WHI to relaunch improved accreditation scheme
WHI's improved accreditation scheme was launched at the end of 2007. Open to all health walks schemes, it is simple and straightforward to apply for, there is no fee involved and it bestows a range of benefits. Applying for accreditation
All WHI schemes are sent an accreditation pack by their regional WHI team and can discuss the application form in detail with the team. The completed form - together with documents such as a health walk questionnaire, a walk programme, a risk assessment and a register - must then be sent back to the regional team who will oversee the accreditation process which normally takes 28 days from the date the completed form is received. Aims
The aims of the accreditation programme are to set and maintain high standards for health walk schemes; to give potential users confidence about what to expect; to give participants, partners and funders added confidence; and to reassure users that the walks in their area are of good quality. Benefits include: - The credibility associated with being part of a nationally and robustly evaluated scheme;
- Recognition by health professionals;
- Use of the accreditation logo (shown above);
- A dedicated page on the WHI website - with the accreditation logo displayed;
- A WHI-accredited certificate.
Accreditation lasts for a year and there is a simple renewal procedure. Criteria
All schemes fulfilling 3 main criteria are eligible for accreditation: - Offering led health walks for beginners (these need to be reasonably flat walks with no stiles that last under one hour)
- Meeting WHI safety and insurance standards for all walks
- Collecting basic monitoring information.
Schemes that are currently accredited under the 1-, 2- and 3-heart system will be able to continue using these until their accreditation runs out. It is recommended that all schemes - even those with heart accreditations - apply for the new accreditation system straight away. Stella Goddard, WHI Programme Manager, says: This is a way for all health walk schemes to badge themselves up as belonging to the Walking the Way to Health family. It will demonstrate that they are following our simple model and will be simple to join. The new accreditation will inform supporters, participants, partners and funders alike that the individual scheme is worth being involved with and is part of a bigger whole that is properly and robustly evaluated.
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