BAC 2017/18 Guide to Accreditation and Inspection fees RAISING STANDARDS IN THE GLOBAL EDUCATION MARKET The British Accreditation Council 1
Respect We seek to be the first-choice accreditation organisation and will ensure high standards of performance throughout our inspection, accreditation and consultancy work. Responsibility We will take full responsibility for our employees, associates, systems, procedures and processes, taking prompt and appropriate action to resolve queries or problems that may adversely affect our services and care. Integrity We will be objective, honest and committed to our delivery of high quality services to stakeholders. BAC VALUES Transparent We will be open about our work and how we do it. We will communicate clearly in a professional and positive manner. Trust We will act in a way that inspires the trust and confidence of all internal and external stakeholders. We will always do what we say we are going to do promptly and effectively. Ethical We will act fairly and consider the dignity, diversity and rights of individuals and groups of people we associate with. Contents Mission and message from BAC CEO 3 The Benefits of BAC Accreditation 4 Trusted British Educational Standards 5 BAC Marketing support pack 5 Provider cycle 6 Schemes and related fees 7 Other fees 14 Accreditation process 15 BAC Support Services 15
The BAC mission BAC provides globally respected and rigorous inspection-based accreditation to enhance the standards and quality of further and higher education and training providers. As well as providing clear guidance to prospective students, we want to encourage continuing improvement in the general standard and quality of further and higher education in the UK and in the global education market. While BAC is not a membership organisation, and indeed must maintain an objective distance from institutions, to preserve the value of our accreditation, we are nevertheless, dedicated to helping colleges in their efforts for continual improvement. As a not for profit registered charity, limited by guarantee, we rely on provider accreditation and BAC inspection fees to continue our work. All of our accreditation fees contribute to the development of the BAC schemes, inspection and accreditation services and we continue to support the work of BAC accredited providers by protecting and raising the profile of the esteemed BAC quality mark. As an internationally respected organisation offering gold standard accreditation services BAC is committed to maintaining and raising standards in the Global education market. Thank you for your choosing to work with BAC we value your support and custom. Paul Fear, BAC CEO Contact us on 0300 3301400 or email info@the-bac.org The British Accreditation Council 3
nonummy nibh euismod. Benefits of BAC accreditation BAC Directory Quality mark Listing on the BAC directory and access to the esteemed BAC quality mark to promote your institution. Expert assurance Access to a range of industry related webinars led by education and quality assurance experts. Bulletin Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis autem vel eum iriure dolor in hendrerit in vulputate Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam Regular advice Regular information bulletins offering ongoing support and advice regarding statutory and sector changes. Support staff Support of BAC staff who have in depth knowledge of the education sector. Expert network A network of over 50 inspectors, technical experts and student representatives. Current news Current and relevant educational news updates via social media networks. Market differentiation Stand out in a competitive market to attract and retain more students. Create partnerships Providing assurance and confidence for potential partners. Benchmark Providing a framework to help shape and drive management strategy. Welcome to BAC Guidelines Marketing support pack Informs provider stakeholders of the value of BAC accreditation. BAC accreditation Raising standards in the global education market 4 The British Accreditation Council Contact us on 0300 3301400 or email info@the-bac.org
Welcome to BAC BAC Marketing support pack BAC have developed a Marketing Support Pack to inform provider stakeholders of the value of BAC accreditation and help them stand out in a competitive educational market. To promote the BAC gold standard an institution has achieved by gaining BAC accreditation the following free, easy access resources are available: BAC accreditation Raising standards in the global education market Guidelines Marketing support pack Informs provider stakeholders of the value of BAC accreditation. The esteemed BAC quality mark that s designed and colour coded according to scheme type in order to raise institutional profile BAC business development Power Point presentation to introduce BAC to stakeholders BAC promotional flyer highlighting the benefits of BAC accreditation and the assured trust relating to the BAC quality mark. This can be printed or copied for open evenings, awareness campaigns or used for promotional marketing purposes Introductory letters to students and potential collaborative partners explaining the benefits of studying and working with a BAC accredited provider BAC recorded webinar explaining the benefits and value of studying or working with a BAC accredited provider A user guide for all BAC marketing support resources to help you get the most out of BAC accreditation and the free BAC marketing resource pack Stand out in a competitive market The BAC Quality Mark the value of BAC accreditation Only BAC accredited institutes can use the BAC Quality Mark in their marketing to potential students and partners The BAC quality mark is a sign to stakeholders that an educational institute has met a gold standard Ensures the educational institute stands out in a competitive market and in so doing promote its courses and services to stakeholders Provides assurance and confidence in collaborative partnerships raising relationship profile and promoting trust Informs students and parents assuring them they have selected an educational institute that delivers high quality educational services that have met internationally respected British standards BAC Directory Quality mark Listing on the BAC directory and access to the esteemed BAC quality mark to promote your institution. Market differentiation Stand out in a competitive market to attract and retain more students. Create partnerships Providing assurance and confidence for potential partners. COLLEGE ACCREDITATION SCHEME INDEPENDENT HIGHER EDUCATION ACCREDITATION SCHEME ONLINE, DISTANCE AND BLENDED LEARNING ACCREDITATION SCHEME The esteemed, colour coded BAC quality mark. INTERNATIONAL CENTRE ACCREDITATION SCHEME SHORT COURSE PROVIDER ACCREDITATION SCHEME Contact us on 0300 3301400 or email info@the-bac.org The British Accreditation Council 5
The BAC Provider Cycle BAC fees are due at different stages in the provider cycle and according to the BAC scheme that providers are accredited under. The BAC application fee and inspection management fee are due at the point of application and the inspection management surcharge fees are due prior to an inspection taking place. International providers are asked to arrange and book inspector accommodation and cover the cost of flights (booked by BAC) and local transport for inspectors whilst they are in country. International interim inspection fees are also applicable. BAC collects accreditation fees by requesting submission of student numbers or course days delivered by providers according to provider type during the annual data return process. A pro rata accreditation fee is payable by providers that are awarded accreditation or approved as candidates for accreditation during the year. Would highly recommend BAC to other providers. Very pleased with all contact and the overall organisation of the inspection Thank you. Ardmay House International Summer School Provider Cycle Enquiry Re accreditation every 3 years (International Centre) Re accreditation every 4 years (Short Course, College, Independent Higher Education, ODBL) Interim Inspection 2 years Due Diligence Application Preparation and application for Re accreditation Continuous Accreditation Cycle Inspection Accreditation Annual Return (every 12 months) Interim Inspection (within 12 months of accreditation) 6 The British Accreditation Council Contact us on 0300 3301400 or email info@the-bac.org
2017/18 BAC accreditation schemes and related fees SHORT COURSE PROVIDER ACCREDITATION SCHEME UK Short Course Provider Scheme (SCP) Designed for UK training providers who offer short courses of 26 weeks or less This scheme involves a visit to your head office and at least one other site if your organisation has multiple venues Observation of your training, the quality of your management, course delivery and participant welfare Achievement in these areas awards BAC accreditation for four years Fee Fee Fee guidance Application fee 500 Non-refundable application fee to be submitted with the BAC application form Inspection management fee payable with application fee 1,650 Payable with the application fee to initiate inspection arrangements Inspection fee payable prior to inspection date Variable fee (see page 10) Inspection fees are determined by size of the organisation, the number of inspectors needed to complete the inspection over the required number of days Annual accreditation fees Accreditation fee Fee Fee guidance Fee 16 Fee per course day Minimum fee cap 400 The minimum payable is 25 course days Maximum fee cap 3,750 The maximum fee payable Contact us on 0300 3301400 or email info@the-bac.org The British Accreditation Council 7
2017/18 BAC accreditation schemes and related fees COLLEGE ACCREDITATION SCHEME College Scheme Designed for education and training institutes who deliver courses of over 26 weeks This scheme involves a visit to your head office and at least one other site if your organisation has multiple venues The visit will include a review of the premises and facilities and inspection of management, staffing and administration of the organisation. The teaching, learning and assessment of courses and student welfare services will also be inspected Achievement in these areas awards the BAC accreditation for four years Fee Fee Fee guidance Application fee 500 Non-refundable application fee to be submitted with the BAC application form Inspection management fee payable with application fee Inspection fee payable prior to inspection date 1,650 Payable with the application fee to initiate accreditation process and inspection arrangements Variable fee (see page 10) Inspection fees are determined by BAC according to the size of the organisation, the number of inspectors needed to complete the inspection over the required number of days Annual accreditation fees Accreditation fee Fee Fee guidance Fee 14 Fee per full time equivalent student Minimum fee cap 1,400 The minimum payable (100 students) Maximum fee cap 8,000 The maximum fee payable 8 The British Accreditation Council Contact us on 0300 3301400 or email info@the-bac.org
2017/18 BAC accreditation schemes and related fees ONLINE, DISTANCE AND BLENDED LEARNING ACCREDITATION SCHEME Online, Distance and Blended Learning Scheme (ODBL) Designed for UK based education and training providers who offer most courses through online or distance teaching methods This scheme involves a visit to your head office and an inspection of your online and distance training, focusing on the quality of your management, delivery and technical support. If you offer blended learning, we will also inspect your face-to-face provision Achievement in these areas awards BAC accreditation for four years Fee Fee Fee guidance Application fee 500 Non-refundable application fee to be submitted with the BAC application form Inspection management fee payable with application fee 1,650 Payable with the application fee to initiate accreditation process and inspection arrangements Inspection fee payable prior to inspection date Variable fee (see page 10) Inspection fees are determined by BAC according to the size of the organisation, the number of inspectors needed to complete the inspection over the required number of days Annual accreditation fees Number of enrolled students Fee Up to 1000 1,500 1001 4000 2,000 4001 8000 2,600 Over 8,000 3,200 Contact us on 0300 3301400 or email info@the-bac.org The British Accreditation Council 9
2017/18 BAC Inspection fees Inspection fees for UK Short Course provider, UK College and Online, Distance and Blended Learning Providers Please note: The number of inspectors and duration of the inspection is determined by BAC according to the size of the organisation and the requirements of inspection. 0.5 day 1 day 1.5 days 2 days 3 days 1 inspector 225 450 675 900 1,350 2 inspectors 450 900 1,350 1,800 2,700 3 inspectors 675 1,350 2,025 2,700 4,050 UK providers wishing to deliver courses overseas UK based providers who operate overseas may be able to use BAC accreditation to promote their overseas courses but will need to receive formal BAC approval. The fees below are based on the number of course days delivered outside of the UK and are in addition to BAC accreditation fees. Up to 499 course days delivered outside of the UK 550 500 course days or more 1,100 To learn more about the UK provider overseas accreditation process please contact the BAC Accreditation Manager. Please note: BAC UK provider accreditation does not automatically cover overseas activities and misuse of the BAC logo in marketing material may lead to suspension or withdrawal of accreditation. 10 The British Accreditation Council Contact us on 0300 3301400 or email info@the-bac.org
2017/18 BAC accreditation schemes and related fees INDEPENDENT HIGHER EDUCATION ACCREDITATION SCHEME UK Independent Higher Education Scheme (IHE UK) Designed for higher education institutes that offer academic courses recognised on the UK Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) at Level 5 or higher. For example, Foundation Degrees, Undergraduate Degrees, Masters Degrees and PhDs This scheme involves a visit to your head office and at least one other site if your organisation has multiple venues The visit will include inspection of the institutions governance, strategy and financial management. A review of academic management and administration will also be included Teaching learning and assessment to include inspection of quality management and enhancement will be conducted and student recruitment, support and progression will also be addressed Achievement in these areas awards BAC accreditation for four years Fee Fee Fee guidance Application fee 500 Non-refundable application fee to be submitted with the BAC application form Inspection management fee payable with application Inspection fee payable prior to inspection date 1,850 Payable with the application fee to initiate accreditation process and inspection arrangements Variable fee see below Inspection fees are determined by BAC according to the size of the organisation, the number of inspectors needed to complete the inspection over the required number of days Annual accreditation fees Accreditation fee Fee Fee guidance Fee 14 Fee per full time equivalent student Minimum fee cap 1,400 The minimum payable (100 students) Maximum fee cap 8,000 The maximum fee payable. Inspection fee for UK Higher Education Please note: The number of inspectors and duration of the inspection is determined by BAC according to the size of the organisation and the requirements of inspection during application processing. Student representative inspectors are included in all higher education inspections. 0.5 day 1 day 1.5 days 2 days 3 days 2 inspectors 325 650 975 1,300 1,950 3 inspectors 550 1,100 1,650 2,200 3,300 4 inspectors 775 1,550 2,325 3,100 4,650 Contact us on 0300 3301400 or email info@the-bac.org The British Accreditation Council 11
2017/18 BAC accreditation schemes and related fees INTERNATIONAL CENTRE ACCREDITATION SCHEME International Centre (Non-higher Education) Scheme (IC) Designed for education and training providers who are based overseas This scheme involves a visit to your head office and at least one other site if your organisation has multiple venues The visit will include a review of the premises and facilitates and inspection of management, staffing and administration of the organisation. Teaching, learning, assessment and quality management of courses will be inspected and learner welfare will be addressed Achievement in these areas awards BAC accreditation for three years Fee Fee Fee guidance Application fee 500 Non-refundable application fee to be submitted with the BAC application form Inspection management fee payable with application Inspection fee payable prior to inspection date 3,650 Payable with the application fee to initiate accreditation process and inspection arrangements Variable fee see below Inspection fees are determined by BAC according to the size of the organisation, the number of inspectors needed to complete the inspection over the required number of days Annual accreditation fees Number of course days Fee Up to 1000 2,500 1001 2000 3,775 Over 2,000 4,775 Inspection fees for International centres (non-higher education) The number of inspectors and duration of the inspection is determined by BAC according to the size of the organisation and the requirements of inspection during application processing. BAC will inform providers if the number of days required falls outside those listed below. 0.5 day 1 day 1.5 days 2 days 3 days 1 inspector 675 950 1,225 1,500 2,050 2 inspectors 1,350 1,900 2,450 3,000 4,100 3 inspectors 2,025 2,850 3,675 4,500 6,150 Please note: Additional charges will be payable by the provider for inspectors accommodation, flights and local transport. 12 The British Accreditation Council Contact us on 0300 3301400 or email info@the-bac.org
2017/18 BAC accreditation schemes and related fees INDEPENDENT HIGHER EDUCATION ACCREDITATION SCHEME Overseas Independent Higher Education Scheme (IHE Os) An overseas higher education provider, wishing to apply for BAC accreditation, must meet one or more of the following requirements in addition to the eligibility criteria set out in the accreditation scheme: The organisation is working in a formal collaborative partnership with a UK institute which has degree awarding powers. The UK institute must be a Recognised Body as defined by the Department of Education The organisation is working in a formal collaborative partnership with a Royal Chartered Body recognised within the UK The organisation offers programmes recognised by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations (Ofqual) at level 5 or above on the RQF The organisation holds national or federal approval/licence or national accreditation and its awards are recognised by UK NARIC or CHEA (Council for Higher Education Accreditation) Fee Fee Fee guidance Application fee 500 No-refundable application fee to be submitted with the BAC application form Inspection fee deposit payable with application Inspection fee payable prior to inspection date 3,650 Payable with the application fee to initiate accreditation process and inspection arrangements Variable fee see below Inspection fees are determined by BAC according to the size of the organisation, the number of inspectors needed to complete the inspection over the required number of days Annual accreditation fees Accreditation fee Fee Fee guidance Fee 14 Fee per full time equivalent student Minimum fee cap 2,800 The minimum payable (200 students) Maximum fee cap 4,800 The maximum fee payable Inspection fees for Overseas Higher Education Please note: The number of inspectors and duration of the inspection is determined by BAC according to the size of the organisation and the requirements of inspection during application processing. Student representative inspectors are included in all higher education inspections. 0.5 day 1 day 1.5 days 2 days 3 days 2 inspectors 1,025 1,450 1,875 2,300 3,150 3 inspectors 1,700 2,400 3,100 3,800 5,200 4 inspectors 2,375 3,350 4,325 5,300 7,250 Contact us on 0300 3301400 or email info@the-bac.org The British Accreditation Council 13
Other BAC fees Supplementary inspection This inspection may be required as to support providers, check actions have been completed or follow up from a previous inspection. Half day 500 Full day 800 Interim visit This inspection will take place during the first 12 months of accreditation. Inspection fees will apply to all international providers for international interim inspections There is no charge to UK providers for the interim inspection visit The overall process meant that we had to be rigorous with the documentation which helps us to maintain standards. Interior Design School Spot check 800 (no fee if institution is selected at random). Cancellation of inspection with less than 4 weeks notice 100 per inspector per day (plus any expenses incurred). Appeal hearing 1,500 (to be refunded if appeal not dismissed). Candidacy Accreditation Seasonal providers who want to recruit students from outside of the European Union may wish to apply for Candidacy Accreditation. After an initial and successful BAC inspection, this enables the provider to gain accreditation for up to 6 months prior to being operational. The provider can then recruit students prior to and in time for the start of their courses A second inspection must be completed when there is teaching/ training in order for the provider to gain full accreditation. Please note: Full BAC accreditation must be completed within 6 months from first inspection Providers will receive a reduction of 500 from the inspection management fees for the second inspection visit. 14 The British Accreditation Council Contact us on 0300 3301400 or email info@the-bac.org
BAC Accreditation Process Contact BAC by telephone +44 (0)300 330 1400 or email info@the-bac.org BAC will email an enquiry form and BAC brochure Return the completed enquiry form so we can learn more about your organisation BAC will send out Accreditation Scheme information & arrange a Skype meeting with you Skype meeting Application sent out after meeting Return completed application to BAC (application fee and inspection management fee due) Application Processing (10 working days) Inspection Planning (inspection fee due) On-site visit by BAC inspectors Accreditation Committee Provider notified within 10 working days of meeting BAC Accreditation Support All BAC accredited providers will receive dedicated ongoing support from the BAC team with additional help for new providers to help get started. Key Support includes Guidance from BAC team who have in depth knowledge of the education sector Regular contact with the dedicated BAC team throughout the inspection and quality assurance process Tailored induction for new providers and re-accreditation guidance for existing BAC providers BAC new accredited provider induction
Website: www.the-bac.org email: info@the-bac.org CEO: paul.fear@the-bac.org The British Accreditation Council is registered Charity and a UK Private Company Limited by Guarantee Company no: 1828990 Charity no: 326652