Auditing

“Our staff are highly experienced in auditing against the BS: 8848 safety standard to ensure that that are legally compliant, in line with good practice and ahead of the competition!”

BS: 8848 Audit Services

Acknowledged and trusted as experts in expedition management, the team at Alistair Cole Consulting have significant experience in supporting organisations in implementing BS:8848:2014 'Specification for the provision of visits, fieldwork, expeditions and adventurous activities outside the United Kingdom'.

Team members have experience of supporting organisations seeking compliance with the standard, implementing the standard in organisations and also assisting organisations with third party auditing against the standard - this can be achieved globally.

What is BS: 8848?

BS 8848 is a modern standard that sets operational requirements for organisers of adventurous and educational activities abroad. It applies to a wide range of ventures, including:

University and acade mic fieldwork
Gap-year activities
Adventure holidays
Charity challenges
Research expeditions
Travel and tour operators

The standard provides a structured framework for demonstrating good practice in the safe management of overseas ventures, applying principles of strong management to ensure risks are effectively controlled.

Conformance and Confidence

Organisers can demonstrate compliance with BS 8848 through:

Self-declaration
Third-party assessment
Certification from an independent organisation

Independent assessment can give participants, stakeholders, and partners greater confidence in the safety and management of a venture.

Managing Risks in Adventurous Activities

Adventure or hazardous activities without proper preparation or experience carry significant risk, including injury, illness, or disruption to organisational operations. BS 8848 addresses these risks by providing guidance on the preparation and execution of outdoor activities abroad. It ensures:

Risks are reduced to reasonable and acceptable levels
Participants understand the risks and required behaviours to stay safe
Organisers implement proportionate safety management systems

Who Can Apply BS 8848?

Any individual or group organising ventures outside the UK can apply the standard to verify that safety management practices are in place. This includes:

Adventure holidays
University and academic fieldwork
Gap-year activities
Research expeditions
Travel and tour operators
Charity challenges

What BS 8848 Helps Achieve

While BS 8848 cannot make adventurous activities entirely risk-free, it helps:

Recognise safe and well-organised ventures
Establish best practices for organisers
Prepare participants for potential risks
Reduce injuries and near misses
Define clear accountability and roles for all involved

The standard clarifies responsibilities for:

Venture leaders, leadership teams, and support staff
Supervision of participants
Third-party providers
Use of risk analysis and management systems

By following BS 8848, organisers can manage the riskiest elements of an adventure safely, particularly for inexperienced participants, ensuring a structured and accountable approach to overseas ventures.

How the Audit Process Works

Certification typically involves a two-stage process:

System appraisal – assessing your existing management system.
Initial audit – a detailed evaluation tailored to your organisation’s size, complexity, and system maturity.

Once certified, regular surveillance visits ensure your system continues to perform effectively and evolve over time.

Audit Services Brochure