Constitution of the Association of Independent Higher Education Providers
1. Name
The Association is to be known as the “Association of Independent Higher Education Providers” (AIHEP)
2. Objects
The objects of the Association are:-
a) To require high quality standards from member institutions in respect of all aspects of their work including in particular quality assurance procedures course delivery, academic administration, examination procedures, student pastoral care and course marketing, etc.
b) To promote the views and interests of the Association’s member institutions to relevant UK Government departments and agencies and other appropriate bodies.
c) To provide a forum for the dissemination of good academic practice within the higher education sector.
d) To require member institutions to work closely with relevant UK Government departments and agencies (including High Commissions and Embassies) in respect of student issues including in particular student registration and attendance.
e) To promote the benefits of quality private sector higher education to the UK public generally and to relevant bodies and agencies in particular.
f) To work closely with UK Universities in “partnership” with member institutions in developing policy and strategy.
3. Membership
There are two categories of membership – Foundation and Ordinary.
a) The FOUNDATION members are Bellerbys/Study Group of Lorna House, 103 Lorna Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 3EL, Holborn College of Woolwich Road Charlton, London SE7 8LN London School of Commerce of Chaucer House, White Hart Yard, London SE1 1NX and the School of Technology and Management of Kings Head House, Kings Head Yard, London, SE1 1NA. However for the purpose of proposing and seconding prospective new members of the Association under para. 6 and for the purposes of convening special general meetings under para. 11 the last two mentioned Foundation members are to be regarded as one.
b) ORDINARY membership is open to institutions which are:-
i) independent higher education ones;
ii) registered under any appropriate UK government scheme for independent / higher education institutions in place from time to time. However, prior to the establishment of any such scheme the institution must be accredited by the British Accreditation Council for Independent Further and Higher Education; and
iii) offering degree courses of a UK University (whether on a franchised or validated basis) by full-time study.
In addition, the application of an institution for ORDINARY membership must be proposed and seconded by two of the FOUNDATION members.
In the event of a dispute as to whether or not a prospective ordinary member meets the requirements of para (b) i)-iii) above a decision of the Association’s Executive Committee is conclusive of the matter.