Advocacy
At PGL Beyond, we’re passionate about giving all young people access to out-of-classroom learning experiences, regardless of their background, circumstance or learning need.
We believe these real-world learning experiences greatly enhance young people’s development and enrich their lives longer-term.
By collaborating with industry and academic partners, education leaders and policy-makers, we aim to make this type of learning an essential part of education; equipping young people with the skills, knowledge and resilience to thrive in a rapidly changing world. We advocate for its inclusion in education, health, policy, and planning.
Academic partnerships
Dr. John Allan, our Head of Impact & Breakthrough Learning, is a leading expert in Sports Pedagogy, Psychology, and Adventure Education. A qualified outdoor practitioner and Visiting Fellow at Sheffield Hallam University, his recent study (Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning) found that outdoor education boosted adolescent resilience by 36% and mental well-being by 23%.
Dr. John supports the research-led development of PGL Beyond programmes and works with stakeholders to champion evidence-based education for young people. We’re also funding strategic research initiatives to establish experiential, out-of-classroom learning as a credible, impactful method for developing young people’s psychosocial and wider skill development —regardless of background or learning needs.
Lobbying
Across our network of brands, our colleagues are passionate advocates for enriching young lives through the work we do every day. Not only delivering educational programmes that foster individual growth for young people, but that also contribute to broader societal and environmental goals.
Aligned with our ESG strategy, Better Beyond Adventure , our lobbying efforts reflect these commitments as we act progressively for our colleagues, customers and communities.
Read the PGL Beyond Lobbying Policy
Aligned with our ESG strategy, Better Beyond Adventure , our lobbying efforts reflect these commitments as we act progressively for our colleagues, customers and communities.
Sustainability: Industry Engagement at Paddle Sport Show
Bob Timms, our Regional Manager for France, is a regular contributor at the Paddle Sports Show; promoting sustainability within the industry. Bob advocated for industry-wide collaboration on sustainability, unveiling plans for a new ECO label in partnership with Kayak Session Magazine, top manufacturers, and the European Confederation of Outdoor Employers.
Safeguarding: Speaker Session at NEV Conference
In June 2024, our Head of Safeguarding and SEND, Gemma Roberson, ran a breakfast speaker session at the National Educational Visits Conference 2024. Gemma delivered valuable insight on the PGL approach to safeguarding outside the classroom; sharing her knowledge and providing advice to delegates. The event was attended by teachers, EVCs and school leaders from across the UK.
Social Mobility: Partnership with the Purpose Coalition
In August 2024, we partnered with the Purpose Coalition – a collective of forward-thinking organisations dedicated to promoting social mobility and equal opportunity. Through innovative collaborations, the Coalition works to dismantle barriers and create a fairer society, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, can achieve their full potential.
