With 35+ years of evolution of the IML profession; we have been there from the very start and are founding members of UIMLA. The evolution continues and with UIMLA membership up to 27 countries its reach and influence expands. We proudly continue to punch above our weight and take a leading role within UIMLA, with BAIML members currently holding key positions on both the executive & technical committees and mobility working group.
The origin story – EMLC/CEAM
A backdrop of a move within Europe towards greater international freedom of movement brought representatives from the national and professional mountain organisations of Austria, Belgium, France, Great Britain, Ireland and Italy together. They met with the common objective of harmonising the content and the minimum standard of training for the profession of Mountain Leader. At this point in time the European Mountain Leader Commission (EMLC)/Commission Européenne des Accompagnateurs en Montagne (CEAM) was formed.
The Common Platform & EML
Representatives from Belgium, France, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy and Spain met to ratify and sign the “Community standard for access to and practise of the profession of European Mountain Leader”, also known as the “Common Platform”. Thus the European Mountain Leader was born. The British Association of European Mountain Leaders was formed, the precursor to BAIML.
BAEML Born
The first holders of the European Mountain Leader Award (EML)
established the British Association of European Mountain Leaders (BAEML). A national association was required in order to fulfil responsibilities, including a code of conduct and insurance provision, to the EMLC/CEAM. Only through membership of BAEML would EML holders be validated to practise and have their qualification recognised within Europe. This new organisation has 25 full members.
BAEML Online
The association goes online with a website.
From European to International
The various member countries of EMLC/CEAM decided that for the qualification
to gain greater unity and universal recognition it should have a more unified carnet, badge and identity. It was decided that a change of title from European to International would remove the barrier for non-European countries to join and also reflect the increasing number of qualified people leading treks in the greater ranges.
Birth of UIMLA and IMLs
In 2004 EMLC/CEAM representatives from Andorra, Belgium, France, Great Britain, Italy, Poland, Spain and Switzerland met in North Wales, with the common objective of agreeing a constitution for a “Union of International Mountain Leader Associations” (UIMLA). UIMLA replaced the EMLC and opened up membership to all nations with an interest in the profession of International Mountain Leader.
The UIMLA Constitution was formally signed in Chambery, France, November 27th. At this point European Mountain Leaders became International Mountain Leaders.
BAEML becomes BAIML
Following the formation of UIMLA, each member country agreed consequently
to change its name and constitution. In the UK this was done in 2005 by a change in title for the British qualification and association from European Mountain Leader (EML) to International Mountain Leader (IML) and from British Association of European MountainLeaders (BAEML) to British Association of International Mountain Leaders (BAIML).
BAIML becomes a company
To provide a vehicle to enable the association to grow properly BAIML incorporates as a company limited by guarantee. Membership figures have swollen to 399 members of which 329 are full members.
2013 UIMLA Standard
Out of the common platform an agreed Standard for the training and assessment of the award was further developed.
BAIML Membership passes 500
Membership milestone passed for the first time.
BAIML member current UIMLA president
Former BAIML Communications Director Ian Spare elected as President of UIMLA.
BAIML turns 30!
We’ve come a long way since 1992!
2024 UIMLA Standard & CPD policy agreed
BAIML Chair Peter Chapman instrumental in spearheading a major overhaul of the UIMLA Standard. A two-year project to ensure it is fit for purpose going forward, promoting closer alignment of the award delivery worldwide, adopted by unanimous vote at the UIMLA AGA. On the CPD front UIMLA members agreed to recognise CPD as equivalent between UIMLA members.
IML award now based on ‘new’ UIMLA Standard
For anyone who has not yet begun their training before 1st Jan 2026 this new 2024 Standard will form the basis for the training, assessment, qualification and membership programme that they will undertake.
MTUKI IML assessments end under ‘old’ standard
For anyone who has already begun their training, they will either complete their IML qualification by the end of 2027 under the 2012 Standard (also known as 2013 Standard as ratified in 2013), or complete the training programme under the new 2024 Standard into 2028 and beyond.
