Inspection and Grading
Shropshire operates a 100% inspection only policy. This means that all accommodation properties advertised through: Shropshire Tourism publications and web sites, and those publications and web sites produced and operated by the Tourist Associations will only allow inspected properties to be included.
This policy helps re-assure the visitor as to the quality of accommodation on offer in Shropshire and helps us all discharge our duty of care obligations to the visitor. Inspections have to be carried out by an approved independent inspections company operating a national inspection scheme. For many this will be the harmonised inspection schemes operated by the AA, Visit Britain or Visit Wales. For others, particularly in the self catering sectors, organisations like Blakes/English Country Cottages, the Caravan & Camping Club etc may be preferred. (If in doubt or in need of help do contact us and we shall advise.)
For new establishments or those that wish to re-join membership a pending inspection system operates that will allow these establishments 12 months entry and inclusion prior to their full grading being confirmed.
VISIT BRITAIN/GSL
From 1 January 2006, VisitBritain will now only promote quality-assessed accommodation through its full range of marketing activity. Properties can be quality-assessed by VisitBritain, VisitScotland, Wales Tourist Board, the AA and the RAC.
As many members may already know the new national inspection scheme for Visit Britain is now being operated by GSL and the regional tourist board no longer has responsibility for this activity. GSL are based in Broadway and operate the same harmonised scheme as the AA. Visit Britain and GSL are also looking at introducing a three year stepping stones scheme to encourage more properties currently outside the scheme to join.
COMMON STANDARDS FOR THE RATING OF SERVICED ACCOMMODATION
It has been agreed that stars will be used as the rating symbol for both Hotels and Guest Accommodation and that accommodation will be assessed against criteria appropriate to the style of operation.
The decision to use stars was taken in the knowledge that all 'Hotels' would in future be rated under the Hotel Common Standard. The use of stars also brings this sytle of accommodation in line with other accommodation rating schemes for self-catering, caravan parks and hostels.
Budget Hotels, which provide standardised quality across their individual portfolios, will be assessed against specific criteria but will not be star rated.
INSPECTION AGENCIES:
GSL
Quality in Tourism
Farncombe House
Broadway
Worcestershire
WR12 7LJ
Tel: 0845 300 6996
Fax: 01386 854 319
AA Hotel Services
Automobile Association Developments Ltd
Fanum House
Basingstoke
Hampshire
RG21 4EA
Tel: 01256 844455
Fax:01256 491647
Spring Mill
Earby
Barnoldswick
Lancashire
BB94 0AA
Tel:0870 220 0844
The Camping and Caravanning Club
1 Riverview Court
1 Castlegate
Wetherby
West Yorkshire
LS22 6LE
Tel: 08701 287240
Wales Tourist Board
Brunel House
2 Fitzalan Road
Cardiff
CF24 0UY
Tel: 01654 702584
If you have any other suggestions as to who may be considered as appropriate inspection agencies or need advice please do contact us.
FITNESS FOR PURPOSE
The government is currently considering the introduction of a new “Fitness for Purpose” scheme. Although no real details have yet come out the gist is that local authorities will become responsible for all aspects of environmental health, fire and health and safety of all accommodation providers – whether they are part of a current scheme or not, this is likely to include even those properties who are currently exempt for fire certification under the 6 bed rule. Watch this space for more information.
