LOtC Quality Badge holders will be assessed against the Quality Indicators below from 1st January 2024 for CLOtC applicants and 1st April 2024 for all other sectors. All previously awarded badges in the last two years were assessed against the Quality Indicators in this link.
1. The provider has health and safety management processes in place to manage risk effectively
1a There is a process in place to ensure staff and volunteers are competent to carry out their work.
1b There are risk assessments in place for sites and activities where necessary. These are regularly reviewed, updated and shared with staff.
1c The risks of fire are managed appropriately.
1d There is a general building and accommodation and other infrastructure risk management process.
1e Details of any special medical or dietary needs of visiting staff and students, are sought and shared with staff or 3rd party service Providers where appropriate.
1f Contingency plans and emergency procedures are in place, risk assessed, regularly reviewed, updated, and shared with staff and users.
1g For providers offering overnight visits there are staff available to support the group, either on-site or remotely. Procedures for overnight support are shared in advance.
1h There is an incident / accident / near miss reporting procedure and log in place.
1i Equipment, infrastructure, and other materials are suitable for the tasks and activities offered, the age and ability of the learners, and are current and in good working order.
2. The provider has effective policies and procedures for safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults.
2a The provider has clear and robust safeguarding policies and procedures.
2b Staff receive safeguarding training and regular updates appropriate to their role.
2c The provider’s safeguarding policies and procedures include managing risks posed by ICT devices, digital imaging or online activity.
2d All staff including freelance staff are subject to appropriate criminal records checks according to the statutory framework of the Provider’s UK home nation. UK Government Guidance will be followed in relation to suitable checking of overseas staff and volunteers if required.
2e Security arrangements are in place to manage the risk posed by unauthorised visitors accessing the site during the visit.
2f As far as possible, when more than one group is using the facilities, users are made aware of this at the time of booking, and procedures are in place to ensure suitable separation and security appropriate to the nature of the group.
2g Appropriate measures are used to ensure privacy.
3. Where provision includes refreshments and catering, effective food safety measures are in place.
3a Risk associated with providing refreshments and catering are managed appropriately.
4. Where provision includes transport, there is an effective risk management process in operation.
4a Where provision includes transport, there is an effective risk management process in operation.
5. The provider delivers high quality educational experiences
5a The provider offers information on the roles and responsibilities of both the user and the provider for all aspects of the visit.
5b The provider offers a variety of activities delivered through a range of teaching and learning styles, and learning objectives are discussed and agreed with users.
5c Planned learning activities and supporting infrastructure take into account the needs of the group, including equality, diversity and inclusion.
5d Assessment or review of learning, appropriate to the learning activity and the group, is included during planned activities.
5e The provider offers guidance, educational resources and activities to assist visit leaders to prepare learners prior to and after the visit.
5f The provider has an environmental sustainability policy which seeks to reduce impact on the environment and key messages are shared with users where appropriate.
6. The provider communicates effectively with users before, during and after the visit
6a The provider ensures that all promotional and other written materials provide an accurate description of all services provided, the charges applicable, and the contact details of the provider.
6b The provider gathers feedback from users to evaluate its services and has a process in place to implement changes where necessary.
6c The provider has a process to obtain informed consent for participation where appropriate.
6d The provider carries appropriate public liability insurance covering the activities and services offered.
6e The provider has a data security policy which is regularly reviewed and shared with staff.
6f Where 3rd party organisations are used as a part of the offer, they should be LOtC Quality Badge holders, or the provider has an effective system in place to assess the quality and safety of this provision. This is evidenced by a clear audit trail.
6g Secure storage for valuables, medication or other items is provided where necessary. If not available, users are informed well in advance of the visit.
