Welcome to the SAPOE website

Thanks for looking us up. This is our new site, replacing the old one at www.sapoe.ik.org

We are in the process of building it up, so please bookmark us, and look again soon.

Who are SAPOE?

We are representatives from all Scotland's local authorities who network to discuss and advise on issues concerning outdoor learning. We meet at least 4 times per year, and are in regular contact by email. We have representatives on a number of national bodies, and have been active in advising on national initiatives such New Opportunitie for PE and Sport, and the Outdoor Connections programme.

The aims of the Panel are to act as a representative voice on matters relating to outdoor education, and to safety in outdoor activities. This is achieved by:

• identifying and promoting good practice in outdoor education
• monitoring change and trying to ensure that developments in this sphere proceed along sound educational lines
• offering informed and authoritative advice on education in the outdoors and on the safe management of outdoor activities, at both local and national level.

Many of our members have decades of experince in delivering outdoor learning to young people, but we are fortunate in also having support of members from the Adventure Activitiies Licensing Service, the Health & Safety Executive, HM Inspectorate of Education, Scottish Council of Independent Schools, and higher education institutions that have outdoor education teaching departments.

Chairman: John Hamilton,  West Dunbartonshire Council

Vice Chairman: Nick Lansdell, South Lanarkshire Council

Vice Chairman: Liz Brookes, East Lothian Council

Treasurer: Andy Beveridge, Edinburgh City Council

Secretary, Ali Dreyer, Fife Council