British Accreditation Council for Independent Further and Higher Education BAC

Overview

The British Accreditation Council for Independent Further and Higher Education (BAC) is a UK-based, not-for-profit organization established in 1984. It serves as the leading independent accrediting body for private further and higher education institutions in the United Kingdom and internationally. BAC's accreditation is recognized globally as a mark of educational quality, providing prospective students, agents and government officials with assurance of institutional standards in the private sector.

History and Legal Framework

Founded in 1984 with assistance from the British Government and the British Council, BAC was established to provide a comprehensive quality assurance scheme for independent further and higher education providers. It operates as a private company limited by guarantee without share capital and is registered as a UK charity under the Charity Commission No. 326652. BAC is self-financing through accreditation fees and receives no public funding. It is a non-regulatory body and institutions apply for accreditation voluntarily.

Mission, Vision and Objectives

Mission: BAC aims to provide globally respected and rigorous inspection-based accreditation to enhance the standards and quality of independent further and higher education and training providers. It also seeks to be recognized by UK and overseas governments as an influential voice on standards and quality for the independent education sector.

Vision: To be a leading practitioner in the provision of internationally recognized accreditation and related consultancy services in the field of higher and further education and training.

Objectives:

• To improve and enhance the standards of independent further and higher educational institutions by establishing a system of accreditation.
• To define eligibility criteria and standards for institutions seeking accreditation.
• To arrange for the inspection of institutions applying for accreditation.
• To act as the national accrediting authority for independent further and higher education.

Governance, Structure and Independence

BAC operates as a private company limited by guarantee without share capital and is registered as a UK charity under the Charity Commission No. 326652. It is governed by a Board of Trustees and is self-financing through accreditation fees, receiving no public funding. BAC maintains its independence by being a non-regulatory body, with higher education institutions applying for accreditation voluntarily. The award of accreditation is subject to an institution meeting standards established and periodically reviewed by BAC, with decisions made by an independent committee considering reports produced by a professional inspectorate.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

BAC provides a comprehensive quality assurance scheme for independent further and higher education providers in the UK and internationally. Its accreditation schemes are designed for colleges, universities, short course providers and online, distance and blended learning providers. BAC's inspection standards and key indicators are intended to be specific to the delivery of higher education, informed by the UK's Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education and the responsibilities of partner organizations set out in the Handbook for the Quality Management of Collaborative Provision developed by the Council of Validating Universities.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

BAC is a member of several international organizations, including:

• ENQA (European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education) since 2015.
• INQAAHE (International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education) since 2006.
• It has a memorandum of agreement with the UK's Quality Assurance Agency.
• The Chief Executive of BAC is a member of the British Council’s Accreditation Scheme Advisory Committee.
• BAC is a stakeholder of the Federation of Awarding Bodies.
• It is listed on the European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education (EQAR) since 2015.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

BAC's accreditation plays a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing the standards of independent further and higher education institutions. By providing a rigorous and internationally recognized accreditation process, BAC helps institutions improve their quality of provision, thereby benefiting students seeking to undertake further or higher education in the independent sector. BAC's influence extends beyond the UK, with accredited institutions in over 20 countries, contributing to the global education market.

Summary

The British Accreditation Council for Independent Further and Higher Education is a not-for-profit organization established in 1984 to provide a comprehensive quality assurance scheme for independent further and higher education providers. It offers globally respected and rigorous inspection-based accreditation, enhancing the standards and quality of education and training providers. BAC operates independently, is self-financing and maintains its status as a non-regulatory body. Through its international cooperation and network memberships, BAC contributes to the improvement and maintenance of standards in the global education market.

FAQs

• What is the British Accreditation Council (BAC)? BAC is a UK-based, not-for-profit organization that provides accreditation to independent further and higher education institutions, ensuring they meet established standards of quality.
• When was BAC established? BAC was established in 1984 with assistance from the British Government and the British Council.
• Is BAC recognized by the UK government? Yes, BAC is recognized by the UK government as an accrediting body for independent further and higher education institutions.
• Does BAC receive public funding? No, BAC is self-financing through accreditation fees and receives no public funding.
• How can institutions apply for BAC accreditation? Institutions can apply for BAC accreditation by submitting an application and undergoing a rigorous inspection process to ensure they meet BAC's established standards.

Organization Name

British Accreditation Council for Independent Further and Higher Education

Acronym

BAC

Year of Establishment

1/01/1984

Control Type

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

Bedford Row 44
London
WC1R 4LL London United Kingdom

Phone

+44 (207) 447 2584

Fax

+44 (207) 447 2585

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

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Wikipedia Article

British Accreditation Council for Independent Further and Higher Education's Wikipedia article

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