About Year Out Group

Year Out Group (YOG) is an association of approved  gap year providing organisations most of which are registered in the UK.  At least one of the principal activities of each of these organisations is the provision of well-structured gap year programmes in the UK or overseas.

These are generally aimed at young adults taking time out between school or college (or during holidays) and higher education or employment, or between higher education and a job. Many have opportunities for families, the retired and those on career breaks.  Such programmes are educational in a broad sense and include, for instance, courses, instructor training and cultural exchanges, expeditions, volunteer work, structured work placements.

Industry Leading Network – Members tell us that their main reasons for joining the Year Out Group are to benefit from being associated with like-minded operators who place high importance on the quality of the experience their clients receive. This is exemplified through adherence to the standards, continuing improvement and a focus on positive outcomes for the client and project/programme/organisation supported through their work overseas and in the UK.

Representation and Peer Support – Members also value the support given to them by the network, including advice and training and representation of issues in the media, at conferences and in industry networks.  Access to an arbitration service in case of dispute and support in times of crisis are similarly valued.

Marketing and Promotion – Members also measure the return on their membership in terms of the marketing exposure the Year Out Group can offer through the provision of an advice and listings website, social media presence, an annual promotional booklet to schools, universities and careers services and speaking events.

How we approve members

Authenticity – Year Out Group (YOG) check that every UK company is filing their accounts with Companies House. We ask for copies of accounts for companies based overseas and annual trading information.

Declaration – Each year YOG ask our members to confirm their insurance matters and protection for customers in the event of financial failure and sign to the effect that they continue to adhere to our code of practice and charter.

Scrutiny – All companies will have submitted examples of risk assessments and crisis management plans on application and a senior staff member has been interviewed so we can satisfy ourself that they have sufficient knowledge and experience to deliver on their offer.

Although we aim to improve practice where needed, we reserve the right to cancel membership for those organisations who fail to meet our standards.

Note*. Some members based overseas or not meeting the definition of a ‘package travel operator’ may not require financial failure cover or public liability insurance of £2million. If in doubt get in touch with them and you can also email: [email protected]

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