An experienced SEDA representative will be available to provide further information on the Scheme and to give advice and support in developing the programme and the SEDA recognition process.
When ready to proceed with the Scheme the Programme Leader contacts SEDA for a registration form and mapping document. Programme Leaders are asked to start mapping out how the various outcomes and processes implicit in their programme relate to the SEDA objectives and values before attending the briefing and training session.
The Programme Leader and a colleague attend the briefing and training session where they explore the SEDA Scheme and continue the mapping of their programme on to the Scheme. They also examine the recognition process, both from the point of view of their own programme and with a view to their becoming recognisers for future programmes themselves. When attendance has been confirmed the institution will be invoiced for the first part payment of the accreditation fee.
The Programme Leader completes the development of their programme, maintaining contact with their Committee Contact where appropriate. When completed they inform SEDA, who will send an Application Form for SEDA Recognition and a list of recognisers and brief summaries of recognised programmes.
The Programme Leader nominates a recogniser of their choice, SEDA appoints a second recogniser and confirms details to the institution. The second part of the fee is payable at this stage.
The process of recognition takes place. This consists of a dialogue between the SEDA recognisers and the programme team which can take different forms as appropriate to each institution. This may include a visit by the recognisers to the institution, but this is not a requirement.
The Programme Leader is asked to provide three copies of the programme documentation, including a course validation document or participant handbook where available; a completed SEDA mapping document; their personal reflections of going through the recognition process (for evaluation and feedback purposes) and a 500-word summary of their programme. Recognisers are asked to complete a recognition report and a short reflective account of the process and to provide copies of relevant correspondence.
When the recognisers believe they have sufficient evidence to recommend that the programme should be recognised, they make a report in writing detailing the form and result of their dialogue. This will be submitted to the Teacher Accreditation Committee for ratification.
On receipt by SEDA of all documentation and payment of all invoices and ratification of the recognisers’ recommendations by the Teacher Accreditation Committee, a SEDA Certificate of Recognition of the programme will be issued. This includes the date when the programme will be due for review.
For the period of recognition the Programme Leaders may apply on behalf of successful graduates of the programme for a SEDA Certificate of Accreditation. This includes the SEDA Values and Objectives.
The recognition report is submitted to the Accreditation Steering Committee which oversees the running of the Scheme and adjudicates on appeals against recognition decisions.
The Programme Leader is required to notify SEDA of any substantial changes to their programme and to complete a feedback form annually. It is recommended that new Programme Leaders attend a briefing and training event. A nominal charge will be made for this.
Programme Leaders of all recognised programmes are invited to at least one policy forum per year where a major focus is the maintenance of quality of the Scheme.
At the beginning of the academic year in which the review date falls SEDA will inform the institution and will appoint two reviewers, one of whom should be one of the original recognisers. This person will normally become the ‘lead’ reviewer and will have responsibility for arrangements for the review process.
The fee will be invoiced when the appointment of the reviewers in confirmed.
The Programme Leader will be asked to send the reviewers an evaluative report on the operation and running of the programme since the last recognition or review. This will include feedback from participants, reports from external examiners, a description of any substantial changes and a new mapping document if necessary, any new documentation and a list of issues for discussion.
The reviewers will write a report on the process with their recommendations, including the date for the next review. This report will be submitted to the Teacher Accreditation Committee for ratification.
When copies of all new documentation and reports, any outstanding payments and ratification by the committee have been received a new certificate will be sent to the institution. This includes the date when the programme will next be due for review.
An archive will contain all relevant documentation including recognition reports; dates of recognition; names of accredited individuals and the institution where they received their accreditation.
The fee for SEDA Accreditation is £1,500. This is payable in two installments, the first at stage 3, the second at stage 5. Overseas fees are by negotiation.
The standard charges assume a half day meeting between the SEDA representatives and the programme team. The institution where the programme is based pays expenses of, for example, travel and subsistence, and any additional charge made for an event longer than a half day.
The fee for training a new Programme Leader is £75. The fee for the review of a recognised programme is £750.
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