When the JAG was first formed, its remit was entirely concerned with standards of teaching, training, and curricula for trainees in endoscopy in the UK. The JAG operated a programme of Unit approval, based on a paper application, so that it could be reasonably sure that training was being undertaken in units that were appropriately equipped and staffed for that purpose.

The process of JAG Certification for Units changed dramatically in 2005 from the original paper based self certification for five years to the current round of comprehensive JAG Visits to every Unit in the UK. This certification process is now offered to endoscopy services across all sectors.

The main reasons to have a JAG Visit are:

• Certification
• Re-certification

The aims of a JAG Visit are:

• To assure high quality training, and to register and re-register Endoscopy Units for training within a suitable environment.
• To assure high quality endoscopy services (all sectors) against agreed standards and to register and re-register Endoscopy Units for safe and effective services

The National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme requires all units who wish to participate in the programme to be JAG Certified. The certification process continues to evolve and new work has begun on the re-certification of Units.