How We Monitor Accredited Centres

All accredited centres are subject to a full inspection every four years to ensure continued compliance with Accreditation UK standards.

In addition:

• An annual declaration is required to report any significant changes, which may trigger a spot-check inspection if necessary.
• Each year, a random selection of centres undergoes unannounced interim inspections to help maintain consistent quality across the sector.

To maintain British Council accreditation, centres must:

• Maintain high standards of service in line with Accreditation UK requirements, supporting the reputation of UK English language teaching.
• Promote and protect the Accreditation UK name and uphold its values.
• Support students by helping arrange alternative courses at no additional cost if a nearby accredited centre closes unexpectedly.
• Undergo re-inspection every four years.
• Notify the Accreditation Unit of any significant changes, such as a change in premises or key personnel.
• Pay the annual fee and submit the required annual declaration.
• Respond to complaints and fully cooperate with the complaints process.
• Operate with integrity and professionalism at all times.

If a centre fails to meet any of the five section standards during an inspection, its accreditation status may be:

• Placed under review, allowing a set period to address the identified weaknesses.
• Withdrawn immediately in severe cases.

If a centre under review does not resolve the issues within the given timeframe, accreditation will be withdrawn. Centres have the right to appeal a decision to deny or withdraw accreditation. For details, please contact the Accreditation Unit regarding the appeals procedure.

Accreditation may also be withdrawn due to:

• Failure to undergo re-inspection when required.
• Submission of false or inaccurate information in applications or annual declarations.
• Failure to notify the British Council of significant changes.
• Changes that make the centre ineligible for accreditation.
• Misleading marketing, suggesting non-accredited services are accredited.
• Non-payment of required fees.
• Verified complaints upheld against the centre.
• Actions that damage the reputation of Accreditation UK or the British Council.

The authority to grant or withdraw accreditation is vested in the Joint Chairs of the Accreditation Scheme Board. The Executive Board and the Accreditation Scheme Advisory Committee (ASAC) guide this process, both of which play crucial roles in ensuring the Scheme’s integrity and effectiveness.

Voting Members:

• British Council: Mike Welch (Chair), Alison Devine, Jenny Simms
• English UK: Jodie Gray (Chair), Andrew Hjort, Shoko Doherty

Non-Voting Members:

• Jacqueline Gresham, Chair of the Accreditation Scheme Advisory Committee
• Liz McLaren, Manager of Accreditation UK (Secretary)

Additionally, a member of the Accreditation Unit attends all Board meetings. The Board’s primary responsibility is to act in the general interests of the Scheme, its members, and their students. The Board may also invite others to attend meetings (non-voting) as needed.

The ASAC meets at least six times a year and has up to 14 voting members. The Executive board selects these members, who include representatives from accredited ELT centres in the private and state sectors and experts in English language teaching, student welfare, and educational evaluation.

ASAC responsibilities Include:

• Reviewing inspectors’ reports and making recommendations to the Executive Board on whether to grant, continue, or withdraw accreditation for both new applicants and existing members.
• Advising on the timing and frequency of inspections.
• Assessing cases of doubtful eligibility for the accreditation.
• Ordering full inspections or spot checks when necessary, including cases identified by the Accreditation UK Manager.
• Addressing any factual inaccuracies found in inspection reports.

ASAC Members:

• Chair: Jacqueline Gresham
• Private sector ELT management: 
• Ruth Chambers (EEF Language Schools Ltd Eastbourne),
• Mary Shipley (Discovery Summer)
• Simon Dooley (ELC Brighton)
• Celine Aloe (UK Language Courses - UKLC)
• Gillian Davidson (EC Group)
• Patrick O'Donoghue (Stafford House Canterbury)
• Michael Glen-Kerr (ALPADIA Language Schools / Kaplan)
• Helen Lunney (Celtic English Academy)
• FE/HE ELT Management: 
• Rachel Connabeer (ELC Chester)
• Melanie Jarman (University of Worcester)
• Sue Lavender (University of Chichester)

Non voting attendees:

• Huan Japes, English UK
• Liz McLaren, Manager, Accreditation UK
• Alison Tudor, Assistant Manager, Accreditation UK (Secretary)
• George Pickering, Senior Inspector
• Sharon Stoneham, Accreditation UK (Administator)

This governance structure ensures that the Accreditation Scheme operates with transparency, integrity, and professionalism, maintaining the high standards expected by international students and the wider educational community.