Steps to achieving Hospitality Assured

1. Obtain Introduction Pack

This is the starter kit. It contains the standard, guidelines as to the evidence required to meet the standard and importantly a self-assessment business improvement tool. Cost is £120, please click here to order this invaluable business improvement tool.

2. Workshops

Provide managers and supervisors with a sound working knowledge of The Standard for Service and Business Excellence, evidential requirements and how to use the Hospitality Assured "self assessment" business improvement tool.

3. Self Assessment

Fast and dynamic process to check an organisations own strengths and weaknesses against the 10 steps of the standard. This process should involve a cross section of the organisations managers, supervisors and front line staff.

4. Preparation for Assessment

A period (typically 6 - 12 months) of building on strengths and addressing areas for improvement, highlighted by the self assessment process.

5. External Assessment

When confident an organisation can request Hospitality Assured to organise an external visit from the scheme's assessment body, MQA. Assessment is mainly carried out by meeting and talking to an organisation's management team and staff.

The HA and MQA team have now also produced a submission pack which can be completed and used to assist the assessor prior to your assessment, answering general questions, minimising disruption to work onsite. This document must be completed and emailed to the HA and MQA team a minimum of 6 weeks prior to the booked assessment date.

This document is compulsory for first time assessments from 2nd February 2008. Already accredited organisations have the choice if they wish to use this or not for forth coming assessments. The completion or non completion of this form does not affect your scores, it has been developed to assist the assessor with preparing for the assessment and give the assessor some background on the organisation in advance.

6. Accreditation

Accreditation will be awarded if an organisation is judged to have scored at least 60% against the Standard for Service and Business Excellence, with a minimum score of 50% in each and every one of the Standards 10 steps.

7. Re-Assessment

To maintain accreditation, organisations have to agree to be re-assessed annually and continue to meet the minimum requirement for accreditation.

"Through the external inspection process the business has gained from a fresh and extremely professional insight into our operation, resulting in realistic and achievable improvement targets."

David Pease
Managing Director
Sodexho Scotland