Improving guardianship standards together
As the only independent body offering guardianship accreditation in the UK, we set the standards for exceptional guardianship.
By bringing guardianship organisations, schools and parents together, we work with you to ensure the welfare of your international students.
5 key benefits of AEGIS membership
You can work with the many schools, colleges and universities that recommend AEGIS accredited guardianship organisations to overseas parents.
We will promote your organisation on the AEGIS website and in our literature to families and schools looking for trusted guardians.
You will show educational establishments and overseas parents that you offer the very best guardianship services available.
You will receive our useful legal framework which outlines the responsibilities of guardian, homestay, school and parent.
You will have access to FREE safeguarding training for all your homestays and will receive discounted rates for all our events. You will become part of a network of professionals working together to improve guardianship standards in the UK.
a member
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.
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
Preliminary Accreditation Fee: £850 plus VAT
Second Year Preliminary Membership Fee: £225 plus VAT
We offer a bundle of policy templates for the additional fee of £200 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:
- Receive the AEGIS Gold Standard Accreditation logo and be listed in the Gold Member section of the AEGIS website.
- Be listed in the directory of Gold Standard Accredited Guardianship Organisations.
- Receive guardian email requests from parents and agents via the AEGIS office.
- Receive discounted rates at AEGIS conferences, training and events. Be able to submit articles to the AEGIS newsletter and website blog.
- Receive unlimited support from the AEGIS office.
FEES
Gold Accreditation Inspection
Under 30 students: £1200 plus VAT
31-100 students: £1300 plus VAT
101-250 students: £1400 plus VAT
251-350 students: £1500 plus VAT
351+ students: £1750 plus VAT
Re-Inspection
Under 30 students: £1500 plus VAT
31-100 students: £1600 plus VAT
101-250 students: £1700 plus VAT
251-350 students: £1850 plus VAT
351+ students: £2000 plus VAT
Template policies are available to current Gold Members at £150 plus VAT for the bundle
Fees valid from September 2020
Code of Practice for guardianship
organisations and schools
As an AEGIS member you are expected to adhere to our Code of Practice.
- To promote best practice in the guardianship and hosting of international students at schools and colleges, particularly those under 18 years of age.
- To respect the rights, religion and customs of the international student.
- To uphold the stated ethos and values of the school at all times.
- To comply with the 1989 & 2004 Children Act and meet the requirements of the Department for Education Working Together to Safeguard Children March 2018 and the most recent Keeping Children Safe in Education.
- To comply with the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and/or Children (Private Arrangements for Fostering) Regulations 2005.
- To ensure all international students have 24-hour emergency contact with a responsible adult in the UK.
- To put in place arrangements which maintain appropriate contact with the international student, the overseas parents and guardianship family 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 grievance procedures.
- 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.
- To respect the business practices of others and uphold strong business ethics.
- Member guardianship organisations to be prepared to undergo re-inspection every four years.