SCC member recognized for leadership in new ISO standard for managing risks on school trips
In 2017, a 15-year-old Toronto student drowned during a school canoe trip in Algonquin Provincial Park. This devastating event compelled Joël Marier, a chartered administrator with 35 years in the youth and school travel sector, to find a standards solution to help prevent similar tragedies from occurring. ISO 31031:2024 Managing risk for youth and school trips was developed through his leadership and collaboration with risk management experts across the globe.
The new standard gives guidance on managing risk for youth and school trips for both domestic and international travel with a specific focus on minors. It offers a range of risk treatment options for trip activities and guidance for creating an emergency response plan.
Joël, a member of the Standards Council of Canada (SCC), is convenor of ISO technical committee ISO/TC 262 Risk management, which developed the standard.
He told ISO’s Insights & News: “Trip organizers have a duty of care towards children, youths and vulnerable adults involved in these trips. Safeguarding applies to the adults, teachers or instructors involved as well as the children and youths participating. This is a key component of ISO 31031.”
The initial proposal for the standard was developed by Canada's mirror committee to ISO’s consumer policy committee (ISO/COPLCO). The 2017 tragedy resonated deeply with mirror committee members who wanted to use standards to safeguard the educational activities of their children and communities across the globe. Joël led the proposal at an ISO/COPOLCO plenary meeting in Zimbabwe and garnered strong support from the international community.
Joël received the ISO Excellence Award for his dedication and leadership in addressing the need for stronger risk management approaches for school trips. He was honoured during the ISO/TC 262 plenary meeting in London, U.K.
“SCC is proud of Joël’s exemplary efforts in advancing the safety and well-being of children and youth,” said Pierre Bilodeau, vice-president of Standardization Services at SCC. “This standard empowers organizations to foster a risk-informed culture while providing enriching experiences for the next generation.”
For more insights on the development of the standard, read Joël’s LinkedIn article.
Interested in joining Canada’s mirror committee to ISO/TC 262 Risk management? Visit the committee page to learn more or get involved.