gapadvice.org: Independent advice on gap years, for people of all ages

There is at present no regulatory organisation to which you can turn, to address standards of gap year  travel provision. This is an issue which the gap year industry is well aware of and in which the Department for Children, Schools and Families (formerly the DfES) has a keen interest. Some of the best work has been in the creation of a Code of Practice by the Year Out Group and it is likely that there will be further developments in this area. In the meantime, the advice is to do your research well: check out thoroughly any organisation you will be involved in, always ask for contacts of returned ‘gappers’, bear in mind value for money and the impact on local communities of your presence and keep a close look at the FCO travel advice. Your safety is paramount - prepare for the worst and expect the best. Remember, gap year activities are often, by their very nature, challenging and overcoming difficulties yourself is part of the challenge. Whilst you would not expect the same standards as found on a five star package holidays, you should expect to be provided with what you were promised and any reputable company should adhere to its promises.

Whether exploring the Amazon, attempting to scale Mount Everest or taking part in a gap year in Africa, a new British Standard has been launched today at the Royal Geographical Society (RGS) in response to increased calls to make overseas adventure activities safer. The British Standards Institution (BSI) has published BS 8848: A Specification for adventurous activities, expeditions, visits and fieldwork outside the UK. The new BSI standard has been developed for adventurous activities abroad with the aim of reducing the risk of injury or illness. It specifies requirements that have to be met by an organiser of adventurous trips conforming to good practice. It is aimed at expedition organisers, universities and other organisers of field trips, gap year travel companies and providers of adventurous holidays.
See http://www.bsi-global.com/en/About-BSI/News-Room/BSI-News-Content/General/News-Content/ for more details.