About
Mission and Values
Why HCDE exists, what it is working towards, and the values that shape how it reviews and decides.
Mission
To give learners, employers and institutions a trustworthy, transparent and verifiable judgement of quality in online and distance education.
Vision
A future in which anyone can check, in a minute, whether the education on offer to them has been measured against published standards, and can see exactly what was found.
Values
Independence
Decisions are made on evidence and published standards, free from commercial or personal influence.
Transparency
Standards, process, decisions and appeals are written down and open to scrutiny.
Rigour
Claims are tested against evidence. A standard is met because it can be shown, not because it is asserted.
Fairness
Every applicant is treated by the same rules and has the chance to explain, correct and appeal.
Usefulness
A review should leave an institution clearer about what to improve, not only about whether it passed.
Integrity
We say plainly what HCDE is and what its accreditation does not mean, and we expect the same of those we accredit.
Putting the values to work
- The standards are published before anyone applies, so no one is judged against rules they could not read.
- Each decision is given in writing with its reasons.
- Reviewers and decision-makers declare conflicts of interest and step aside where they exist.
- There is a defined route to appeal, heard by people who took no part in the decision.
- The public registry shows status as it is, including suspensions and withdrawals.
Read the full Approach or the Policies that make these commitments binding.
Questions before you begin?
Write to HCDE and we will explain the route that fits your institution, program or situation.