The basic concept of the scheme dates from the late 80s, when it was first launched with the backing of the RAC. At its height it had around 140 members, but had no independent monitoring or routine inspection programme in place. It did, however, signal the start of the agreed annual service schedule, which replaced a previous uncoordinated and somewhat haphazard system.

From 1995 the Scheme was much improved under the AA umbrella until they, unexpectedly, bowed out in 1998. Until then, only The National Caravan Council and The Caravan Club had been involved, but the new Scheme, to be administered and independently inspected by Jones Vening Limited, was to include The Camping and Caravanning Club for the first time.

The new Approved Workshop Scheme was re-launched in 1999 and has matured into the well-respected and effective system it is today. With over 150 Approved Workshops throughout the UK and Northern Ireland, this gives caravan and motorhome owners far more choice and shows the good standing and commitment of the industry. But it also means that this Approval Scheme now comfortably exceeds the number achieved by any of the previous Schemes – and it is far better and more comprehensive than any of them.