Hi Folks, Some great comments here. I think the system is pretty good as it is. However having gone through various systems including the civilian, military and RAF Mountain Rescue Service leader and instructor schemes I, personally, found the best was the military Joint Service (JS) scheme. The military are the biggest deliver of outdoor activities in the UK and have developed an excellent instructor development framework. The structure and info can be found here https://pdevportal.co.uk/pdf/1198_JSP419-v2.pdf . This sort of structure would require far more courses to be delivered and allow a greater progression through the awards while ensuring centres, current MIA’s, MIC’s and IML’s are able deliver far more courses to keep them employed throughout the year. My opinion is based on having come through the various schemes. This is not a bragging list but just an example of what qualification can be gained through the JS system. I hold the JS - Winter climbing instructor, Rock climbing Instructor, Advanced JSMEL, Alpine Mountain Leader, Mountain rescue Party Leader, Civilian - Mountain Leader Winter and Summer, SPA, IML and Trail cycle Leader plus numerous add on such as swiss trained avalanche forecaster assessor etc. Either way we still have an awesome country where we can climb, walk, scramble, canoe, surf and have amazing fun with amazing people. In the end it will, and probably should, come down to what makes commercial sense for those working full time in the industry as it affects them most.