We are asking all training providers who have one or more short courses accredited with BABTAC to re-apply for their accreditation in January 2019 rather than renewing as normal. As part of this process, providers are being asked to resubmit all of their supporting course materials and information. A letter has been sent to every accredited centre notifying them of this change.
Why are we doing this?
Our reasons for requesting re-application are two-fold.
- The first is that every year we must be provided with the most recent course materials for all courses, to ensure the information we hold on file is the most recent version. Naturally, courses can change and adapt slightly during the year, and it is essential that our records are up to date.
- The second is that it provides us with an opportunity to ensure that the courses continue to be fit-for-purpose, are relevant to the current needs of the industry, and are helping students to attain the right standards during their training.
What’s different about this year?
The industry is very fast-paced and changing all the time and consumers are getting savvier and more concerned about training standards. It is therefore essential that standards are pushed as high as possible and that the courses we accredit meet the current needs of the industry.
As we move further towards mandatory self-regulation, responsibility falls to us to uphold standards, and therefore we will be re-looking at course materials and tutor qualifications with a view to upholding a robust accreditation system. At the same time we are changing the standards we accept for accreditation and changing our expectations for transparent communication with potential students. We are also developing new standards expectations in partnership with:
- insurers and underwriters with a view to reducing industry claims;
- educators and qualification providers;
- industry experts to ensure that they are relevant and robust.
Full details of the changes will be made available on the BABTAC website and included as part of our published guidelines.
What happens if centres don’t re-apply?
After 31st January 2019, all 2018 accreditation will be considered invalid for future courses. These providers will need to remove BABTAC logos from all their marketing materials and refrain from using the BABTAC brand to promote, deliver or award certificates for any of their courses.
Got a question?
Please contact the Short Course Accreditation team on 01452 623110 (option 6)