THE LICENSING PROCESS

Outward Bound International (OBI) was established to assist in licensing Outward Bound Centers and has adopted a three-step licensing process designed to help centers develop appropriate plans to succeed in their country. The process starts with exploratory status, then proceeds to provisional licensing, and then completes with full member licensing.

A. INITIAL INQUIRY

1. If an Outward Bound licensee already exists in a country then inquiries for service should be directed to that licensee whose contact information may be found at www.outward-bound.org. Otherwise, serious inquiries should be directed to OB
2. The party does research on the need, feasibility and support for pursuing Outward Bound licensing

• Details of a need for Outward Bound in the country.
• What the mission and vision is of the organization
• Background of those who will support the new center, ideally representing diverse segments of society
• The general economic model that will be explored and where participants and funding will come from.
• The anticipated scale of operations and the program delivery model.

C. PROVISIONAL LICENSE
Provisional Licensing to begin operations occurs through a vote of the Council at an AGM after a recommendation from the Board of Directors. This is a temporary agreement of approximately three years. Provisional Status permits the operation of Outward Bound courses.

Each Center receiving a Provisional License to operate under the Outward Bound name must:

• Have a board of representative and influential persons to provide guidance, vision, enthusiasm and resources.
• Have sufficient startup funding to cover not only start-up operations but also the licensing fee and trademark registration. The OBI Board, on a case-by-case basis, will designate the amount of start-up operational funding.
• Maintain and promote the Outward Bound philosophy based on the concepts of Kurt Hahn and follow the spirit of the international mission statement.
• Maintain and promote the Outward Bound philosophy based on the concepts of Kurt Hahn and follow the spirit of the international mission statement.
• Have a business plan that demonstrates a sound business base with a reasonable prospect for financial viability.
• Have nonprofit status (or equivalent).
• Have solid financial control systems.
• Hire staff with sufficient Outward Bound experience to guide the educational aims and run operations of the school. This may include an experienced Outward Bound staff member from an established school.
• Have systems to assure skilled staff is available.
• Develop operational plans for safety and quality of programs.
• Begin the process of publishing curricula for all courses in an instructor manual.
• Place a strong emphasis on programs for youth of the country.
• Be open to anyone, regardless of race, religion, color, physical or mental ability, social or educational background.
• Have a plan to be able to provide financial assistance to persons wishing to attend courses but who are unable to afford the fees.
• Have adequate general liability insurance and name OBI as co-insured for any activities within the country.
• Agree to follow the OBI Territorial Protocols
• Agree to follow the OBI Organization and Risk Management Protocols.
• Agree to use a law firm selected by OBI for licensing and trademark matters.
• Reimburse OBI promptly for all legal expenses incurred on their behalf.
• Review and agree to the license terms of OBI standard license including:
• Not to register Outward Bound trademark except in own country
• Not to make commercial use of Outward Bound name
• Act effectively against infringements of Outward Bound name
• Communicate with OBI in a timely manner
• Pay dues promptly
• Participate in international meetings
• Not to assign license to others without OBI permission

Once the OBI Board is satisfied that the new exploratory committee has sufficiently satisfied the Provisional Licensing Checklist and the necessary fees (including an at least an additional US$5,000 and whatever legal expenses incurred) have been paid, they will approve provisional licensing. The Council at the Annual General Meeting must also approve this provisional licensing.

D. THE LICENSED MEMBER
After the three-year trial period, if viable operations have been attained, a Center becomes a licensed member of OBI. These are the stipulations for becoming a Licensed Member:

1. The school has successfully and safely operated courses within the mission of Outward Bound
2. Remained solvent and has developed ongoing business plans.
3. OBI has completed a satisfactory on-site Program Review (the expenses of which are to be met by the provisional Outward Bound Center).

• The Center has paid the requisite licensing fees, the legal costs of registering the Trademark and any other start-up costs attributable to OBI.
• Established a legally constituted, not-for-profit organization governed by an independent Board of respected persons.
• Executed a license agreement in relation to the use of the Outward Bound Trademark, name and logo.
• Becoming a participating member of OBI by paying membership dues, attending Annual General Meetings and Conferences and otherwise participating in OBI.
• Demonstrated a sound business base and a reasonable prospect of financial viability.
• Not being subject to any influence or degree of control that could or would inhibit its freedom to implement the mission of Outward Bound.
• Hired staff with sufficient Outward Bound experience to guide the educational aims and run operations of the school.
• Have systems to assure skilled staff is available.
• Places a strong emphasis on programs for young people.
• Is open to all people regardless of race, religion, color, physical or mental strength, social or educational background.
• Has the ability and intent to maintain and promote the Outward Bound philosophy based on the concepts of Kurt Hahn and following the spirit of the international mission statement.
• Have the resources to implement financial assistance to needy persons wishing to attend.
• Implements the Organization and Risk Management Protocols.
• Observes the Territorial and Marketing Protocols.
• The governing body meets on a regular basis and provides effective oversight.
• Marketing plans and materials are sent to OBI.
• Appropriate insurances coverage is in place, including general liability insurance of a realistic amount. Where possible OBI must e named as coinsured.
• Has published curricula for all courses.
• Status reports and audited accounts sent to OBI annually.
• Have financial control systems approved by a professional auditor.
• Maintained regular communications with any mentoring Outward Bound Center and OBI.