ISO 31031 – What Does The New Safety Standard Mean For Our Industry?
David Gregory
November 2024 will see the launch of a new international standard ISO 31031 – Risk Management for Youth & School Trips. This new international standard can be used to either complement other exisiting standards for school trips, or replace them entirely.
ISO 31031 offers a clear and comprehensive framework which enables schools and organisations to benchmark against an international standard, rather than regional standards and improve their planning processes, more effectively assess risks and set clearer expectations when working with external providers.
The presentation will cover core details of the new standard, provide a self-assessment tool against which schools and providers can assess their current systems and processes and an experiential workshop activity for participants to collaborate and explore ways in which they can implement the new standard and gain the buy-in of their school or organisation.
An author and keen educational researcher, David has written two books and writes a blog on all sorts of experiential education and risk management topics and hosts an occasional podcast on experiential education.
About David
David has over 24 years of experience as an outdoor educator, working across Australia and internationally as an instructor, teacher, and program director. Throughout his career, he has designed and led both short- and long-term residential outdoor programs for secondary schools, while also consulting on operational safety and risk management. David is the Founder of Xcurison Safety, a training and software company dedicated to helping schools plan for and manage the complex risks associated with excursions and outdoor programs.
David’s approach is grounded in the belief that powerful learning happens through real-world experiences. He is deeply committed to creating opportunities for students to grow and thrive, while ensuring every program is underpinned by robust safety systems and a strong culture of risk management.
He is also a founding member of the Outdoors New South Wales Risk Management and Critical Incident Response Team, a volunteer group that supports schools and outdoor education providers in the event of serious incidents.
An avid snow skier, David’s always ready to embrace a new challenge or adventure.
