Without doubt adventure providers need to be responsible about the activities they deliver and even more so for the people in their charge. It is with this thought that I have concerns. Recently I have seen particular statements and advertising which shows total disregard for the environment, operating locations and customers through irresponsible behaviour. How can this be? Here in Jersey there is no legislation surrounding the setting up of businesses that deliver outdoor and adventurous activities, and even if there were, there is still nothing stopping an individual or partnership buying an outdoor pursuits company and continuing it's operations, even without the relevantly qualified staff. A good measurement to find out whether a company is responsible is to look at its operating procedures which should be displayed on their website, and the minimum requirement should be the quality badge "learning Outside the Classroom".
The question looms as to how an operator who has bought an adventure company can obtain the relevant insurance? it's a good question and one whereby one would assume that the insurers seek any changes in operating procedures, but unfortunately they don't, they just send renewal invitations.
I have reported this on several occasions to the local authorities where I have witnessed illegal activity by some providers, without action or investigation by those authorities such as the LEA and other government departments.
With this in mind it opens up opportunities for others to make false claims about their activity and operating procedures and allows for irresponsible delivery, marketing and risk taking. It is with regret that some people are in this business for the sole purpose of making money. A fellow businessman would say "Well why else would you be in business"? My answer would be that in this business, it also about protection of the environment and helping people to achieve their potential. Jersey Adventures puts this at the heart of it's teaching and is demonstrated in its many awards and recognition for responsible delivery of outdoor and adventurous pursuits. see www.jerseyadventures.com
