Stages 1 - 5 cover the initial application, pre-qualification, assessment and award of DA Accredited Member status.

Stage 6 + are yearly progression stages that are developed in relation to the previous stage. The performance in set criteria is measured against prior results.

STAGE 1 - THE APPLICATION
Prior to completing the application all applicants should carefully study the pages on this website and read the Terms and Conditions of accreditation and membership.

Applicants must read the Code of Conduct as it is a requirement that DA Accredited Members abide by the Code.

A checklist of requirements is provided in order that applicants have vital information to hand when completing the online form.

A comprehensive application form must be completed and guidance notes are provided to assist.

Summary Stage 1

• Read all relevant material
• Compile material required
• Complete application form
• Submit application form
• Submit any supplementary material and documents
• Make payment of application fee

STAGE 2 - PRE-QUALIFICATION
This includes:

• Verifying that all submission requirements have been received
• Obtaining a third party business report
• Qualifying Professional Indemnity Insurance
• Qualifying applicants Terms & Conditions

Possible outcomes:

1. Application progresses to Stage 3.
2. Further information and/or material requested from applicant.
3. Application rejected - in this case the application fee will be refunded less the cost of pre-qualification administration, including P+P for return of any material. Applicants will be notified stating reasons.

At this stage all supplementary submissions will be collated from sources provided in the completed application form.

The assessment is split into 2 distinct categories:

A qualification by DA of the criteria submissions made on the application form and review of supplementary information collated.

A full external company report provided by Experian is reviewed.

A qualification by DA of the criteria submissions made on the application form.

An assessment made by the Design Panel of the projects submitted, the professional practice criteria, including practice documents and process, and responses from client references.

STAGE 4 - EVALUATION
The assessment results (Stage 3) are collated and evaluated alongside the benchmarks set for successful accreditation.

Verification of any of the submitted details may be requested by DA.

Any outstanding supplementary documentation must be received before this stage can be completed.

Possible outcomes:

1. Applicant succeeds and progresses to Stage 5.
2. Applicant is requested to provide further details.
3. Applicant is rejected - in this case all work and materials will be returned to the applicant. A written explanation will be provided and a suggested course of action recommended to assist the applicant in any future application.

If an applicant is rejected at this stage there will be no refund of the application fee.

STAGE 5 - AWARD OF DA ACCREDITED MEMBER STATUS
Only those applicants who are to awarded accreditation and membership will progress to Stage 5.

The successful applicant is notified of their successful application.

They also receive a notice for payment of the appropriate annual membership fee together with means of payment details, cheque, credit card, direct debit.

Once payment is processed the member is notified and receives the following:

• Invoice and receipt for the annual fee
• DA Accreditation Certificate
• Welcome pack(s) containing details of DA membership benefits and features

STAGE 6 - ANNUAL ACCREDITATION REVIEW
This is the first stage in a continuous yearly accreditation programme. Members will undertake stage reviews indicating their performance and continuous commitment to accreditation.

On the anniversary of accreditation, members will be required to confirm the status of their accreditation and notify DA of any changes.

DA may request members to submit answers to certain selected key criteria contained in the original application.

The base accreditation criteria together with any additional submissions will be reviewed by DA. Clarification may be sought on any criteria during this review.

The review will take into consideration matters relating to the membership during the year.