Sandford Award assessment process

To achieve the rigorous assessment process, heritage organisations must demonstrate the delivery of high-quality heritage learning against the Sandford Award criteria and quality indicators.

When you submit an application, it is screened to ensure that it meets the Sandford Award eligibility criteria. Once the entry period closes, your application is allocated to one of our volunteer assessors who will then contact you directly by email with their letter of introduction and to arrange a suitable date for the assessment visit. The letter will also outline the purpose of the visit and include any pre-assessment information the assessor requires in advance such as an itinerary for the day, details of the visiting group(s) and the focus of their visit. On the day, they will need to see evidence of the statutory requirements in criterion six.

Assessments usually take place from March and continue until mid-July- sometimes it may be possible to arrange the visit outside the normal assessment period if required. Each site is usually assessed by one volunteer assessor or they may be accompanied by a volunteer in training.

Following the assessment visit, the assessor will compile their report and submit it for review and moderation, before making their recommendation to the Board of Trustees of the Heritage Education Trust. Members will make the final decision for Sandford Awards at the Trustees’ Ratification Meeting - held in the early part of September. Following the meeting, applicants are notified of the outcome with a copy of the assessor’s report.  Winners of the Sandford Award are invited to attend the annual presentation ceremony in the year of application, which is usually hosted by a site that holds the Sandford Award.

Banner image: English Heritage Education, Sandford Award holder