BAC pushes for clear policies in higher education

The Barbados Accreditation Council (BAC) is ramping up efforts to ensure higher education providers operate with clear, documented policies, insisting that verbal guidelines and informal decision-making are no longer sufficient.

The council stressed the importance of providers adhering to structured systems to enhance accountability, consistency and quality assurance.

This was the focus of the Essentials of Policy Development Workshop, held on Thursday at BAC’s headquarters, where officials and educators gathered to address gaps in policy formulation, particularly in admissions, governance, and curriculum development.

The workshop is part of BAC’s broader mission to strengthen the country’s higher education sector by ensuring that institutions effectively meet established accreditation standards.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the workshop, Quality Assurance Officer at BAC, Karen Collins shared that while many institutions have a general understanding of their policies, they often fail to document them in a structured manner, leading to inconsistencies, compliance issues, and potential legal risks.

“Many providers have ideas of policies and procedures in their heads, but they’re not articulated, they’re not formalised, they’re not documented,” she said.

“Over the years, we’ve recognised that some areas need development, and we thought it would be wise to build capacity so that providers can meet requirements more efficiently—without frustration on either side.”

Collins noted that policy development is critical, as it ensures that institutions operate transparently and consistently, benefiting both students and educators.

“If policies aren’t written down, institutions risk facing disputes from students who may claim unfair treatment,” noting that a structured, documented approach eliminates uncertainty and strengthens accountability.

One of the main focus areas of the workshop was admissions policies, where, according to the officer, some institutions sometimes make on-the-spot exceptions without clear criteria, leading to uncertainty and potential bias.

“A provider may say their entry requirement is three CXCs, but what happens if a student does not have those qualifications but demonstrates other competencies? If there’s no written policy outlining alternative admission pathways, institutions open themselves up to inconsistencies and potential legal challenges,” Collins explained.

The BAC stressed that having a structured admissions policy—including alternative pathways for students who may not meet standard entry requirements—is crucial for transparency and fairness.

The workshop, facilitated by Executive Director of PLA Inc., Philip Lashley,  brought together a diverse mix of institutions, including Barbados Institute of Management And Productivity (BIMAP), Insurance Institute of Barbados, Regional Security System, Victoria University and Barbados Cosmetology School.

These institutions, ranging from large universities to smaller specialised providers, engaged in breakout sessions, where they drafted policies with BAC’s guidance.

“What excites us is seeing our registered providers committed to continuously improving their standards,” Collins said. “We also extended invitations to prospective institutions that are in the process of becoming registered because we want to help them get it right from the start.”

She told reporters that beyond the workshop and other similar training sessions, the BAC provides ongoing oversight and support for institutions.

“From the moment a provider is assigned to a Quality Assurance Officer, there is constant communication. They are also required to submit annual reports to update us on changes and compliance with accreditation standards,” Collins said, noting that previous workshops have focused on Curriculum Development, Quality Management Systems and Financial Management, each of which addresses key areas where institutions may struggle, ensuring they have the necessary tools and resources to improve their operations.

“Many providers have met the basic requirements, but we want to help them step up—to refine their policies and create a system that truly serves their learners.”

She further noted that the workshop marks a continued effort by BAC to elevate the standards of higher education in Barbados, ensuring that students receive high-quality, structured, and legally sound education from institutions that operate transparently and consistently.

(SM)