the highest accreditation standard available for UK guardianships
International parents and students are asked to choose a family friend or a Guardianship Organisation when they enrol their child into a UK boarding school. We want parents to understand the importance of choosing an AEGIS-accredited guardian and what that accreditation actually means. They should be aware of the risk they may take if they choose a person or a company who has not been inspected by AEGIS.
Accreditation is crucial for any organisation in any field. The stamp of approval from an impartial, external governing body assures that the organisation under scrutiny is doing things properly.
Bright World is really proud to have achieved GOLD Standard Accreditation from AEGIS, having been through a thorough and independent inspection. Gold standard accreditation is the highest possible standard achievable in guardianship in the UK.
some words from AEGIS CEO
Those guardianship organisations who choose to invest in and go through the rigorous AEGIS inspection process demonstrate their commitment to the highest standards in safeguarding and guardianship of international students. AEGIS Gold Standard accreditation is the highest level of accreditation available in the UK for Guardianship Organisations.
AEGIS sets the standards and they are thorough and complete
AEGIS has a dedicated Head of Inspections, Jackie Scotney, who sets the extensive set of Quality Standards that a Guardianship Organisation must follow and pass in order to achieve GOLD Standard Accreditation. Having a set of standards to follow and maintain that is kept up to date, is the only way an organisation can truly say that they are keeping on top of their safeguarding standards.
During an AEGIS inspection for GOLD Standard Accreditation, which takes place every four years, there are 11 main areas covered:
- Company aims, principles and practice
- Management of the guardianship organisation
- Pre-Arrival Support
- Student Induction
- Travel Arrangements
- Homestays
- Student Folder
- Safeguarding, Child Protection & Welfare
- Complaints
- Day Schools & Private Fostering
- Liaison with Partner Schools
from the Head of Inspections at AEGIS
The Quality Standards have regard to government statutory safeguarding guidance, health and safety legislation and outline best practice in the industry. The views of guardianship organisations, safeguarding specialists, and experts in the legal and education sector are regularly sought to ensure that these standards are realistic and reflect the most up-to-date requirements. These views similarly shape the inspection framework, which has been recently updated to offer greater inclusivity by now offering two levels of accreditation whilst still providing the rigour that AEGIS is renowned for.
choose Bright World for a guardian accredited to GOLD standard
With so many Guardianship Organisations to choose from, AEGIS continues to offer overseas parents the best peace of mind available by offering an assessment and inspection framework, in order to assess the quality of UK Guardianship Organisations. Choosing an AEGIS accredited Guardianship Organisation, means that parents can be sure they are doing all they can to keep their child safe.
At Bright World we are constantly keeping our policies and processes up to date so that we are fully prepared for our next rigorous analysis of the company. In our last re-inspection in 2021 we achieved 100% success in all 192 sets of criteria. We were proud to be praised for 'consistently high standards' throughout the organisation. We have certainly been working hard to maintain and improve on those high standards ever since, so we are hopeful to achieve an even higher evaluation next year.
why is AEGIS accreditation pure gold?
In safeguarding it is important that there is independence that allows for accountability from all stake holders and this is fostered through working together. If all safeguarding was under one roof then this presents risks with the accountability and decisions being made which may not have the child at heart. We are proud of our independence but equally proud to be working together with many other organisations. This fosters a very open culture with the child at the centre of all decision making.
more information
10 questions to ask before choosing a uk guardian
Our guide you in making this all-important decision for you and your child.
Read our 2021 inspection summary
See how we achieved such a consistently high standard in guardianship.
Find out more about Bright World Guardianships programme
Please also get in touch with us if you are are a parent who needs assistance with guardianship.