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Frequently Asked Questions

· Who is behind the scheme?
· What is assurance?
· What will be checked?
· Who will do the checking?
· What will it cost?
· How does it work?
· What benefits are on offer?
· What regions are covered?
· How do I apply?

Who is behind the scheme?
Game Shoot Standards is a company limited by guarantee, wholly owned by the representative sporting organisations, whose logos are to be found opposite, and has been set up with the sole aim of promoting high standards in game shooting through shoot assurance.

What is Assurance?
Assurance is a process where activities are checked against defined criteria by an independent fully trained assessor. There are many assurance schemes in all walks of life, where they offer an alternative to government regulation, and give assurance to the wider public.

What will be checked?
The Game Shoot Standards scheme has been developed to cover 11 major headings, from bird welfare in rearing and releasing through conservation and habitat management to the conduct of the shooting day, safety, good neighbourliness and the conduct of the guns. It is founded on the importance of treating game as a high quality low fat free range food.

Who will do the checking?
The scheme will be certificated by CMi plc, an independent, third party organisation experienced in delivery of a wide range of assurance schemes including the LEAF scheme in agriculture, using specially trained assessors who have a deep understanding and interest in game shooting.

What will it cost?
- Band A (up to 500 acres or 1500 birds released) £125.00
- Band B (between 500 and 1500 acres, and up to 15,000 birds) £230
- Band C (over 1500 acres or 15,000 birds) £395

Shoots on farms that are already assured by CMi will qualify for a discount of £30.

All prices are plus VAT, and include a small royalty to cover the running costs of Game Shoot Standards

How does it work?
Shoots will apply to CMi to make a date for an assessment visit and interview. This is expected at least initially to take the best part of a day, and will involve a detailed look at every aspect of the shoot. Whilst there are criteria that must be fulfilled in order to qualify for the charter mark, it isn’t a simple case of pass or fail. The scheme is intended to improve shoots and all the organisations involved will try to help applicants meet the standards. It is a process of assistance and assessment.

Assured shoots will be checked annually to ensure they are still up to standard and good practice is consistently applied.

What benefits are on offer?
Assured Shoots will be offered a charter mark, a visible standard, and the opportunity to be included on the Game Shoot Standards website. This is a mark of professionalism, an assurance of high standards, and a potential marketing aid.

Game Shoot Standards will be working to bring other benefits to assured shoots such as better marketing opportunities for game, and, in due course, reduced insurance costs.

What regions are covered?
Game Shoot Standards is available in England, Scotland and Wales. In due course it may be made available in Northern Ireland, subject to demand.

How do I apply?
It is suggested that before applying, shoots take a good look at the handbook and checklist which are on the documents page. An application form is available on the page which may be downloaded and sent to CMi when complete, accompanied by the relevant payment.

Regrettably it is not possible to register online, but the process can be started by emailing CMi on gameshootstandards@CMicertification.com expressing your interest.