WINNER of the Trailhead 65 Bronze Berghaus rucksack from the survey prize draw is John Lyster from Lisburn, Northern Ireland. Congratulations John!

2022 Members’ Survey summary data

Introduction

Mountain Training Association has recently conducted a survey of our members, with the survey open between the 23rd February and the 10th April, 2022. During which time we have received 784 responses, approximately 10% of the membership. The responses from this survey, along with consultation with staff and volunteers will form the basis for the association’s 3-5 year strategic plan and ongoing development.

Overview of demographic data

There were no real surprises in the data received and it correlates well with previous surveys of the membership in 2019 and 2016, where comparative data is available. The demographic of the respondents is significantly weighted within certain categories, and lacks a degree of diversity:

• men - 74% (49% of overall population of UK and Ireland)
• white - 95% (87.5% of overall population of UK and Ireland)
• straight - 82% (93.9% of overall population of UK and Ireland)
• follow a religion/belief – 27% (44% of overall population of UK and Ireland)
• aged between 35-64 - 77.9%

Respondents are from a good spread of the country, with slightly larger numbers from the (in descending order):

Whereas, the location for where people used their qualifications being understandably in the national parks, with larger numbers working/volunteering in:

South East, including Central and South London (11.5%) The Midlands (11.4%) North West of England (10.3%) North Wales (9.8%) Central Scotland (7.5%) Yorkshire (7.0%) South Wales (5.9%) South West - Devon and Cornwall (5.1%) Central England including North London (4.8%) North East England (4.0%) The Lake District (3.8%) The Peak District (3.8%) South West - Somerset and Dorset (3.8%) Scotland East Highlands (3.6%) Scotland West Highlands (2.4%) Republic of Ireland (1.7%) Northern Ireland (1.4%)

North Wales (36.5%) The Lake District (32.3%) The Peak District (27.2%) Yorkshire (23.7%) South Wales (19.4%) Scotland West Highlands (17.8%) North West England (16.3%) South East, including South and Cnetral London (16.3%) The Midlands (12.7%) Scotland East Highlands (11.7%) South West - Devon and Cornwall (10.8%) Scotalnd Central Region (9.4%) Central England, including North London (8.4%) South West - Somerset and Dorset (8.4%) North East England (8.1%) Northern Ireland (3.1%) Republic of Ireland (2.2%)

Overview of how members are using or planning to use qualifications

There was a fairly even split between members using their qualifications:

• as a volunteer (45.0%)
• as a freelance instructor (45.8%)
• for personal enjoyment (41.6%)

Although we may have caused a split as we asked ‘as a freelance instructor’ and ‘for running own business’ (30.3%) so some respondents may have selected only one, where they could have selected more than one option.

80% are working with clients and/or learners.

Of the 544 members who responded to the question on approximate numbers of people worked with, we can estimate that it totals around 145,000 – if we were to extrapolate this for the whole of the membership then we would be looking at 1.46 million (of the 5,500 members that may work/volunteer with clients/learners), or around 267 clients/learners per member.

The larger part (46.5%) of respondents heard of MTA through their qualification training and joined when registering for a qualification (60.6%). Members tend to stay as the majority have been members for over 5 years, 52.3%, with 25.9% being members for over 10 years.

Reasons for joining were various, but most commonly:

• 62.5 % - To access the workshops for continuing personal development
• 51.2% - For support whilst working towards a qualification
• 49.5% - To keep in touch and up to date with Mountain Training
• 48.3% - For professional recognition

The main function of MTA was thought to be:

• 60.4% - Support the currency of members through workshops for continuing personal development
• 59.7% - Support members through qualifications
• 58.2% - To build and maintain a community of walking, climbing and/or mountaineering leaders and coaches

Top challenges

• Time
• Money
• People (with whom to practice/train/learn/consolidate, etc.)
• Location/Access to terrain

Potential areas of interest are (from highest weighted average to lowest):

• Flora and fauna
• Access and conservation
• Geology
• Technical skills
• Practical leadership
• Sustainability
• Industry updates
• Mental health and well-being
• Physical health and well-being
• Introduction to other qualifications
• Insurance
• Business support

Focus for MTA (score)

• Improving quality assurance and authorisation of continuing personal development (CPD)
• Improving public awareness of the Mountain Training Association and its members
• Increasing engagement in sustainability and the environment (projects, campaigns, awareness raising, etc.)

Values:

• Professional
• Development
• Educating
• Support
• Learning

Things most liked about membership of MTA:

• Improving skills and knowledge (68.8%)
• Staying current (61.0%)
• Belonging to an association (44.9%)

Will renew – 86.4%

Would you recommend MTA to a friend: a solid 7.5/10