Year Out Group. Year Out Group is an association of leading gap year providing organisations most of which are independent and registered in the UK.  At least one of the principal activities of each of these organisations is the provision of well-structured programmes in the UK or overseas, for young people taking time out between school or college and higher education or employment, or between higher education and a job. Such programmes are educational in a broad sense and include, for instance, courses and cultural exchanges, expeditions, volunteer work, structured work placements - though not ordinary paid employment, independent travel or au pair work.

Membership Criteria. All the organisations are subjected to a rigorous membership application process, which includes a visit to their Head Office by Year Out Group's Chief Executive prior to the applicant organisation's Managing Director meeting with the Group's Membership Committee.  All the organisations whose activities are listed on this website are members of Year Out Group and have been through this process on joining and have satisfied the Committee that they meet the Membership Criteria.  This means that they:

• Support the Aims of Year Out Group.
• Agree to abide by the Group's Code of Practice and Member's Charter.
• Follow the Operating Guidelines for their respective sector.
• Submit their Annual Accounts for inspection.
• Have risk management policies and procedures in place that are in line with BS8848.
• Have a crisis management policy and plan in place with trained staff and
• Have public liability insurance of at least £2million.

Annual Assessment.  Having joined each member is required to demonstrate annually that it continues to meet these criteria by submitting their latest accounts, terms & conditions of service, insurance details etc as part of the annual membership renewal process.

Expectation. Year Out Group believes that it is the only organisation that sets such demanding membership criteria and takes an active role to ensure that the members maintain these standards so long as they remain members of the Group.  This is designed to provide assurance to all those planning or advising people of any age that are considering using the services of any of the Group's members that they can expect a good service and a rewarding and enjoyable experience.

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