Accreditation standard terms of business
These standard terms of business apply to provisions within the UK, which directly support autistic people and are seeking or holding a level awarded by Autism Accreditation from the National Autistic Society.
The term ‘Accreditation’ applies to the Autism Accreditation department of the National Autistic Society and those employed or contracted to work for this department.
The term ‘provision’ applies to the support service, services or settings described in the assessment/inclusion plan.
The term ‘organisation’ applies to the organisation directly responsible for the supervision of this provision. It is acknowledged that in some situations the provision and the organisation can be one and the same.
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The assessment/inclusion plan outlines the work that Accreditation considers necessary to assess a provision together with associated costs. These costings remain valid for three months after submission of the proposal. Once the assessment/inclusion plan is agreed, the cost of the basic assessment is fixed until the assessment has been completed. The cost of optional extras (quality development sessions and extended assessment, if applicable) is fixed for a minimal period of 12 months after which Accreditation reserves the right to review quoted prices.In agreeing the assessment/inclusion plan, the provision confirms the accuracy of any information it has provided to inform the plan in order that the assessment/inclusion plan remains valid. During the pre-assessment period, the provision may wish to redefine the services due to be assessed. It is the responsibility of the provision to ensure that the information remains accurate during the pre-assessment period and that they notify Accreditation of any changes. Both parties must agree this in writing.
It is the responsibility of the provision to take reasonable steps to ensure that those who are entitled to complete the online surveys are made aware of it, and that they do not unduly influence how individuals respond.
The provision is responsible for notifying Accreditation of any safeguarding concerns or adverse media attention, which could be considered relevant to awarding accredited status.
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The provision should book the dates of their assessment with a minimum six months’ notice. Subject to the terms of cancellation below, there will be no reimbursement of fees paid should the provision cancel an assessment date.The Accreditation Awards Committee considers the assessment report. Provisions can appeal against the Committee decision to an independent Awards and Commendation Panel. The Panel decision is final and no further discussion will be entered into on the matter.
Following completion of the assessment plan, a new assessment plan will be agreed with the provision. Accreditation recommends that the provision undergo a further assessment at least every three years in order to maintain the creditability of accredited status and to show progression.
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On registration, the provision becomes responsible for the payment of fees stated in the assessment/inclusion plan. The provision is invoiced as applicable. We accept electronic payment via bank transfers and/or credit card payments by phone, please contact Accreditation for details CustomerRelationsEnquiries@nas.org.uk. Our standard payment terms are 30 days from the date of the invoice.Necessary travel and accommodation costs will be charged in addition, for any provision offshore mainland United Kingdom or where travel expenses are exceptional.
The right is reserved to charge interest at the rate chargeable under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 in respect of late payments of invoices. Non-payment of invoices within 90 days of the due date will be deemed a cancellation of the agreement by the provision and the cancellation terms below will apply.
Accreditation is committed to resolving any invoice queries as soon as possible. The provision should raise any query in writing with CustomerRelationsEnquiries@nas.org.uk within 30 days of the date of the fee note. We reserve the right to take legal action to recover outstanding debts, including statutory interest.
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As stated above, the provision must book the date of their assessment at least six months in advance, no reimbursement of fees paid will normally be made, any unpaid invoice would be recovered as a debt, and the provision would need to book a new date for assessment and pay a further assessment fee should it wish to proceed with the programme.Should the provision wish to postpone an assessment visit by giving at least 28 days’ notice prior to the agreed assessment date, and (at Accreditation’s sole discretion) the reason is deemed to be outside the provision’s reasonable control, the assessment may be postponed rather than cancelled.
If a provision cancels or postpones an Accreditation visit, they are at risk of forfeiting said visit should it not be able to be rearranged. Accreditation reserves the right to reschedule any visit. In these cases, no additional fee will apply.
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Accreditation will carry out and complete an assessment/application in accordance with the Assessment/inclusion plan but reserves the right to terminate the agreement if a provision is acting unreasonably. Accreditation will declare an award null and void if achieved under false representation. Where there are safeguarding concerns present within a provision Accreditation may suspend or terminate the plan and award, depending on the circumstances. In such cases no reimbursement or cancellation of fees paid or payable will be made.Further details can be found within the Safeguarding and Wellbeing Statement.
If a provision wishes to terminate an assessment plan this should be done so in writing to the allocated adviser and to CustomerRelationsEnquiries@nas.org.uk.
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If a provision is dissatisfied with the work of Accreditation, it should contact the senior management of Accreditation to seek resolution. If the provision is not happy with the response from the senior management of Accreditation, please refer to the NAS Complaints, Comments and Compliments Policy and related guidelines.
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As part of The National Autistic Society, Accreditation is committed to protecting your privacy. Accreditation will only contact you about information relevant to Accreditation. Please see additional guidelines or refer to our please refer to the National Autistic Society’s Data Protection Policy.
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Accreditation reserves the right to vary these terms by giving not less than twenty-eight (28) days’ notice. Any provision may terminate its involvement with the programme within that notice period should it wish to do so, without any further financial payment (but for the avoidance of doubt, without any reimbursement of fees paid or payable as at the date of withdrawal from the programme). In the absence of any termination by a provision within twenty-eight days of receipt of the notice to vary, the provision will be deemed to have accepted the revised terms.
Autism Accreditation – Standard Terms of Business
Effective from: 5 February 2026
These Terms apply to all accreditation services provided by the National Autistic Society (“NAS”). By submitting an application for accreditation or continuing to use NAS accreditation services, you agree to these Terms. Please read them carefully.
1. Definitions and Interpretation
In these Terms:
- “Accreditation” means Autism Accreditation or Autism Friendly Award status granted by NAS.
- “Accreditation Fee” means the fee payable for accreditation services as published by NAS.
- “NAS Marks” means NAS trademarks, logos, and branding provided for use under these Terms.
- “Eligibility Criteria” means the standards set by NAS for accreditation, as updated from time to time.
- “Personal Data”, “Controller”, and “Processor” have the meanings given in UK Data Protection Legislation.
- “Change of Control” means a change in ownership or control of the Customer entity.
- “Insolvency Event” means any event where the Customer becomes unable to pay its debts or enters administration, liquidation, or similar proceedings.
- References to the singular include the plural and vice versa.
- Headings are for convenience only and do not affect interpretation.
2. Scope of Services
The National Autistic Society (NAS) provides accreditation services in accordance with its published standards and processes. Accreditation is granted at NAS’s sole discretion following assessment against the Eligibility Criteria. Accreditation does not constitute endorsement but provides external verification of the standard of specific services or activities provided by the Customer
3. Customer Responsibilities
You must:
- Provide accurate and complete information in all submissions.
- Complete all required documentation, including the Accreditation framework document/workbook.
- Where part of the assessment process it is the responsibility of the provision to take reasonable steps to ensure that those who are entitled to complete the online surveys are made aware of it, and that they do not unduly influence how individuals respond.
- Notify NAS promptly of any material changes to your organisation or information provided. If these amount to variations in the registration size this must be notified in no less than 18 months prior to your proposed assessment date, via an amendment of contract form.
- Cooperate with NAS during the assessment process.
- The provision is responsible for notifying Accreditation of any safeguarding concerns or adverse media attention, which could be considered relevant to awarding accredited status.
- Pay all applicable fees in accordance with these Terms.
Failure to comply may result in suspension or withdrawal of accreditation.
4. Accreditation Process
- NAS will review your application and supporting documentation.
- The Accreditation Awards Committee will determine eligibility at its sole discretion.
- If accreditation is refused, NAS will provide feedback and allow one reapplication within 12 months.
- Appeals must be submitted in writing within one month of refusal.
Cancellation or postponement of visits
- As stated above, the provision must book the date of their assessment at least six months in advance, no reimbursement of fees paid will normally be made, any unpaid invoice would be recovered as a debt, and the provision would need to book a new date for assessment and pay a further assessment fee should it wish to proceed with the programme.
- Should the provision wish to postpone an assessment visit by giving at least 28 days’ notice prior to the agreed assessment date, and (at Accreditation’s sole discretion) the reason is deemed to be outside the provision’s reasonable control, the assessment may be postponed rather than cancelled.
- If a provision cancels or postpones an Accreditation visit, they are at risk of forfeiting said visit should it not be able to be rearranged. Accreditation reserves the right to reschedule any visit. In these cases, no additional fee will apply
5. Fees and Payment
- NAS will invoice the Accreditation Fee and any agreed expenses.
- Payment is due within 30 days of the invoice date.
- Interest accrues on overdue sums at 4% per annum above the Bank of England base rate.
- Fees are exclusive of VAT and any agreed expenses.
- All payments must be made in full without set-off or deduction.
6. Intellectual Property
- NAS retains all rights in NAS Marks and materials.
- Accredited organisations receive a limited, non-exclusive licence to use NAS Marks solely to demonstrate accreditation status.
- You must comply with NAS Brand Guidelines and must not:
- Register any mark or domain name similar to NAS Marks.
- Challenge NAS’s ownership of NAS Marks.
- Use NAS Marks in a way that damages NAS’s reputation.
- All goodwill arising from use of NAS Marks belongs to NAS.
- NAS may suspend or revoke this licence for breach.
7. Liability
Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits liability for death, personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, or any liability that cannot lawfully be limited.
NAS shall not be liable for any indirect or consequential losses, including loss of profits, revenue, goodwill, or reputation.
NAS’s total aggregate liability arising under or in connection with these Terms shall not exceed two times (2×) the Accreditation Fee paid by the Customer.
8. Indemnity
You agree to indemnify NAS against all claims, costs, and losses (including legal fees) arising from:
- Breach of these Terms.
- Use of NAS Marks.
- Third-party claims relating to your accreditation status or activities.
9. Withdrawal of Accreditation
NAS may withdraw accreditation immediately if:
- You breach these Terms or Brand Guidelines.
- You act in a way that damages NAS’s reputation.
- You become insolvent or undergo a Change of Control.
On withdrawal, you must:
- Cease using NAS Marks.
- Remove all references to accreditation.
- Pay any outstanding sums.
- Return or destroy NAS materials (except one copy for audit purposes).
10. Confidentiality
Both parties must keep confidential information secure and not disclose it except as required by law or to professional advisers under confidentiality obligations. This obligation survives termination.
11. Data Protection
- Both parties will comply with UK GDPR and applicable data protection laws.
- You are the Controller; NAS is the Processor.
- NAS will:
- Process personal data only on your instructions.
- Implement appropriate security measures.
- Notify you of any data breach without undue delay.
- Allow audits on reasonable notice (max once per year).
- Return or delete personal data on termination unless retention is required by law.
- NAS may appoint third-party processors subject to equivalent obligations.
- No international transfers without appropriate safeguards.
12. Compliance
You must comply with all applicable laws, including the Bribery Act 2010 and Modern Slavery Act 2015.
13. Publicity
NAS may list accredited organisations on its website. No other public announcements or use of NAS name/logo may be made without prior written consent.
14. Complaints
Complaints should be raised in accordance with NAS’s published complaints procedure. If unresolved, escalation will follow NAS’s Complaints Policy.
15. Notices
Any notice or other document to be given under these Terms shall be in writing and shall be deemed duly given if sent by email to CustomerRelationsEnquiries@nas.org.uk or to the email address provided by the Customer in its application.
16. Changes to Terms
Business Terms are subject to change. NAS may update these Terms from time to time. Where changes are material, NAS will provide reasonable advance notice by publishing the updated Terms on its website and, where practicable, notifying Customers by email.
17. General
- Variation: NAS may update these Terms at any time by publishing changes online.
- Assignment: You may not transfer rights without NAS consent.
- Third-Party Rights: No rights for third parties under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.
- Entire Agreement: These Terms constitute the entire agreement.
- Severance: Invalid provisions do not affect the remainder.
- Waiver: Failure to enforce rights does not waive them.
- Relationship: Nothing creates a partnership or agency.
- Governing Law: These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. The courts of England and Wales have exclusive jurisdiction.