Safety
Health & Safety
The health and safety of our groups is our primary concern. We promote safety awareness to our suppliers and staff through our Safety Management System.
Safety Management System (SMS)
Our SMS document sets out the standards required for each component of our tours. Audits are completed annually to guarantee that our hotel and transport suppliers meet all safety regulations and have appropriate documentation. If you would like to read in more detail, please click the following link.
In addition, we understand the challenges party leaders face when organising trips, so in order to help you ensure the tour is as safe as possible, we are happy to assist with risk assessments and any other safety planning.
School Travel Forum (STF)
Equity Student Travel is a full member of the School Travel Forum. This is a group of leading school tour operators who promote good practice and safety in school travel. Please click here for further information or visit The STF website
Council for Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge (LOtC)
Equity Ltd., is accredited by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom and are proud to have been awarded their Quality Badge. The Quality Badge is awarded to providers who have pledged to engage in an ongoing process to sustain high-quality learning outside the classroom.
Air Tours
The air tours in our programme are protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). This is done through our ATOL (Air Travel Organiser’s Licence) which is granted to us by the CAA.
ATOL protects you from losing your money or being stranded abroad. It does this by carrying out checks on the tour operators and travel organisers it licenses, and requiring a financial guarantee called a bond, which is lodged with the CAA.
If a tour operator goes out of business, the CAA will make a refund to you, or if you're abroad, we'll arrange for you to finish your holiday and fly home. Equity Student Travel is also accredited by IATA (International Air Travel Association).
Coach Tours
The coach tours in our programme are protected under a financial failure insurance policy with a company called Towergate. If the coach company goes out of business then Towergate will arrange for your return to the UK. This scheme is approved by ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents).
