British IMLs have been assessed in the skills required for leading walking parties in mountains.
Before 2004, the appropriate qualification was the EML (European Mountain Leader Award) recognised since 1993 by the former Commission Européenne des Accompagnateurs en Montagne (CEAM).
CEAM (La Commission Européenne des Accompagnateurs en Montagne) – the European Mountain Leader Commission – agreed in 1992 upon an accepted European Standard which would provide a framework for a walking leader's qualification recognised by the signing countries (Austria, Belgium, France, Ireland, Italy, Spain, and the UK).
In order for the award to be recognised as a professional qualification there needed to be an Association which would provide insurance, a Code of Conduct and a variety of other membership services.
The first EML holders established the British Association of European Mountain Leaders (BAEML) in 1993, with Dave Bursnall being elected first President.