Standards & Compliance

ISO 31031:2024 — Managing Risk for Youth and School Trips

January 18, 202610 min read

Published in October 2024, ISO 31031 is the new international standard providing comprehensive guidance for managing risks associated with youth and school trips. This landmark standard addresses the unique challenges of organizing travel for minors, with particular emphasis on safeguarding, supervision, and duty of care.

What is ISO 31031:2024?

ISO 31031:2024 is an international standard that provides guidance for managing risks when organizing trips, visits, or activities for children and young people outside their usual operational base. Published in October 2024, it applies to both domestic and international travel, covering everything from short day trips to months-long expeditions.

Who Should Use This Standard?

The standard is designed for any organization that takes responsibility for young people during travel. This includes educational institutions (schools, colleges, universities), residential care providers, youth groups (scouts, guides, cadets), faith-based organizations, sports and arts clubs, adventure activity centers, tour operators, and commercial travel providers working with youth groups.

Distinction from ISO 31030

While ISO 31030:2021 addresses corporate and business travel risk management, ISO 31031:2024 specifically targets youth and educational travel where safeguarding and supervision are paramount. The new standard recognizes the unique vulnerabilities of minors and the additional duty of care requirements that apply when organizations are responsible for children.

Connection to UK Standards

ISO 31031:2024 was developed with significant input from UK experts, drawing on experience from BS 8848 — the world-leading standard for field safety in expeditions. While BS 8848 remains the primary benchmark for UK organizations planning overseas visits, ISO 31031 provides an internationally recognized framework that overseas providers can use to demonstrate robust risk management practices.

Key Areas Covered

Safeguarding

Comprehensive guidance on protecting children from harm, including vetting procedures, supervision ratios, and response protocols for safeguarding concerns.

Risk Assessment

Structured approach to identifying, assessing, and managing risks specific to youth travel, balancing safety with educational and developmental objectives.

Supervision & Staffing

Requirements for staff competency, appropriate supervision ratios, and clear roles and responsibilities throughout the trip.

Emergency Planning

Framework for developing emergency response plans, including communication protocols, medical procedures, and crisis management.

Benefits of Implementation

Enhanced safety and security for young participants

Improved risk assessment and management processes

Clearer communication with parents, guardians, and stakeholders

Greater focus on educational and developmental value

Increased confidence from families and institutions

Alignment with international good practices

Strengthened safeguarding and duty-of-care compliance

Framework for staff training and development

Trip Types Covered

Day trips and excursionsResidential visits and campsInternational cultural toursSports tours and competitionsAdventure activities and expeditionsEducational fieldworkCommunity service projectsExchange programs

Integration with Existing Standards

ISO 31031 complements other relevant standards including BS 8848 for overseas expeditions, the ISO 21100 series for adventure tourism, and ISO 31030 for general travel risk management. Organizations should consider how these standards work together to create a comprehensive risk management framework appropriate to their specific activities.

Need help implementing ISO 31031:2024 for your school or youth organization? Contact our team for expert guidance on youth travel risk management.