Alison's Tours, Falmouth, Cornwall - Institute of Tourist Guiding Code of Conduct

ALISON'S TOURS

INSTITUTE OF TOURIST GUIDING

CODE OF CONDUCT

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1 Conduct. Institute members shall maintain the highest level of courtesy, flexibility and collaborative spirit towards clients, colleagues and site staff.

2 Standards. Members shall uphold the highest standards of quality and professionalism in heritage interpretation and presentation skills along with duty of care to clients.

3 Continuing Professional Development. Members shall strive at all times to improve the standard of their own work and take the opportunity to expand their range of knowledge and skills wherever possible. Members are encouraged to record their CPD in an appropriate portfolio.

4 Teaching and Training. Members invited to tutor practical sessions on any Tourist Guide related training course should ideally be in possession the Institute's Training Certificate and should aim to ensure that such courses comply with Institute accreditation or endorsement criteria

5 Environmental Concerns and Sustainable Tourism. Members shall create awareness with clients and tour organisers/principals alike of environmental and conservation issues in order to avoid damage to any elements of the heritage within the area of qualification.

6 Health and safety. Members shall observe all health and safety regulations and draw clients' attention to them when required. Any problems in this field should be notified to the tour organiser or principal at the first available opportunity.

7 Languages (other than Mother Tongue). Members shall not offer themselves for work in languages other than those for which they have passed the Institute language test.

8 Punctuality. Members shall seek to arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of any guiding engagement.

9 Dress. Members shall appear smart and presentable at all times and dress appropriately for all engagements.

10 Use of Guide Badge. Members should wear their badge at all times when on duty and must produce their photocard on demand. Members shall not under any circumstances allow any other person to use their badge for any purpose. All badges remain property of the Institute. may be withdrawn and must be handed in on request.

11 Area-Specificity: Work in other EU areas. If members are requested to guide in areas other than that/those for which they are qualified they should ensure they do not infringe any local or national regulations.*

12 Additions & Changes to Tours. Should members be requested directly by clients to arrange additions or changes to tours as specified in the organiser's itinerary they shall inform the organiser at the earliest available opportunity and shall not act independently by making arrangements without the organiser's consent.

13 Invoicing and administration. Members shall present invoices promptly with clear separation of fees due, expenses and disbursements. All work-related documentation shall he clear and unambiguous including any reference required.

* The current position is contained within the EU Commission's Working Document on Tourist Guides (SEC27 final).Clarification may be sought from a local representative of the European Federation of Tourist Guide Associations or of the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations.

Explanatory Notes

a) Should, in the course of an engagement, a difficulty arise which is not readily resoluble in the prevailing circumstances, the tour organiser should be contacted as soon as it is reasonable and practicable and guidance sought

b) The Institute, whilst maintaining the Register of Members, does not act as an agency for guiding work and cannot accept responsibility for any loss or injury however sustained by a Member or by their clients.

c) The Institute will investigate any complaint regarding the professional services or behaviour of a Member. The Institute retains the right to ask Members to explain any incident. After due consideration, should circumstances warrant, the Institute may withdraw the Tourist Guide Badge and photocard and remove the Member's name from the Register. Members, users of guide services and sites may be informed of any such withdrawal.

d) A professional guiding qualification gives no automatic right to guide at a particular site. Members are required to abide by current site guiding rules.

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What is a Blue Badge Guide, and other questions?

1	Conduct. Institute members shall maintain the highest level of courtesy, flexibility and collaborative spirit towards clients, colleagues and site staff.
2	Standards. Members shall uphold the highest standards of quality and professionalism in heritage interpretation and presentation skills along with duty of care to clients.
3	Continuing Professional Development. Members shall strive at all times to improve the standard of their own work and take the opportunity to expand their range of knowledge and skills wherever possible. Members are encouraged to record their CPD in an appropriate portfolio.
4	Teaching and Training. Members invited to tutor practical sessions on any Tourist Guide related training course should ideally be in possession the Institute's Training Certificate and should aim to ensure that such courses comply with Institute accreditation or endorsement criteria
5	Environmental Concerns and Sustainable Tourism. Members shall create awareness with clients and tour organisers/principals alike of environmental and conservation issues in order to avoid damage to any elements of the heritage within the area of qualification.
6	Health and safety. Members shall observe all health and safety regulations and draw clients' attention to them when required. Any problems in this field should be notified to the tour organiser or principal at the first available opportunity.
7	Languages (other than Mother Tongue). Members shall not offer themselves for work in languages other than those for which they have passed the Institute language test.
8	Punctuality. Members shall seek to arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of any guiding engagement.
9	Dress. Members shall appear smart and presentable at all times and dress appropriately for all engagements.
10	Use of Guide Badge. Members should wear their badge at all times when on duty and must produce their photocard on demand. Members shall not under any circumstances allow any other person to use their badge for any purpose. All badges remain property of the Institute. may be withdrawn and must be handed in on request.
11	Area-Specificity: Work in other EU areas. If members are requested to guide in areas other than that/those for which they are qualified they should ensure they do not infringe any local or national regulations.*
12	Additions & Changes to Tours. Should members be requested directly by clients to arrange additions or changes to tours as specified in the organiser's itinerary they shall inform the organiser at the earliest available opportunity and shall not act independently by making arrangements without the organiser's consent.
13	Invoicing and administration. Members shall present invoices promptly with clear separation of fees due, expenses and disbursements. All work-related documentation shall he clear and unambiguous including any reference required.
*	The current position is contained within the EU Commission's Working Document on Tourist Guides (SEC27 final).Clarification may be sought from a local representative of the European Federation of Tourist Guide Associations or of the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations.

Explanatory Notes
a)	Should, in the course of an engagement, a difficulty arise which is not readily resoluble in the prevailing circumstances, the tour organiser should be contacted as soon as it is reasonable and practicable and guidance sought
b)	The Institute, whilst maintaining the Register of Members, does not act as an agency for guiding work and cannot accept responsibility for any loss or injury however sustained by a Member or by their clients.
c)	The Institute will investigate any complaint regarding the professional services or behaviour of a Member. The Institute retains the right to ask Members to explain any incident. After due consideration, should circumstances warrant, the Institute may withdraw the Tourist Guide Badge and photocard and remove the Member's name from the Register. Members, users of guide services and sites may be informed of any such withdrawal.
d)	A professional guiding qualification gives no automatic right to guide at a particular site. Members are required to abide by current site guiding rules.