How they Work

An Introduction to How the National Codes Work

Who can join (a summary)?

Any individual or organisation that undertakes the day-to-day management of a block of student accommodation that consists of 15 or more bed spaces (for other requirements see the Join the Codes page), can make an application to join the ANUK/Unipol National Code for Non-Educational Establishments.

Any university or college that operates student accommodation of its own, can apply to join the ANUK/Unipol National Code for Educational Establishments.

For more detailed information about member visit here

The Application Process

The application process requires the accommodation provider to submit certain evidence that indicates their ability to comply with the various Code requirements and, usually, they will be subject to a visit to at least one of the accommodation blocks that they operate by a member of a specialist team of verifiers (see Standards and Requirements).

During the visits a note will be made of any areas of non-compliance, and these will be listed in a report issued to the provider following the visit. A failure to address any such actions within timescales set down within the report would either delay the awarding of membership OR prevent it altogether.

For more detailed information about the application process visit here

Ongoing Membership

Once a provider has been awarded membership, then they will be subject to further checks at least once every three years. Should evidence of non-compliance be identified during the course of such checks, then a number of sanctions can be imposed upon the provider – including removal from membership. However, in the first instance the Codes would seek to work with the provider to ensure that any issues were resolved as quickly as possible.

Complaints About Members

The Codes are run by a National Codes Administrator (NCA). Part of the NCA’s role is to deal informally with complaints and problems that arise and to get them resolved quickly, and there is a process for handling complaints. If matters can’t be sorted out in this way, the NCA co-ordinates referral to a tribunal system which brings fairness and closure to disputes.