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The Accreditation Committee

The Accreditation Committee has full delegated authority from the Council to award, refuse, withdraw or suspend accreditation. Reporting Inspectors provide reports on institutions and make recommendations on the basis of their observations during the inspection process, but the Committee has the authority to make decisions on accreditation. The Committee meets several times each year, depending on the volume of inspections.

In addition to making case-by-case decisions on the accreditation of institutions, the Accreditation Committee also has responsibility for keeping BAC's conditions, standards and criteria under review.

Current Membership

Voting Members

  • Chairman
    Mrs Diane Billam
     former Director of Products and Quality, BTEC

  • Deputy Chairman
    Dr David Bland OBE
    former Pro-Vice-Chancellor, University of Sheffield
  • Ms Rowenna Abel
    Business Development Manager, Independent Schools Inspectorate
  • Dr Kate Clarke
    Director, Open University Validation Services
  • Mr Tim Cox
    BAC Chairman
    former Executive Secretary, Standing Conference of Principals
  • Ms Janet Elliot
    former Director, City & Guilds and Pitman Examinations
  • Mr Eric Glover
    BAC Honorary Treasurer
    former Secretary General, Chartered Institute of Bankers
  • Mr Robin Laidlaw
    former Chief Executive, BAC
  • Dr Aulay Mackenzie
    Vice-Chairman, Council of Validating Universities
  • Ms Hilary Managh
    Assistant Manager, Accreditation Unit, British Council
  • Dr Ann Ridler
    former Chief Inspector, BAC
  • Dr Kenneth Wilson OBE
    former Principal, Westminster College, Oxford

Non-voting BAC Officers

  • Prof Steve Bristow
    Senior Advisor (Quality Assurance and Governance)
  • Dr Gina Hobson
    Chief Executive
  • Ms Francine Koubel
    Accreditation Manager
  • Ms Sheila Needham
    Chief Inspector