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The Leap Safety & Accreditations
Managing Risk: Adventure with Responsibility
Where there’s adventure, there’s always an element of risk. Our job is to ensure those risks are assessed, minimised, and managed by the right people - so you can focus on the experience.
24/7 Support: Always Here When You Need Us
Every Leap programme includes round-the-clock support from both our overseas project leaders and UK team.
- 24-hour emergency assistance – Our team is on duty 24/7 to handle emergencies, ensuring support is always available.
- Next of kin access – Parents and next of kin have access to our emergency contact number should urgent assistance be needed.
- Regular check-ins – We stay in touch with Leapers post-arrival and throughout the programme, providing updates where necessary.
Please note: Our responsibility covers volunteers only during the official programme dates. Once the programme has ended, participants are no longer under The Leap’s direct care or supervision.
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Rigorous Risk Assessments & Industry Standards
We adhere to the highest safety standards, conducting annual risk assessments and safety audits in line with:
- BS8848 Trading Standards
- The Year Out Group
- The Gap Year Association
Our risk assessments cover:
Project Management – Ensuring responsible, well-organised, and sustainable operations.
Competent Leadership – Verifying that our leaders are trained and experienced.
Secure Accommodation – Reviewing all housing to meet our safety standards.
Safe Transport – Vehicles must pass our rigorous safety audits before use.
Emergency Response – Professional medical evacuation, emergency communications, and access to expert medics, counsellors, and advisors.
Risk assessments and safety audits are available upon request.
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Quality Over Quantity: Your Safety Comes First
The Leap prioritises safety, quality, and experience over cutting corners. Around 65% of your programme cost is spent in-country to provide:
- Full-board accommodation – Secure lodging with your team, offering nutritious, plentiful meals and safe drinking water (shockingly, not an industry standard).
- Risk-assessed transport – Vehicles that pass our strict safety checks for all transfers, including airport pickups. You won’t be expected to navigate local transport with its inherent risks and extra costs.
We believe in delivering uncompromising safety, expert leadership, and a seamless experience - so you can push your boundaries with confidence.
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Leaders Who Live With The Team
Our project leaders don’t just oversee - they live on-site with the team. This means they are always available to manage risks, resolve issues as they arise, and ensure the programme runs as safely and smoothly as possible.
Comprehensive Safety Inductions
At each location, every volunteer receives a safety induction briefing covering:
- Local travel guidance
- Health and safety advice
- Emergency protocols
This ensures all Leapers are well-prepared to navigate their new environment safely.
Trusted by Industry Leaders
Accreditation & Protection You Can Rely On
When it comes to choosing an adventure programme, you want to know you're in safe hands. The Leap has been assessed, accredited, and trusted by the most respected organisations in the industry, ensuring your experience is structured, safe, and financially protected.
You are fully protected for all monies paid to us, including repatriation costs, arising from cancellation or curtailment of your travel arrangements due to the insolvency of The Leap, via a non statutory Trust Account, arranged with our bank to protect your money, for your non air package placement. Your flights are protected via Trailfinders ATOL bond (if you travel on the team flight arranged by Trailfinders).
These partnerships, accreditations, and protections aren’t just badges - they are a guarantee of quality, safety, and reliability. With The Leap, you’re not just signing up for an adventure; you’re choosing a programme that’s trusted by experts, recognised by universities, and backed by industry leaders.
Your adventure, your safety, your future.
Founding Member of the Year Out Group
The Year Out Group is an association of leading gap year organisations, promoting structured, high-quality programmes that meet rigorous safety and ethical standards.
We were a founding member in 1998 and continue to meet their strict accreditation criteria.
Their website, yearoutgroup.org, is a fantastic resource for planning your year out.
The UK’s First Gap Year Association-Accredited Company
The Gap Year Association (GYA) is the leading accreditation body for gap years, officially recognised by the US Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission.
In 2014, The Leap became the first UK company to earn full GYA accreditation.
We were re-accredited in 2021 after a rigorous two-year review, demonstrating our commitment to safety, ethics, and experiential learning. GYA-accredited organisations must meet the highest industry standards, ensuring you get a meaningful and well-managed experience.
UCAS-Recognised Programmes: Boost Your University Application
We are an official partner of the UCAS-accredited Centre for Global Citizenship Studies (CGCS), offering specialised diplomas in International Volunteering as part of our school expeditions.
This partnership allows students to gain valuable credentials for their university applications.
Participating in a Leap programme can help demonstrate leadership, initiative, and global awareness - all qualities highly valued by universities.
For more information on how to strengthen your UCAS application through a Leap adventure, get in touch.
Approved by the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme
We are an Approved Activity Provider for the residential section of the Gold Award - so if you're looking to complete this essential part of your DofE journey, any of our programmes will qualify.
ATOL Protection with Trailfinders
If you book your flights through Trailfinders, your flights are covered by their ATOL Insurance Bond (3206) under the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)—giving you extra peace of mind.
Partnering with the Foreign Office: ‘Know Before You Go’
The ‘Know Before You Go’ campaign (by the British Foreign & Commonwealth Office) promotes smart, safe travel.
The Leap is an official industry partner, ensuring all our travellers follow best practices. We work closely with the FCO in our risk assessments to keep you safe overseas. For more information, visit gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo.
