BAC has accredited colleges and other independent providers of further and higher education in the UK since 1984. Since then, BAC has grown to provide specialist accreditation schemes for colleges, universities, short course providers and online, distance and blended learning providers in both the UK and internationally.

The award of accreditation is subject to an institution meeting standards established and periodically reviewed by BAC.

The accreditation process involves a rigorous inspection focusing on different inspection areas, depending on the accreditation scheme. Not only must an accredited institution meet and continue to meet the specific minimum standards listed for each of these areas but the inspection report must also find that the overall standard of provision in each area is satisfactory before accreditation will be awarded.

Once accredited, institutions must submit to a regular monitoring process involving annual data returns, financial analysis, and interim, supplementary and spot check inspections. They must also pay all applicable fees and maintain a transparent and constructive relationship with BAC by notifying it of any changes, responding to any requests for information and cooperating with BAC’s procedures for investigating complaints or any evidence of misfeasance.

An essential requirement of BAC accreditation is that all institutions continue to meet their statutory obligations to comply with all relevant laws and regulations.

British qualifications are highly sought after across the globe, and the institutions outside the UK that offer them often find it invaluable to receive a British perspective on their own quality assurance processes, which is exactly what we can provide. BAC accredits providers in over 20 countries across the world. BAC enjoys a high profile and good reputation worldwide and our advice has been sought by accreditation agencies in Singapore and Saudi Arabia, and Kosovo, among others.

Over the last few years we have been involved in a substantial project with the kingdom of Bahrain, working with the Higher Education Council (HEC) to support the development of an accreditation framework for the higher education sector. We are also a member of the European Association for Quality Assurance.  (ENQA), listed on the European Quality Assurance Register in Higher Education (EQAR) and a member of the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE).