QA Scheme - Members Engagement Session
Broadcast On 27/11/2024
(Please note that there is a small section of sound distortion but this is was resolved). During this session, Michael Golding, ASVA CEO, provided an update on the latest developments around Quality Assurance within ASVA . This was a valuable opportunity for members to engage, ask questions and share their thoughts.
Michael took members through:
- A brief summary of the journey so far
- The member led brief for the future of Quality Assurance
- The guiding principles for the proposed scheme
- An open invite for comments, feedback and discussion
- An outline of the weeks and months ahead
This was the first of what we expect to be regular calls to provide an update as we progress through this important journey to ensure we underpin the future of quality in Scottish visitor attractions. Feedback, engagement and involvement from our Members will be crucial as this new Scheme is developed.
Questions that were asked in the session were as follows, all of these were addressed during the Session:
Is the scheme just for ASVA members?
Are you looking at a one-size fits all scheme that you’re looking at; or different products for different attractions?
Would you be starting from scratch or will the VS star-rating be carried forward initially?
How are you staffing this? Will it replicate the current scheme but with addons of data sharing and benchmarking?
I understand there is no continuation of previous grades from the Visit Scotland scheme. Are you anticipating a visit to everyone in the new scheme in the first year, so we have a ‘new’ grading in place? Or perhaps it will take longer?
Are we likely to continue with Exceeding Visitor Expectations?
Is there a timescale for launching a new scheme?
You mentioned that you needed to first understand what VisitScotland woud be providing in terms of business-support going forward; can you share with us what this will look like (ensuring there is no needless cross-over?)
How will this impact on where attractions have tenant businesses running e.g. cafe/shop? One of the key bits of QA for us too date has been giving our tenants a target (e.g. 4 star).
I understand there is no continuation of previous grades from the Visit Scotland scheme. Are you anticipating a visit to everyone in the new scheme in the first year, so we have a ‘new’ grading in place? Or perhaps it will take longer?
Is the plan to try to get the excellent VS QA staff. I think it will be a much tougher job without this insight and experience.
A key thing for us is that any new scheme is underpinned by robust research into what current visitor expectations and needs are – are there still plans to ensure the scheme is underpinned by research to ensure it’s as relevant to visitors and for business improvement as possible?
Presumably VisitScotland will refer to this new ASVA-led programme in their free digital support?
If the evaluation criteria or standards are different from VS, how do we be careful not to downgrade or upgrade all attractions by comparison to the old scheme…..visitors will only see a star score and not understand the difference between the two schemes.
Can you expand on how you think this will look from a customer point of view. How will they understand what the attraction’s grade?
As ASVA is a trade organisation, how do you plan to promote the scheme to visitors?
Do you think you will still use stars – I believe you can’t use current logos?
Whats the next stage?
How do you think you’ll be able to deliver all this by April?