Applicants complete self-assessment questionnaires (SAQs) in which they assess how well they think they meet the various Code standards. There are 2 types of self-assessment:

·       Organisational Self-Assessment Questionnaire (OSAQ) - relates to compliance with aspects of the Code that are concerned with the providers overall management procedures and should not be based on an individual site. This is completed by all new applicants as standard, and all members every Code cycle (i.e. once every 3 years)

·       Site Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SSAQ) - relates specifically to individual building(s) that are subject to a verification visit, and should be completed by the relevant site or area manager for the building. An SSAQ is required prior to any type of visit taking place.

All self-assessments are managed via the online portal. Use of the online system is a mandatory part of the application and ongoing membership.

Structure of the SAQ

Each of the SAQs asks a series of questions covering the nine different sections of the Code for Non-Educational Establishments, and respondents are able to upload relevant documents to support their responses to certain questions.

Each SAQ point is linked to a clause(s) in the Code and can be viewed directly via the online system.

The user guide for the new SAQ system can be downloaded here

Frequency of Assessments

Members are required to undertake a fresh OSAQ within each three-year period of membership and an SSAQ each time that they have a development visited.

SSAQs can be tailored to each type of visit, therefore some questions may appear exclusively on one type of assessment and not another e.g. specific questions on changes of management

Timescale for Submission of SAQS

Once an applicant’s declaration form and property schedule have been completed, they will then be able to begin the self-assessment process.

An applicant has 28 days from the time the application is made to submit the OSAQ, otherwise the application will be recommended for withdrawal. If there are issues with completing the OSAQ within these timescales, advice can be sought from the National Code team.