Aims 

The aim of the JAG accreditation standards is to define a high-quality, safe and appropriate endoscopy service, delivered by a highly-trained, highly-supported and highly-motivated workforce. 

The standards were written in consultation with endoscopy services, and are underpinned by national policy. Endoscopy services are asked to provide evidence to support their application for accreditation and demonstrate compliance with the standards. 

The current UK adult GRS standards (2025) 

JAG launched the new and revised UK adult GRS standards for service accreditation on 1 October 2025. The standards are applicable for UK endoscopy services. Services are now able to open a self-assessment against the new standards on the JAG website. Please note that from 1 April 2026, all new assessments requested by services will be against these standards. 

Structure & changes 

The 2025 GRS standards are divided into eleven domains, with 80 individual standards. The standards update was undertaken to reduce duplication of standards, and therefore evidence requirements, and has resulted in fewer domains with improved flow: 

1. Leadership and organisation 

2. Quality 

3. Safety 

4. Appropriateness and access 

5. Consent and patient information 

6. Person-centred care 

7. Performance and productivity 

8. Results 

9. Patient environment and equipment 

10. Staffing the endoscopy service 

11. Endoscopist training 

Each standard details what an endoscopy service must do to deliver high quality care. They are aligned to national guidelines and standards where possible. Previously, services had to demonstrate that they meet standards according to a level system; this has now been removed and services must demonstrate that they meet the requirements of every standard. The updated standards now also include PEUGIC and PCCRC guidance. 

The current Republic of Ireland GRS standards 

We successfully launched the current Republic of Ireland GRS standards in May 2022. As part of this update, we integrated the GRS with self-assessments, providing services with the flexibility to assess their compliance with the standards at any time. This means that services are no longer required to complete GRS census every April and October. 

An updated version of the Republic of Ireland standards is scheduled for release in 2026.

The old GRS standards (2021, updated 2024) 

We successfully launched the old UK GRS standards in April 2021, with the most recent review undertaken in 2024. As part of this previous update, we integrated the GRS with self-assessments, providing services with the flexibility to assess their compliance with the standards at any time. This means that services are no longer required to complete GRS census every April and October. Please note that only services with self assessments opened prior to 1 October 2025 will be assessed against these standards. 

If you have any queries or questions relating to the JAG standards, please do not hesitate to contact us.