As we know with the gappers, where there's an element of adventure there will always be an element of risk. Our job is to make sure the risks are assessed, minimised and managed by the right people.
Monitored and reviewed each year, we carry out comprehensive risk assessments and safety audits following the highest standards, guidelines and industry/government practice expressed by: BS8848 Trading Standards, The Year Out Group and the Gap Year Association.
Our risk assessments examine and ensure that the projects are safe, responsible and sustainable, the leaders are competent, the accommodation secure and all vehicles used are road-worthy.
Medical evacuation access and emergency communications implemented by professional medics, counsellors and advisors ensure emergencies are swiftly resolved.
Risk assessments and safety audits are available on request.
You are fully supported while you are away and we have your next of kin's details and insurance details on file. If there was a problem overseas or at home we would help co-ordinate the logistics required.
We're a founding member of the Year Out Group, first British company to be accredited by the American Gap Year Association, and a partner of Foreign Office’s 'Know Before You Go' campaign.
We also protect your money through a Non-Statutory Trust Account (100% protection for peace of mind) and if we book your flights we will use STA Travel, who have an ATOL Insurance Bond (3206) through the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
The Year Out Group is an association of leading gap year companies who exists to promote models of good practice in the industry.
We are a founding member of this organisation, having been assessed and accredited since 1998. Their website, yearoutgroup.org, is a great reference.
The Gap Year Association is a nonprofit accreditation and standards-setting organisation for gap years, recognised by the US Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission. They are responsible for assessing Gap Year companies with regard to their value, ethos and safety.
In 2014 The Leap became the very first UK company to gain full GYA accreditation - about which we are very proud. Their official stamp of approval means you can trust in our delivery, management and mission of all our programs where service and experiential learning is at the heart of all we do. If you have time, have a look to see the hoops and level of detail they go into. It's an amazing reference point and will instill confidence. Read GYA's standards.
The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office's 'Know Before You Go' campaign was launched in 2001 to provide essential information on travelling abroad for citizens of the UK, in an attempt to minimise emergency situations on foreign soil. It's an ongoing initiative with over 300 industry partners across the UK, including hotel websites, airports, booking agencies and travel companies.
The Leap is one such industry partner, promoting the campaign's common-sense principles to anyone travelling with us. We also work closely with the FCO in our risk assessments to ensure your safety whilst travelling overseas. For more information, check out gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo
