Contact the STF office and a full application pack will be sent to you.

You do not have to join the STF, but most applicants choose to do so as there are discounts available to new members.  Membership ensures that your views can be represented in all decision making processes and there are no extra costs for membership.  See ‘What it costs’ for full details.

To be successful you are required to demonstrate compliance with all the membership rules and safety management standards of the STF; in addition to the safety requirements these also include specific requirements for training, financial protection, terms and conditions and dispute resolution. 

The LOtC QB Indicators combine safety management and learning provision; where no direct teaching elements are provided, you will be expected to prove that you facilitate (rather than directly deliver) a quality learning experience.

Please ensure you read the information sent to you fully.

Once you have received your application pack from the STF office our Health & Safety advisors, Argent, will be in touch.  They can help you get started in meeting the demands of our audit and the Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge.  We strongly recommend you arrange an initial meeting at the subsidised rate, this will potentially save you much more by ensuring your initial efforts are best directed.

In addition to Argent’s services, the STF's General Manager, Ian Pearson is also available to advise all members.  Ian is responsible for development of all STF policies and sits on the liaison committees with the LOtC.  He can be contacted on ianpearson@schooltravelforum.com or via the STF office.

When you decide you are ready to be audited, you will be required to complete our self-audit form (this in itself is a good self-check to ensure you are ready) and send it to the STF office.  We will arrange for our auditors to contact you to arrange the audit.

Most audits can be completed in one day and you will be advised on the day if your audit has been successful. 

You will then be advised by us and be able to complete the online registration at the LOtC QB website, who will confirm your registration with us and autherise us to issue your Quality Badge.

If further work is needed (described as working towards), or where there are significant non-compliances means that you have failed, our auditors will always provide guidance and support towards achieving good practice.

Successful applicants who have also chosen membership will additionally be able to display the well recognised STF Assured Member logo.

Successful applicants are subsequently required to be audited annually to maintain their accreditation.

See www.lotcqualitybadge.org.uk for more information on the scheme in general.