The accreditation process

Assessing your own provision against BAC’s standards, applying for accreditation and undergoing the subsequent rigorous inspection is intended to be a challenge, but one which is rewarding in its own right and not merely a means to an end. Nevertheless, the accreditation process can seem quite daunting to new institutions which have not previously applied to any formal quality assurance process by an external body. BAC therefore does all it can to make the process as straightforward as possible, and aims to provide additional assistance where required.

Once you have read all the information on this website and in the Accreditation Handbook, should you still have any questions you are invited to contact the BAC office by email or telephone. BAC organises regular seminars introducing prospective applicants to the principles of accreditation and exploring the process in more detail; details of forthcoming seminars are published on this website.

Whilst BAC’s inspectors and staff always attempt to offer helpful advice, you should bear in mind that we are primarily an inspection body. In applying for accreditation, you must be prepared to accept constructive criticism of your provision as well as positive comment on good practice.

What steps are involved in the accreditation process?

• Research, self-evaluation and preparation by the institution
• The institution submits application for accreditation
• BAC reviews the application form and additional documentation
• BAC arranges the inspection in consultation with institution
• Inspection by a Reporting Inspector and the inspection team
• The Reporting Inspector submits the inspection report to BAC
• The inspection report is considered by the Accreditation Committee
• BAC notifies the institution of the Accreditation Committee’s decision