Why Are National Governing Body Qualifications So Valuable?
- richeddins
- Aug 13
- 6 min read
If you’re serious about a career in the outdoor industry, National Governing Body (NGB) qualifications are very valuable for establishing credibility and achieving professional advancement in the outdoor industry. Understanding what NGBs do is essential to appreciating the qualifications they offer, and means you will get the most value out of your training experience.
“For employers, NGB qualifications are a clear, trusted indicator of ability. For instructors, they’re a fast track to employment and progression. It’s one of the best investments anyone can make in their outdoor career.” - David Eddins, Managing Director and Owner, Mendip Adventure
NGBs establish nationally recognised standards for training, safety and professionalism in outdoor activities. Their qualifications are proof that you’ve met nationally recognised benchmarks for competence and care. Whether you’re applying for a job, working with clients or planning to work abroad, NGB qualifications offer a reliable way to showcase your skills and experience.
Table of Contents
What Is a National Governing Body?
National Governing Bodies are official organisations responsible for overseeing the development, regulation and delivery of a specific sport or outdoor activity within the UK. They set national standards for training, safety and professional conduct, and often deliver or accredit qualifications for instructors, coaches and leaders.
In the outdoor industry, NGBs ensure that activities are taught and led safely, consistently and professionally. They also support professional development, promote best practises, and help safeguard both participants and instructors.
What Makes National Governing Body Qualifications So Useful?
NGB qualifications carry weight because they’re built on a bedrock of standardisation and real-world relevance.
Instructors with NGB qualifications have demonstrated competence, enabling them to make independent decisions and tailor sessions to the needs of the group. Instructors without NGB qualifications often rely on a rigid delivery structure, which can result in a robotic style. They are also more likely to need assistance when problem-solving or managing risk.
NGB qualifications are valuable because:
Industry-wide recognition
NGB qualifications are trusted by employers, insurers and land managers across the UK and (where recognised) abroad, which increases your employability.
Training and assessment are standardised
NGBs develop and enforce training and assessment frameworks, benchmarked against national occupational standards. Everyone is trained and assessed against the same national benchmark, which ensures instructors meet a high level of competence, risk management and professionalism.
Courses are safety-focused
Training emphasises safety protocols and real-world competence; structured, NGB-led insurance and compliance systems help mitigate liability and protect participants.
Clear professional progression
Structured learning pathways make it easy to level up, and you can diversify your skill portfolio with training in new activities or progression to the next level.
Insurance-ready
NGB qualifications are often essential for meeting legal and duty of care standards for activity providers and instructors.
Professional recordkeeping
Logbooks demonstrate a verifiable record of experience and commitment and help meet employment, permit, and training requirements as you progress your skills.
How NGB Qualifications Unlock Opportunities
“NGB qualifications open doors to confidence, competence and a lifelong career in the outdoors. They give our trainees the credibility they need to succeed, whether they’re working in the UK or around the world.” - David Eddins, Managing Director and Owner, Mendip Adventure
From outdoor activity centres and schools to Duke of Edinburgh schemes and field study centres, many employers require NGB qualifications for freelance, temporary or permanent roles. Plus, getting insurance is easier if you have the qualifications. In addition, thanks to the UK’s high standards in outdoor education and safety, UK NGB qualifications are often recognised overseas, expanding your options for work and adventure across the globe.
NGB training and assessments are also a great opportunity to meet other outdoor enthusiasts and develop relationships with new and long-standing professionals in the outdoor industry. It’s the perfect time to ask questions and gain insights into how instructors approach their work and discover new professional avenues that you may not have explored yet.
Benefits of Joining and Training With a National Governing Body
Alongside the training and assessment benefits that come with gaining qualifications through an NGB, there are plenty of additional perks for aspiring and professional instructors.
Some benefits enjoyed by NGB members include:
Ongoing professional development
Many organisations offer Continuing Professional Development through workshops, courses and modules. These can be practical sessions, talks, self-led online learning or a combination.
Membership benefits
Often includes access to resources, newsletters, legal support, guidance documents, online forums and events. Some also offer member discounts on equipment, insurance and further training.
Community and networking
Connect with a wider community of outdoor professionals, and explore opportunities for mentoring, collaboration and employment.
Ethical and inclusive standards
NGBs usually promote equality, diversity and safeguarding, and they help ensure your practise aligns with modern expectations of professionalism.
The benefits of a specific NGB may vary slightly, but overall, they are important organisations dedicated to promoting and safely experiencing outdoor activities.
Go Global With Your National Governing Body Qualifications
UK NGB standards often align with international requirements (or offer pathways to equivalency), which means your training can take you off the beaten path*.
For example:
Paddle UK (formerly British Canoeing) Paddlesport instructors are working in New Zealand and Canada
BASI instructors teach Snowsports professionally in Japan, Canada, and across Europe
Mountain Training Rock Climbing instructors guide clients in Spain, Oman, and beyond
If you’re planning to work abroad, make sure to check:
Visa and work requirements
Recognition of your qualifications (or required equivalency training)
Insurance and healthcare arrangements
*Please note that you should check the activity qualification requirements of your destination before making travel plans. While UK qualifications are widely respected abroad, each country has its own standards for outdoor activity professionals.
National Governing Bodies in the UK
While Mendip is based near Bristol in South West England, it’s worth bearing in mind that Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland often have their respective branches of a National Governing Body. Who you gain qualifications from may depend on your location.
Here are some of the NGBs in the UK:
Archery GB
British Association of Snowsport Instructors
British Caving Association
British Mountaineering Council
Mountain Training
Mountaineering Council of Scotland
British Orienteering
Snowsport England
Snowsport Scotland
Snowsport Wales
British Canoe Union
Canoe Wales
Canoe Scotland
Canoe Association of Northern Ireland
There are also international governing federations that provide global oversight for sports, such as the International Ski Instructors Association, the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation, and the International Canoe Federation. National NGBs are often associated with their international counterpart.
How to Maximise the Value of Your Qualifications
To get the most out of your NGB qualifications, make sure to stay on top of your training and keep records of your experience. Key areas to focus on include:
Keeping your logbooks up to date
Maintaining valid First Aid and Safeguarding certifications
Staying connected to professional bodies and using their resources
Keep developing your skills – whether through higher-level awards or diversifying into new activities
When it comes to employability, potential employers love to see candidates who can meaningfully demonstrate their knowledge and passion. NGB qualifications are a concrete way to show your skills and provide verifiable evidence of your outdoor training experience.
Your Outdoor Career Starts With the Right Qualifications
“National Governing Body qualifications are the foundation of a safe, skilled and professional outdoor workforce. They represent a commitment to best practises, personal development, and the highest standards in our industry.” - David Eddins, Managing Director and Owner, Mendip Adventure
NGB qualifications open doors by earning trust, demonstrating professionalism, and showing your commitment to safety and training standards. If you are looking for year-round employment, pursue qualifications for both winter and summer activities, such as Snowsports and Paddlesports qualifications. They are a long-term investment in your outdoor career that will pay dividends far into the future.
Ready to Start Your Outdoor NGB Qualification Pathway?
If you’re interested in working in the outdoors as an Activity Instructor, check out Mendip’s Accelerated Outdoor Instructor Training (AOIT) course, which complements the NGB qualifications by providing practical training and experience in a working outdoor activity centre. You can gain qualifications in 20 activities perfect for year-round employment!
Find out when our next Open Day is here, and come by for a visit.
Alternatively, check out Mendip’s single courses, perfect for those seeking single-activity Instructor Training courses and Personal Skill Awards in activities including Paddlesports, Snowsports, Target Sports and more.