Appeals and Complaints

HCDE expects to be challenged. A route to challenge a decision, heard by people who were not involved, is part of what makes an accreditation worth trusting.

Which route?

Appealing a decision

An appeal may be made on four grounds: the published procedure was not followed and this affected the decision; the decision could not reasonably have been reached on the evidence; there is new evidence that could not reasonably have been given earlier; or a decision-maker had an undeclared conflict of interest.

1. Send the appeal in writing within the period given in your decision letter, stating the grounds and attaching your evidence.
2. HCDE acknowledges it and tells you who will hear it.
3. The Appeals Panel, which includes no one from the original decision, considers the appeal. It may invite you to address it.
4. The panel confirms the decision, changes it, or sends the matter back for a new review, and sends you its reasons in writing.

The registry stays as decided while an appeal is considered, unless HCDE finds that learners or the public are at risk.

Complaining about HCDE

Write to HCDE saying what happened and what you would like done. Someone not involved in the matter looks into it, and you receive a written answer with reasons.

Concerns about an accredited body

Raise a concern with the institution first. If you believe it is breaking HCDE's standards or misusing its accreditation, write to HCDE. We treat it as information that may lead to a review, and tell you what we are able to share about the outcome.

Where to write

Use [email protected], or write to 500 Delaware Ave, Wilmington, DE 19801, USA. For the full rules, read the Complaints and Appeals Policy.