Cost of Game Management Services
across the UK

# Game Management Services Accreditation

The primary trade bodies and regulatory schemes relevant to game management services in the UK include the Association of Professional Gameekeepers (APG), the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), and the Game Farmers' Association (GFA). These organisations set professional standards for gamekeeping, pest control, and wildlife management activities. Membership typically requires demonstrated competence, adherence to welfare standards, and commitment to sustainable practices. Additionally, many game management providers hold qualifications from the National Proficiency Tests Council (NPTC) or equivalent, which certify competence in areas such as pest control, firearm use, and animal handling. Understanding which accreditations a provider holds helps you identify whether they meet industry best practice standards for safety, animal welfare, and environmental responsibility.

To verify a provider's credentials, you should ask directly for evidence of their trade body membership and request to see relevant certificates or qualifications. Most reputable accredited bodies maintain online directories or membership lists where you can cross-check details independently. It's worth confirming not only current membership but also whether the provider has public liability insurance and employers' liability coverage where applicable, as many accrediting bodies require this. This verification matters because it provides assurance that the provider operates within established ethical and legal frameworks, follows best practice in animal welfare, and can be held accountable through their trade body if standards slip. Accredited providers are also typically kept up to date through mandatory continuing professional development requirements.

Accredited game management service providers generally charge 15 to 25 percent more than unaccredited alternatives, reflecting the costs of maintaining membership, undertaking training, and carrying appropriate insurance. While this represents a genuine price premium, it typically represents good value because accredited providers are less likely to cut corners on welfare or safety, reducing your liability exposure and ensuring work meets legal requirements around animal welfare and environmental