AEGIS Launches New Preliminary & Gold Standard Accreditation

As the leading experts in educational guardianship, AEGIS offers the highest standard of inspection and accreditation of UK guardianship organisations.
We are pleased to offer two levels of accreditation – Preliminary and Gold Standard. Look out for the new logos being displayed by guardians!

Our inspection process is rigorous, at both levels. This is necessary in order to ensure standards and safeguard children.

Preliminary Accreditation

Preliminary Accreditation is open to all guardianship organisations or sole guardians of any size. Guardians can even apply before they recruit students. This level ensures that the essential standards are in place in order to provide safe guardianship.

Checks include ensuring that company documents such as handbooks, contracts and policies are in place and adequate, as well as proof of insurance and evidence of safer recruitment checks for all staff, homestays and volunteers. A full list of requirements is set out in the AEGIS Inspection Handbook and Guardianship Organisation Quality Standards.

Providing the evidence and documentation meet the essential standards, Preliminary Accreditation status will be awarded, valid for 2 years. Within those 2 years it is hoped that guardians will go on to attain the Gold Standard Accreditation, or simply reapply for Preliminary Accreditation after the 2 years.

Gold Standard Accreditation

Gold Standard Accreditation is the most prestigious accolade that a guardianship organisation can hold and signifies the highest standards of safeguarding and care in the guardianship of international students.

Guardianship organisations who have had a minimum of 3 students under their care for two terms are able to apply for Gold Standard Accreditation. The inspection process is based on the AEGIS Quality Standards and a guardianship organisation has to meet all of the applicable standards in order to gain Gold Standard Accreditation. Inspections are carried out by independent, trained inspectors and include interviews with school staff, homestays and students. Re-inspection is due every 4 years as before.

All current AEGIS accredited guardianship organisations automatically become Gold and appear in the list of Gold Standard Accredited Guardianship Organisations.

Our new levels of accreditation are hoped to encourage guardianship organisations of all sizes to meet the highest standards of care in guardianship and safeguarding of international students.

For further details please visit https://aegisuk.preview.direct/guardianship-organisation or contact sharon@aegisuk.net. We are always happy to help!