Frequently Asked Questions

How do we apply for accreditation?  

See our How to apply for Global Neighbours Cymru page for details of how to apply for an award and the stages of the process.

The most important part of the process is your completion and submission of the Global Neighbours Cymru self-evaluation form which is available to download with your Global Neighbours Cymru Resource Pack once you have registered.

The process has been designed to minimise the amount of evidence that you need to send in support of your application beyond the self-evaluation form, curriculum overview and collective worship overview. In addition, schools applying for silver and gold will be able to present the many different forms of evidence they wish to share when the assessor visits in person.  

What are the costs of joining the scheme?   

Registration for the scheme is free, as is most of the support we provide to schools by way of resources.

There is only a charge when a school applies for a Bronze, Silver or Gold award. This is to cover the basic costs of an assessor’s time (and travel in the case of Silver and Gold awards) and of running of the scheme. You will be invoiced after the assessment has taken place.

Do we still have to pay if our application is unsuccessful?  

Yes.  However, the process of self-evaluation carefully following the guidance in this handbook and separate advice on how to prepare for an assessor’s visit should minimise the likelihood of this happening.

Furthermore, in the case of an unsuccessful application for a Gold or Silver award, the assessor may recommend a lower level award (or if the school already has the lower level award, extend it for a further three-year period).  

What will an assessor visit involve for silver and gold applications?  

An assessor will visit the school for half a day at an agreed time.  The assessor will review evidence provided by the school in a variety of forms and meet with relevant staff and pupils and other members of the local community as appropriate about their experiences, plans and learning.  Full details on how to prepare for a visit will be sent on receipt of an application for an award.  

What will we receive if we are successful?  

Every accredited school will receive a certificate of accreditation and a license to use the Global Neighbours Cymru award logo on school publications and letterheads.  Accredited schools will also receive guidance and resources to help share their success and learning, for example through local media.  

How long does accreditation last?  

The Bronze, Silver and Gold awards will all expire at the end of the third full school year following the date of the award.  To put it another way, a new award period opens in September each year and runs for the remainder of that school year and the following three years. Therefore, each award will need renewing between three and four school years from the date of the award, depending upon the stage reached in the school year when the award was made. For example, an award made in April 2023 will be due for renewal in August 2026.  

You'll receive details on how to apply for renewal near the time when your award will expire.  

How do you assure quality, consistency and fairness in the accreditation process?  

There's a rigorous process to appoint assessors, followed by programme of ongoing training and annual reviews for all assessors. 

Can our school continue to get support and resources from Christian Aid even if we choose not to go for accreditation?  

Yes, of course. Our teaching and learning resources are freely available to all schools on our website.

Can we work with other schools in my area, diocese or multi-academy trust?  

Yes – in fact we would strongly encourage schools to share the journey to Global Neighbours Cymru accreditation with other schools with which they have close relationships.  

Does Christian Aid provide support for international school-linking?  

We're not able to link schools in Britain with schools elsewhere in the world but there are many other organisations and schemes that do. See the ‘Further Resources and Support’ section of the Global Neighbours Cymru handbook.