Suspension and Withdrawal Policy

Last updated: October 2026Applies to: Higher Council for Distance Education (HCDE)

Purpose

An accreditation tells the public that a body met HCDE's standards. If that stops being true, the public record must say so promptly and fairly. This policy explains how HCDE decides, and what protections apply.

Grounds

HCDE may suspend or withdraw accreditation where, for example:

• The body no longer meets one or more standards
• The body gave false or misleading information, or concealed a significant change
• The body failed to submit an annual report, to respond to a condition, or to cooperate with a review
• The body used the accreditation or the HCDE mark in a misleading way
• The body ceased to operate, or lost its legal authority to do so
• Learners or the public are at serious risk

Process

• HCDE writes to the body, states the concern and the evidence, and gives it a stated period to respond, unless immediate action is needed to protect learners.
• The Accreditation Committee considers the response and decides.
• The decision is sent in writing with its reasons and the right of appeal.

Suspension

Suspension is temporary. During it the body must not describe itself as currently accredited, must not use the mark, and must follow any conditions set. The registry shows the status and the date. Suspension ends when HCDE confirms in writing that the concerns are resolved, or it becomes a withdrawal.

Withdrawal

Withdrawal ends the accreditation. The body must stop using the mark and any statement that it is accredited. The registry keeps a record that the accreditation existed and when it ended.

Voluntary withdrawal

A body may ask HCDE in writing to end its accreditation. HCDE records the request and the date, and the registry shows the status accordingly.

Learners

HCDE expects the body to protect enrolled learners, including those part-way through a program. HCDE may ask for a teach-out plan and may publish a notice to inform learners and employers.

Public notices

Suspensions and withdrawals are published as public notices in the registry, giving the name of the body, the status and the date. Reasons are published only where HCDE considers it necessary and fair to do so.

Reinstatement

A body whose accreditation was withdrawn may apply again as a new applicant once it can show that the reasons for withdrawal no longer apply.

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