In 2007 as a consequence of changes in the training environment and greater emphasis on high standards by the GMC and PMETB, and the opportunities arising from the National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (BCSP) work and the White Paper on Revalidation, the JAG’s remit widened, following broad approval from its sponsoring bodies, to setting standards for all aspects of gastrointestinal endoscopy in the UK.

The underpinning rationale:

• Greater emphasis on improved standards for education and training
   
• Nurse endoscopists becoming a highly significant part of the workforce
   
• Acceptance that high quality training can largely only take place in units of overall high quality
   
• Realisation that the impact of service cannot be removed from having an influence on training
   
• Bowel cancer screening requires JAG standards and accreditation for quality assurance of consultants and independent endoscopists.
   
• GMC & PMETB require high quality trained trainers