1. The accreditation process conducted has been procedurally unfair. This may include, for example, an allegation that due process has not been followed.
2. The outcome of the accreditation process is unjustified or unreasonable on the basis of the evidence available at the time of the decision.

To lodge an appeal, an education provider must submit the appeal in writing within 30 days of receiving the accreditation decision.

The decision under appeal will not take effect until the appeal is resolved, unless otherwise agreed.

Once an appeal is received, the ADC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will discuss the matter with the education provider in the first instance. Where there continues to be an unresolved disagreement regarding a decision, the ADC will convene a review panel to assess the submission. The panel will include:

• One head of an ADC-accredited program
• One senior academic from another ADC-accredited program
• One member with accreditation experience from another accreditation authority.

The review panel will review the relevant reports and documentation. During the review the education provider will be invited to provide oral submissions to the panel. The review panel may choose to:

• interview staff, students, and other relevant people
• Inspect facilities, if necessary to reach an informed decision

The review panel will prepare a report based on its investigation, and share it with the education provider. They will be given the opportunity to respond to any issues raised in the report before the ADC Board of Directors makes a final decision on the content of the accreditation team report, program accreditation status and/or conditions.

More information about the appeal process is available in our ADC Program accreditation appeals policy, found here.