The Institute of Tourist Guiding

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1. Key objectives
   1. To promote for the public benefit the discipline and practice of tourist guiding.
   2. To establish uniform qualifications of the highest standards.
   3. To publish from time to time a list of awards made by the Institute.
   4. To provide professional examinations.
   5. To accredit examinations and qualifications.
   6. To accredit training courses.
   7. To provide for recognition, registration and for a code of professional practice.
    
   
2. Corporate structure and Governance
   1. The Institute is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee.
   2. The Institute is governed by its Members and Fellows.
   3. The Fellows and Members elect from among themselves a Board of Trustees to manage the Institute. Members of the Board have a fixed term of office.
   4. The Trustees elect from among themselves a Chairman and other Officers, who have a fixed term of office.
   5. The Board has a limited power to co-opt, including persons outside the profession.
   6. There is a Consultative Council drawn from the tourist industry across the country. Council members are representatives of industry bodies, government nominees, academics and industry professionals. The Consultative Council is an advisory body only.
    
   
3. Membership
   The categories of involvement, corresponding to professional qualifications are:
   1. Fellows: Members who have achieved distinction.
   2. Members: those holding an Institute awarded or accredited qualification at level four, exemplified by the Blue Badge.
   3. Companions: distinguished persons associated with tourism but not professionally qualified as tourist guides.
   4. Associates: those holding an Institute awarded or accredited qualification, at a level exemplified by the Green Badge or NVQ level 3. (eg those doing city or countryside walking tours.)
   5. Affiliates: those holding an Institute awarded or accredited qualification, at a level exemplified by NVQ level 2. (Fixed route commentary eg those working on sites, open top buses, river boats etc.)
   6. Students: those pursuing any studies deemed relevant by the Institute.
    
   
4. Rights of existing practitioners
   In the first twenty-four months after the establishment of the Institute (until 11 March 2004):
   1. existing, practising Blue Badge guides with a full regional qualification are eligible for Membership
   2. practising holders of the following qualifications are eligible to become Associates: Blue Badges which are not eligible for Membership, Tourist Board Green Badges, NVQ3 in Commentaries and Interpretation.

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