British Association Of International Mountain Leaders

The British Association of International Mountain Leaders. The professional body for International Mountain Leaders in the UK.

BAIML represents the UK at UIMLA, the Union of International Mountain Leader Associations, which is the international governing body for International Mountain Leaders. BAIML works closely with UIMLA to develop and promote its worldwide standard for training, assessment, and common professional ethics for those professionals choosing to lead individuals and groups in the mountains of the world.

In Britain, BAIML represents over 400 members who either hold the full IML carnet or are working towards it, and the number continues to grow each year. It has its place alongside the other professional mountaineering associations and governing bodies in the UK, British Mountain Guides (BMG), Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI), the British Mountaineering Council (BMC), Mountain Training UK (MTUK) and others.

Like all professional bodies, we expect our members to undertake continuing professional development (CPD) and meet our high standards of personal and professional behaviour. A condition of membership is that all members have a third party, personal and professional indemnity insurance, and first aid or medical qualifications appropriate to the geographical locations where they choose to work. In addition, any members who provide a travel service will carry the appropriate ABTA bond. BAIML does not endorse any commercial organisations nor does it permit the use of the UIMLA logo in advertising unless the services described are exclusively provided by IMLs.

BAIML maintains a register of members who are active qualified IMLs, retired or inactive IMLs and, Aspirant IMLs, (that is, members who have undergone some initial training and are working towards full qualification). This can be used to find a qualified leader or check the credentials of anyone offering services as an IML.

Each year many individuals complete the IML qualification for their own satisfaction and enjoyment but do not join the association. Such individuals are not bound by our professional standards and are not permitted to use the title IML, wear the badge or display the UIMLA logo.