Training, Assessment & FAQs
Training & assessment courses take place several times a year at our country houses across the UK. Candidates are provided with complimentary full-board accommodation. All transport during the course will be covered but candidates are expected to cover the cost of travel to and from the course themselves.
On the course, we’ll be looking to judge your navigation and group leadership skills, as well as your all-round ability to deliver an exceptional holiday experience. It’s a two-way process though, and you’ll be able to ask us questions and explore whether it’s something you want to pursue.
On the course, you’ll be split into small groups with other applicants, and assigned an assessor. These are experienced leaders, who’ve previously completed the same assessment process and know exactly what it’s like. They’ll do their best to put you at ease and will record notes throughout the course in order to provide feedback and a report at the end.
Indoor and outdoor assessment activities include topics from navigation and group leadership skills to knowledge of the countryside and your all-round ability to interact with people. Training sessions include how to give walk briefings and you’ll also be introduced to our programme of evening activities.
Candidates will be informed if they are successful or not within three weeks of completing the course.
Please note, the whole process can take several months as it is dependent on course dates.
HF Holidays collects and processes personal data relating to our leader, in order to manage the volunteering relationship. We are committed to being transparent about how we collect and use that data, and to meeting our data protection obligations. You can find out more in our Leader Privacy Policy.
Volunteering FAQs
Interested in volunteering and getting involved with HF Holidays? To help you understand the role and find the right volunteer opportunity, we’ve answered the most frequently asked questions from prospective volunteers.
Who can volunteer?
Practicalities of volunteering with us
Our volunteer walk leaders need to be able to commit to a minimum of three weeks every two years.
Benefits and expenses
The walk leader role is voluntary and therefore not paid. However, we look to ensure our volunteers don’t lose out financially, so you will not be out of pocket when you lead for us.
Selection procedure
It can take anywhere from two months to twelve months between applying, becoming a leader and leading your first guests on an HF holiday.
