The Council is happy to consider applications from organisations in other countries if a significant part of the current or projected provision takes place within the UK.

In such cases, in addition to its normal accreditation requirements, the Council will require an initial submission which sets out the relevant legal and quality control frameworks in the country in which the provider is registered, or from which it operates.

Specifically:

• what the normal legal framework for such providers is in that country, whether the applicant provider falls within that framework, and if not, why not;
• who are the statutory or regulatory authorities appropriate to open and distance learning provision in that country, and how the provider is registered with them?
• whether there is an additional, voluntary, quality control framework in that country relevant to ODL provision, whether the provider is registered within that framework, and if not, why not;
• if the country where it is based differs from that in which it is registered, why this is so;
• whether those qualifications offered by the provider are externally assessed, accredited or validated in any way, for example by universities or other appropriate internationally-recognised professional bodies?

This is particularly important where those qualifications:

• offer or imply any right to practice within a profession;
• have implications for the well-being of third parties;
• offer degrees or other qualifications where there are implications of national and/or international credibility and comparability of levels of attainment or competence.

The submission should be supported by names and addresses of any relevant official or voluntary agencies, contact points or referees whom Council may approach to seek independent verification.

Because there are few globally established standards or procedures in this area, the Council cannot offer definitive guidance as to how these points should be met.

The Council may request further information once a submission has been made, and may seek advice from other bodies such as the British Council.

Applicants are also asked to note that

• assessment prior to full accreditation will require a visit to the provider, who will be asked to meet any likely travel or accommodation costs in advance of the visit;
• special arrangements will have to be made if substantial parts of the provision are not in English.

The Council recommends that all these issues are resolved before a full submission is made.

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