Accreditation

Autism Accreditation is UK’s only autism specific quality assurance programme of support and development for all those providing services to autistic people. Achieving accreditation proves that an organisation is committed to understanding autism and setting the standard for autism practice.

Autism Accreditation is an internationally recognised quality standard, and with 25 years of accreditation expertise, we are the longest running programme in the world.

Accredited services include:

adult services
colleges
inclusion units
local authorities
playgroups
prisons
schools
short break services and more.

What are the benefits of being accredited?

a more autism-focused service
increased expertise in supporting autistic people
foundation for informing strategic planning
better outcomes for the autistic people you support/work with
reassurance for families/carers
a more personalised service
increase in referrals to the service/school
decrease in vacancies for placements
evidence for commissioning bodies
ongoing development for the service/school.

Autism accreditation journey

There are four phases in the accreditation process:

Your organisation undertakes a comprehensive and detailed self-audit of current practice
Implementation of accreditation action plan based on the self-audit with your adviser
Optional quality development visits can be held with your adviser to reflect on practice and undertaking of your action plan

Assessment planning with your adviser to plan the format of your assessment and what to expect
Assessment days include observation of practice, oversight of key person centred documentation, and discussions with key people within the provision (including autistic people where relevant)
Observations may also be undertaken by an independent moderator
Online accreditation survey is sent to families and/or autistic people
A report summary of assessment findings, areas of strength and development is produced by the adviser and sent to the awarding body

Outcomes are measured against specific criteria that must be met and demonstrated in order to achieve one of the following stages of 'aspiring', 'accredited' and 'advanced'
A licence to use the Autism Accreditation mark is issued along with a certificate for organisations who achieve accredited status and above.

Once your organisation is accredited, you'll be able to enjoy the following benefits:

use of the Autism Accreditation logo on promotional materials once accredited status is granted, and licence agreement signed
press pack containing guidance on how to publicise your accreditation achievement externally
invitations to free accreditation and raising the standards days
10% discount to National Autistic Society conferences and training events
opportunity for staff to continue professional development
access to the wider Autism Accreditation Community

Accredited status will be reconfirmed upon request from the provision after an agreed period of time
Enhanced practice commendations can be gained for specific projects and pieces of work by submitting an application to be considered for recognition after accredited status is achieved
Exclusive access to Autism Accreditation networking events

Case studies

Mortar board icon

Glasgow Caledonian University

The Student Well-Being Service has become the very first in the UK to achieve Accreditation

Read more

Shaking hands icon

Hertfordshire Council

Accreditation: "We joined accreditation to ensure that we are providing the very best services and practice"

Read more

Wilds Lodge School

Accreditation: "We decided to reorganise and become wholly inclusive for autistic children"

Read more

Who has achieved accreditation?

See which organisations have achieved accredited status

See all