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 educational guardianship.

On application, you will be asked to submit the following types of documentation and information to the AEGIS office. A full list of requirements will be sent to you on application:

Company documents such as handbooks, contracts and policies.
Proof of insurance and ICO registration.
Evidence of DBS checks undertaken on staff, volunteers and homestays.
The process will also include a video interview with the AEGIS Head of Inspections.

Providing the evidence and documentation meets the essential standards, you will be awarded Preliminary Accreditation Status which is valid for 2 years.  Within those 2 years you may wish to go on to attain the Gold Standard Accreditation, or simply reapply for Preliminary Accreditation after the 2 years.

You will be able to display the Preliminary Accreditation logo, your company will be listed on our website, you will receive discounted rates for AEGIS training and conferences and unlimited support from the AEGIS office.

FEES

Academic Year 2023/24

Preliminary Accreditation Fee: £950 plus VAT
Second Year Preliminary Membership Fee: £275 plus VAT

Policy templates for the additional fee of £250 plus VAT

Gold Standard Accreditation is the most prestigious accolade that a guardianship organisation can hold. Guardianship organisations who have had a minimum of 3 students under their care for two terms are able to apply for Gold Standard Accreditation. However, guardianship organisations who do not meet this requirement should contact the AEGIS office for further details about how to proceed. 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.

On application you will be asked to submit the contact details of the schools and homestays that you work with so that the inspector can interview a selection of school staff and students by video call.  A selection of homestays will be visited and vetted against a checklist of health and safety requirements.

Questionnaires are sent to all overseas parents, homestays, students and schools.  The inspector will visit you or arrange a video call  so that you can demonstrate your  ability to meet the AEGIS Quality Standards. From the evidence gathered, the lead inspector will provide a detailed inspection report.

Providing you meet all criteria, you will become a fully accredited Gold member of AEGIS for the next four years. Re-inspection will be due every 4 years.

As a Gold Standard Member you will:

Code of Practice for guardianship organisations

As an AEGIS member you are expected to adhere to our Code of Practice.

● To promote and provide best and legal practice in the guardianship and hosting of all international students at schools/colleges/universities, particularly those under 18 years of age.
● To respect and support the rights, religion and customs of the international student.
● To uphold the stated ethos and values of the student’s school at all times.
● To comply with the 1989 & 2004 Children Act and meet the requirements of the most recent versions of the Department for Education Working Together to Safeguard Children and Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance.
● To comply with the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and/or Children (Private Arrangements for Fostering) Regulations 2005.
● To ensure all international students have a 24-hour emergency contact in the UK.
● To put in place arrangements which maintain appropriate contact with the international student, the overseas parent and the homestay and to ensure all appropriate records are up-to-date.
● To provide both pastoral and educational support as outlined in any literature and agreements.
● To adhere to the AEGIS Quality Standards at all times.
● To have appropriate insurance for guardianship arrangements and to comply with UK legislation.
● To ensure that the AEGIS annual membership fee is paid in a timely manner, by the end of the first academic term.
● To respect the business practices of others and uphold strong business ethics.
● To be prepared to undergo re-accreditation every two/four years, depending on the level of accreditation held.
● To inform AEGIS as soon as possible if they are subject to any complaints or investigations that may cause reputational damage to AEGIS.