narrow ridges and steep broken ground using appropriate techniques.
f. demonstrate effective group management and supervision skills.

2 NAVIGATION
It is essential that a mountain leader can navigate competently. Candidates will be expected to choose the appropriate navigation technique for the prevailing conditions and be able to introduce these skills to others.
Candidates should be familiar with the following:
a. maps, scales and conventional signs.
b. contours and other methods of showing relief.
c. topographical features.
d. relating the map to the ground and vice versa.
e. measuring distance on the map and the ground.
f. navigating across country with map alone.
g. compasses and other navigational aids.
h. methods of identifying features and position.
i. methods of relocation.
j. methods for navigating across country in poor visibility and/or in darkness darkness.
k. route planning, including methods of recording routes.

3 ACCESS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Candidates should:

a. aim to inspire and enthuse their groups in the mountain environment and continuously expand their knowledge and understanding of it.
b. demonstrate knowledge of current legislation as it relates to the various home nations regarding access to the countryside and appreciate the significance of access agreements and Rights of Way in upland areas.
c. demonstrate knowledge of land management in upland areas and its multiple uses, e.g. hill farming, forestry, water collection, grouse shooting and deer stalking.
d. demonstrate knowledge of current relevant conservation legislation and appreciate the problems of conservation with respect to flora, fauna and erosion. They should also understand the nature of specially designated areas and any limitations on their use and be aware of long term effects of human pressures on the upland environment.
e. know how to get information about access to wild country e.g. from appropriate guidebooks, maps, the main countryside agencies and relevant mountaineering bodies.
f. be familiar with the Country Code and understand the individual's responsibility to minimise impact on the environment.

4 HAZARDS AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

4.1 Hazards of Steep Ground
Mountain Leaders should be familiar with techniques to ensure safe travel through steep and broken ground. This should be through a combination of planning, route choice and group management. However situations may arise where the rope is necessary to safeguard members of the group. The candidate should recognise such difficulties and potential dangers leading to the need to use rope techniques to provide confidence or assistance. It is emphasised that the techniques used are not those suitable for rock climbing.
Candidates should be familiar with the following:
a. suitability of different types, sizes and lengths of rope.
b. rope management.
c. appropriate knots.
d. appropriate methods of belaying, including choice of safe anchors.
e. use and limitations of the rope alone:
i. to protect descents and ascents for the whole party.
ii. to safeguard a single party member.

4.1 Environmental hazards
Environmental mountain hazards include loose rock, flooding and lightning. A mountain leader should exercise sound judgement to avoid these hazards but should know how to deal with them if necessary.

4.3 Water Hazards (including marshes, streams and rivers)
a. preparation, skills and safety procedures for leader and group members
b. dangers and methods of avoidance.
c. selection of the best crossing points.
d. crossing with and without the use of a rope.

4.4 Emergency procedures
a. procedure in the event of an accident.
b. methods of search and evacuation.
c. a basic understanding of how Mountain Rescue is organised.
d. improvised mountain rescue techniques - application and limitations.
e. emergency bivouac skills.

4.5 Medical
Candidates should meet the first aid requirements of the training schemes and have
an understanding of the following conditions, their causes, signs, symptoms, prevention and treatment:
a. mountain hypothermia (exposure) and its treatment both in the field and at base.
b. cold injuries.
c. heat disorders.
d. allergic reactions
e. common medical problems i.e. asthma, diabetes, blisters, sprains

5 EQUIPMENT
Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of:

5.1 personal and group equipment required for mountain walks and camps, taking into account various weather conditions.

5.2 additional equipment required by a leader

5.3 design and construction of equipment, including its material characteristics, care and maintenance.

6 EXPEDITION SKILLS
Candidates should have knowledge and experience of the following aspects of mountain camping

6.1 Equipment
a. packing and carrying personal and communal equipment.
b. selection and safe use of camping stoves and fuel.

6.2 Food
a. selection of suitable foods, their quantities and packaging.
b. preparation and cooking.

6.3 Other skills
a. sa. selection of campsite (both valley bases and remote locations).
b. siting and pitching of tent.
c. organisation of camp and individual tents.
d. group and personal hygiene and sanitation.
e. use of huts, bothies and other shelters.
f. bivouac skills.

7 WEATHER
7.1 Candidates must have relevant knowledge and understanding of the weather. They must gain practical experience in relating regional weather forecasts to mountainous areas and develop their ability to make short term forecasts from observed meteorological conditions. Candidates should also have an understanding of:
a. sources of information on weather.
b. elementary interpretation of weather maps.
c. weather developments associated with different air masses, major cloud forms, changes in wind direction and in atmospheric pressure.
d. elementary practical identification of cloud types, wind speeds and temperatures.
e. effects of weather on route selection and level of activity.

8 BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE
Candidates should have a basic understanding of:

a. the origins, development and ethics of mountaineering within the UK and Ireland.

b. details of the role of the Mountaineering Councils, the services they provide and the structure of club and individual membership.

c. details of the structure of mountain related training within the UK and Ireland and the role of Mountain Leader Training.

d. how to access relevant information from mountaineering and hill walking media e.g. books, guidebooks, magazines, CD ROMs and the Internet.

Appendix 1 Mountainous Country, Quality Mountain Days and Wild Camping

1.1 Mountainous Country
For the purposes of the Scheme, mountainous country is defined as wild country where walkers are dependent upon themselves and remote from any immediate help. In the United Kingdom and Ireland this can be found in areas such as:

United Kingdom

• Antrim Hills
• Black Mountains
• Brecon Beacons
• Cheviots
• Dartmoor
• Galloway Hills
• Highlands and Islands of Scotland
• Lake District
• Mountains of Mourne
• Mountains of North and Mid Wales
• North Yorkshire Moors
• Peak District and Northern Moors
• Pennines

Republic of Ireland

• Blackstairs
• Commeragh/Slievenamon Cuilcagh
• Dublin/Wicklow Mountains
• Galty Mountains
• Knockmealdowns
• Mountains of Cork
• Mountains of Galway
• Mountains of Sligo
• Slieve Bloom Hills

1.2 Quality Mountain Days
In terms of experience, the quality of a mountain day lies in such things as the conditions experienced both overhead and underfoot, the exploration of new areas, the terrain covered and the physical and mental challenge. Such days make a positive contribution towards a person's development and maturity as an all round mountaineer.
Usually some or all of these criteria would be fulfilled:

• the individual takes part in the planning and leadership
• navigation skills are required away from marked paths.
• experience must be in terrain and weather comparable to that found in UK and Irish hills.
• knowledge is increased and skills practised.
• attention is paid to safety.
• the journey time is five hours or more.
• adverse conditions may be encountered.
• ascent of a substantial peak would normally be included in the day.

1.3 Wild Camping
Wild camping takes place in moorland or mountain terrain remote from roads and habitation. Wild camping has the potential to adversely affect the locality by vegetation trampling and pollution through food and human waste. It therefore needs to be undertaken with sensitivity combining care for the environment with personal enjoyment

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