A new generation of leaders and instructors from ethnically diverse backgrounds are advancing equality and diversity in the adventure activities sector, thanks to new training from not-for-profit UK adventure firm, GoTread.
Its ‘Diversity in Adventure’ programme, which started at the beginning of 2021, takes members of the community who have an interest in working in the outdoors but have never had a chance or the means to act on it.
They are then trained up to design and lead tours of their own.
A 2020 survey found the percentage of women passing outdoor qualification courses in the UK was 33.9% just up from 25.5% in 2015.*
Not-for-profit GoTread was established by Mel Irfan in 2015 to address the growing problem for those who live or work in urban areas and struggle to get outside and explore our green spaces. It brings people closer to the UK’s National Parks and AONB in a unique pay-what-you-can system.
Mel said: “Meaningful inclusivity starts with diversifying expedition leadership. We saw an opportunity to make a difference and feed it back into the community. Not only are we cultivating a sense of exploration and a desire to connect with nature, but we are also creating new pathways into the adventure sector – training people, developing their skills and increasing inclusivity and representation.”