Our Advisers
Our Educational Advisors Mike Fawcett and Giles Smith, are Accredited Members of the National Panel of Outdoor Education Advisers. With extensive experience, skills, knowledge, and a deep understanding of the field, both Mike and Giles offer expert guidance on all aspects of planning Educational Visits.
Mike has nine years of experience serving as an adviser to four local authorities and 300 schools. He has specific expertise in the ‘Enhanced Risk’ Category C visits, which encompass all residential, adventurous, and international visits, as well as those involving planned use of water outdoors. He is an accredited and active member of the national panel of Outdoor Education Advisers (OEAP).
Mikes' experience includes:
​
-
A qualified teacher and experienced trainer (EVC, Visit Leader, eVisit and bespoke training) whose feedback for all courses is consistently excellent.
​
-
A former Primary School Deputy Head Teacher and experienced EVC and Visit Leader.
​
-
An experienced manager of residential outdoor education centres.​​
​​​
-
A qualified Outdoor Activities instructor, coach and leader with qualifications and expertise in a broad range of Mountain, Cave and Paddlesport activities.
​
-
​A qualified Flood and Swift Water Rescue Technician.
​
-
An experienced member of Longtown Mountain Rescue Team.​​​​
​
-
An experienced expedition leader in the UK and overseas
Giles Smith is the Centre Director for Longtown Outdoor Learning and acts as an Educational Adviser for the Trust. Giles is an accredited member of the Association of Advisers for Outdoor Learning and Educational Visits (AAOLEV) and has over 30 years’ experience in the school travel sector.
Giles is a qualified teacher in post-16 education and training and has extensive experience of organising and leading offsite visits in the UK and abroad. He was previously the Outdoor Education Adviser for Herefordshire Council and now runs a 130-bed residential centre in the Black Mountains.
Giles’ experience includes:
​
-
Instructing, coaching and leading groups in adventurous activities including skiing, sailing and powerboating.
-
Managing residential outdoor education centres in the UK and France.
-
Working as the Duke of Edinburgh Award Coordinator for Herefordshire Council.
-
Founding the Herefordshire Expedition Group which provides young people with transformative experiences in challenging environments.