About JAG
The current Joint Advisory Group on Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (JAG) accreditation scheme was established in 2005 and, along with the Global Rating Scale (GRS), has supported endoscopy services across the UK to focus on standards and identify areas for development. The scheme is regarded as one of the most innovative and effective in the healthcare sector, and has been used as a model and source of inspiration for similar schemes both here and overseas.
Both patients’ and professionals’ expectations of endoscopy have increased greatly since the standards were first introduced. Operational pressures within endoscopy services and challenges to provide a high-quality environment for patients continue to grow. The JAG accreditation standards have been developed to reflect current expectations and to reduce the burden of evidence collection for accreditation. We want all endoscopy services to be trusted, focused and sustainable in order to offer their users a great experience. This resilience is founded on effective leadership and forward planning.
Accreditation enables endoscopy services to assess their current performance, and it supports them in planning and developing their services. It helps with:
People – it helps to improve their focus on meeting users’ needs
Workforce – it helps to improve their focus on meeting the team’s needs
Profile – it raises awareness and understanding of endoscopy, so building confidence and credibility both within the organisation and among the public
Improving Performance – the standard serves as an authoritative benchmark for assessing performance, rewarding achievements in the service and driving quality improvement.