Guardianship Organisation Accreditation

5 key benefits of AEGIS membership

You may work with a wide range of schools, colleges, and universities that recommend AEGIS-accredited guardianship organisations to international parents.

We will promote you on our website and in marketing materials to an international audience of guardians, agents and parents.

You will demonstrate to educational establishments and overseas parents that you prioritise best practice in guardianship services.

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.

Testimonials

Heritage is proud to be a member of AEGIS; an organisation which has pioneered the raising and defining of the standards of care children from overseas receive when studying at educational institutions in the UK.

Heritage Educational Planning
Having been through the revised framework in our latest inspection, we would recommend it to any unaccredited guardianship organisation. It is contemporary and there is guidance to bring those in need up to a necessary minimum which will benefit the students under their care.

White House Guardianships

How to Become a Member

AEGIS Accreditation

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AEGIS 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 policies, handbooks and contracts.
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 AEGIS Accredited 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 AEGIS Accreditation after the 2 years.

You will be able to display the AEGIS Accredited 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 2025/26

Accreditation Fee: £950 plus VAT
Second Year Membership Fee: The basic membership fee is £262.50 + VAT plus £5.05 + VAT per student

Policy templates for the additional fee of £300 plus VAT

AEGIS Application Form

AEGIS Gold Standard Accreditation

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AEGIS 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.

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 an AEGIS 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 enhanced 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.
Have the opportunity to speak at AEGIS events.

FEES

Gold Accreditation Inspection

Up to 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 Members at £175 plus VAT for the bundle

Fees valid from September 2025

Membership:
There is an annual membership fee based on the size of your organisation.

2025/26:
The basic annual membership fee is £262.50 + VAT plus £5.05 + VAT per student (max cap of £4200 + VAT)

Gold Application Form

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 human and legal 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 Department for Education current Working Together to Safeguard Children and Keeping Children Safe in Education documents.
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 to cover the scope of the business.
To ensure that the AEGIS annual membership fee is paid in a timely manner.
To undergo re-accreditation every two/four years depending on the level of accreditation held.
To inform AEGIS within 1 working day if they are subject to any complaints or investigations that may cause reputational damage to AEGIS.
To inform AEGIS of any change in ownership or senior management as soon as possible and no later than 14 days after the change occurs.