The Adventure Activities Licensing Scheme has been in operation since April 1996. It is currently sponsored by the Department for Work and Pensions.

The Adventure Activities Licensing Scheme is a joint venture between the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (a role designated to the Health and Safety Executive on 1st April 2007) and the Adventure Activities Licensing Service, which is under contract with the Health and Safety Executive to operate the scheme on their behalf.

The Adventure Activities Licensing Service (TQS Ltd) has many years of experience operating the licensing scheme, having formerly been the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority since April 1996.

The arrangement in place from 1st April 2007 is a result of Government's revision of statutory regulators, as recommended by the Hampton Report (HM Treasury 2005).