Not-for-profit UK adventure firm GoTread is planning to diversify the adventure activities sector by training more people from ethnically diverse backgrounds to become leaders and instructors.

GoTread is inspiring a new generation of leaders and instructors from ethnically diverse backgrounds to enter and diversify the adventure activities world via their ‘Diversity in Adventure’ programme, which started at the beginning of 2021, trains participants to design and lead their own tours.

Why GoTread wants to diversify the adventure activities sector

GoTread was founded in 2015 to address the barriers facing those who live or work in urban areas who struggle to get outside and explore green spaces. The latest initiative is part of GoTread’s effort to support underrepresented groups as it campaigns for #DiversityinAdventure in National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) across the South of England.

The project comes at a time when diverse participation in gaining outdoor qualifications remains low; a 2020 survey found the percentage of women passing outdoor qualification courses in the UK was 33.9% just up from 25.5% in 2015. Considering that only a third of people gaining outdoor qualifications are women while
a mere 4% of passes are awarded to people from ethnically diverse backgrounds shows that GoTread’s scheme is coming at the right time to help diversify the outdoor adventure industry.

Mel Ifran, Founder, GoTread, said: “Meaningful inclusivity starts with diversifying expedition leadership. We saw an opportunity to make a difference and feed it back into the community. Not only are we cultivating a sense of exploration and a desire to connect with nature, but we are also creating new pathways into the adventure sector – training people, developing their skills and increasing inclusivity and representation.”

To find out more about GoTread, please contact Mel Ifran at info@gotread.co.uk.