Accreditation FAQ
Training provider and programme accreditation: requirements, records, surveillance and fees — explained simply
The British Academy of Professional Development Accreditation FAQ
What does accreditation mean at BAPD Global?
Accreditation is an independent, evidence-based review of a training provider and/or a specific programme against published standards. We look at governance and quality systems, but just as importantly, what happens in practice: delivery quality, delegate experience, and workplace application.
Unlike many accrediting bodies, we always observe live training delivery as standard — not as an optional extra, and not only "where appropriate." Every accreditation includes at least one real observation, remote or in person, because we believe accreditation should reflect what actually happens in the room, not just what's on paper.
Is this a regulated qualification or an academic award?
No. This is accreditation of training provision and/or programmes against an independent standards framework. It is not a regulated qualification and does not award an academic qualification such as a degree.
Who is accreditation for?
Accreditation is for professional training providers, academies, consultancies, and in-house learning functions delivering leadership, executive education, professional development, coaching, and related interventions.
Do you accredit providers, programmes, or both?
You can apply for:
Provider Accreditation (your organisation's overall capability and systems)
Programme Accreditation (a specific course/programme)
Combined Accreditation (provider + up to 3 programmes; additional programmes are assessed separately)
What standards do you assess against?
Applicants are assessed against five core standards:
Governance and institutional credibility
Programme design and learning quality
Training delivery and delegate experience
Practical application and transfer of learning
Quality assurance and continuous improvement
What evidence do you assess?
Evidence includes governance documents and policies, programme outlines and materials, trainer profiles, learner feedback, quality assurance records, and evidence of workplace application (assignments and follow-up).
Do you observe training delivery?
Yes — always. Observation isn't a discretionary part of our process; it's core to how we assess every provider and programme. It's conducted remotely via video link or in person where appropriate, and you're given advance notice, normally at least 10 working days. We see this as one of the things that sets our accreditation apart: we're not just reviewing your paperwork, we're seeing your training in action.
How long does the accreditation process take?
Timelines depend on the scope (provider, programme, or combined) and readiness of evidence. After application, we confirm the steps, evidence requirements, and an expected timeline — and we're happy to talk this through with you directly rather than leaving you to guess.
What outcomes are possible?
Accredited
Accredited with Conditions (improvements required within a defined period, typically 3–6 months)
Not Accredited (with feedback to support improvement and re-application)
What does "Accredited with Conditions" mean?
It means you substantially meet the standard, but specific improvements must be completed within an agreed period (typically 3–6 months). We'll confirm what's required and the evidence needed to close conditions, and we'll work with you as a partner to get there — not just issue a verdict and step back.
Records, evidence, and what providers must keep
What records do you expect accredited providers to keep and maintain?
For each accredited course, providers maintain a practical core set of records:
Pre-course questionnaire
Registration form
Training materials used during delivery
Attendance record
Delegate feedback form
Post-course trainer report
Workplace assignment
Assignment report-back/reflection
What should the pre-course questionnaire show?
It shows that the course was tailored to learner needs. It normally includes delegate name, course title, date completed, priority topics, and any expectations/challenges/goals.
What should the registration form include?
It confirms who attended and provides the basic learner record. It normally includes delegate name, job title, organisation, contact details, course title, and course date.
What do you mean by "training materials"?
The materials used during delivery, such as slides, workbooks, handouts, case studies, exercises, reading materials, and the assignment brief.
What should the attendance record show?
Delegate names, course title, training dates, attendance by day/session, and trainer name.
What should delegate feedback include?
Ratings and comments on content, delivery, relevance, and overall value, plus suggestions for improvement (with delegate name or an anonymous identifier).
What is the post-course trainer report?
A short trainer summary of how the course went. It normally includes course title/date, number of delegates, engagement level, key themes/questions, any issues, and recommendations for improvement.
What is the workplace assignment?
A practical follow-up activity that requires delegates to apply learning in the workplace or community. It can be an assignment brief, action plan, workplace task, reflective exercise, or improvement project.
What is the assignment report-back?
Evidence that the delegate applied the learning and reflected on outcomes. It can be a short written reflection, manager comment, or a simple report of actions/results/lessons/next steps.
Do we submit all these records to you routinely?
No. You keep these records securely and in an organised way, and provide them when requested for verification.
What is the only routine submission you require?
A Certificate Register recording who has been awarded an accredited certificate.
What must the Certificate Register include?
For each delegate who receives an accredited certificate:
Delegate name
Course name
Course completion date
Trainer name
When must we submit certificate information?
Within 14 days of course completion. If there's a delay, just let us know — we'll agree a revised submission date together. No drama.
What format should the Certificate Register be in?
A simple spreadsheet or email, with one row per certificate issued.
Can you request to see our training records?
Yes. We request samples to verify records are accurate and up to date, training is being delivered to the expected standard, learners are engaging, assignments are meaningful, and learning is being applied.
How much notice do you give when requesting sample records?
We give clear notice of what's needed and why, and a reasonable timeframe to provide it — normally at least 5 working days. But we can be flexible if extra time is needed.
What happens in the annual audit?
Once a year we carry out a more thorough review: a summary of accredited courses delivered, sample records across the year, feedback themes, any issues/complaints/changes, and evidence of improvements made. We give at least 30 days' notice before the annual audit.
Pricing, payment terms, and what's included
What does accreditation cost initially, and what are the annual fees?
Accreditation includes an initial fee and ongoing annual surveillance fees. Re-accreditation fees apply at the Year 3 renewal point.
How much does Provider Accreditation cost?
Initial accreditation: £2,800
Annual surveillance: £800–£2,000 (based on annual delegate volume)
Re-accreditation (Year 3): £1,400
How much does Programme Accreditation cost?
Initial accreditation: £1,200 per programme
Annual surveillance: £400–£800 per programme (based on annual delegate volume)
Re-accreditation (Year 3): £600 per programme
How much does Combined Accreditation cost?
Initial accreditation: £3,800 (covers provider + up to 3 programmes)
Additional programmes: £1,000 each
Annual surveillance: £1,200–£2,500 (based on annual delegate volume and number of programmes)
Re-accreditation (Year 3): £1,900
How does the annual surveillance fee scale for Provider Accreditation?
1–50 delegates: £800
51–150 delegates: £1,200
151–300 delegates: £1,600
300+ delegates: £2,000
How does the annual surveillance fee scale for Programme Accreditation?
Per programme:
1–50 delegates: £400
51–150 delegates: £500
151–300 delegates: £650
300+ delegates: £800
What are the payment terms for initial accreditation?
50% of the initial fee is due with your application
The remaining 50% is due before the formal assessment begins, normally within 14 days of application approval
When are annual surveillance fees due?
By 31 January each year (for the year ahead).
Are there late payment fees?
If payment is more than 30 days late, a late payment fee of £100 may apply.
What is included in the initial accreditation fee?
Eligibility screening, documentation review, review of programme materials and assessment approach, a professional discussion, observation of at least one training session (virtually or in person — always included, never an add-on), review of sample learner records and feedback, review of workplace application evidence, and a formal assessment report with a decision.
What is included in annual surveillance?
Review of the certificate register and learner data
Review of sample records and feedback
An annual surveillance report
Ongoing support and guidance
Maintenance of the accreditation register
What is not included (and may be charged separately)?
Additional observations/site visits beyond the initial assessment, expedited assessments (an additional 25%), specialist assessments, remedial support if accreditation is withdrawn or suspended (£150 per hour), and consultancy advice on quality improvement (£150 per hour).
Working with us as a partner
Is this just an audit relationship, or do you actually support us?
We see ourselves as a partner, not just an inspector. Accreditation with us isn't a box-ticking exercise that happens once a year and then goes quiet — you can pick up the phone or drop us a message any time you have a question, want advice, or just want a sense-check on something. We'd rather hear from you early than find out about a problem at the annual audit.
Can accreditation help us win more business?
Yes — this is one of the most valuable parts of accreditation, and we actively help with it. Once accredited, we work with you on how to use your accreditation status to strengthen your position in your market: how to present it to prospective clients, how to use it in tenders and proposals, positioning within your sector, and practical guidance on turning "we're accredited" into a genuine commercial advantage. We want your accreditation to do real work for your business, not just sit on a certificate on the wall.
What does that support actually look like?
It varies by provider, but typically includes guidance on how to talk about accreditation in your marketing and sales materials, how to use it credibly when bidding for contracts or tenders, and general advice on positioning within your market. Get in touch and we can talk through what would be most useful for you specifically.
Ongoing review, changes, suspension, and appeals
How long does accreditation last?
Accreditation operates on a three-year cycle and is reviewed every year through annual surveillance. You don't get accredited and then disappear for three years.
Do we pay once and remain accredited for three years?
No. Initial accreditation is followed by annual surveillance with an annual fee. At the end of the cycle, re-accreditation in Year 3 is required to maintain accredited status.
What counts as a significant change to provision?
A significant change is one that materially affects training delivery, content, methodology, or trainer qualifications (for example: change of lead trainer, major course restructure, switching delivery mode from in-person to online, or a change in target audience/learning outcomes). Significant changes must be notified within 14 days.
What could lead to suspension?
Accreditation may be suspended if annual surveillance fees are not paid within 30 days of the due date, required records/evidence are not provided within stated timeframes, or serious complaints/concerns arise relating to training quality, safeguarding, ethical conduct, or compliance with standards.
What happens if accreditation is suspended or withdrawn?
You're notified in writing with clear reasons and given an opportunity to respond, normally within 10 working days. A formal decision is made within 10 working days of the response deadline, and the register is updated.
Is there an appeals process?
Yes. You can submit a written appeal within 14 days of notification. Appeals are reviewed by an independent party, with a decision typically within 20 working days.
Data protection and confidentiality
What are providers responsible for under GDPR?
You're responsible for obtaining learner consent to share data with BAPD Global, storing learner data securely, and complying with applicable data protection laws.
How does BAPD Global handle confidentiality?
We use learner data only to verify training and workplace application, keep records secure and confidential, do not share data with third parties without explicit consent, and do not use learner contact details to solicit business or market services.
Getting started
How do we apply?
Apply via the accreditation application process and select the scope (provider, programme, or combined). We'll confirm evidence requirements and next steps after initial review.
Can we speak to someone before applying?
Yes, and we'd genuinely encourage it. If you want a fit-check before submitting, request a confidential call to confirm scope and readiness — we're happy to talk it through, no pressure.