End-of-Year Tasks:

Set Your Next Accreditation Year Up for Success


Everyone talks about starting the new year with a fresh perspective, new goals, and renewed energy. But one of the most overlooked opportunities is what you do before the new year begins.

The end of the year is the perfect time to reduce future stress, eliminate uncertainty, and quietly set yourself up for a smoother accreditation year ahead.

Here are five practical strategies to focus on before the year closes.

  1. Set a proof collection goal for the coming year
    Decide on a target date by which you want the majority of next year’s proofs collected. Write it down and put it somewhere you’ll see it regularly. A visible, low-pressure reminder can help keep you on track long before deadlines creep up.

  2. Reset time-sensitive tasks to the start of the new year
    For reports and tasks you can control, consider moving them to January. Most everyone can relate to a "calendar year" and reviewing the previous 12 months. This helps keep time-sensitive files manageable. It will also ensure they’re completed on time and clearly fall within your accreditation cycle, no matter when your formal assessment occurs.

  3. Communicate key accreditation dates early
    Send an email or otherwise notify staff who play a role in accreditation about important due dates for the upcoming year. Early communication helps set expectations and prevents last-minute scrambling later on.

  4. Start planning your next mock or file review now
    Take a look at your calendar and begin conversations about an internal mock review or a remote review—whether that’s with internal staff or outside support. Regular outside perspectives on your files can reveal small issues early, when they’re easier to fix.

  5. Commit to growing your accreditation knowledge
    Make a conscious decision to broaden your accreditation horizons in the coming year. This could include free webinars, peer-to-peer mentoring, conferences, mastermind groups, or other industry-specific forums. Small investments in yourself can pay off significantly over time.

Bonus: Add these two end-of-year cleanup tasks

  1. Do a quick year-end file health check
    Before the year closes, spot-check a sampling of standards to make sure proofs are current, complete, and clearly labeled. You’re not trying to fix everything — just taking the temperature of your files so you’re not surprised later. Even a short review can highlight patterns or small issues worth addressing early in the new year.

  2. Clean up old or outdated tasks
    Review open PowerDMS tasks, workflows, or reminders and close out anything that no longer applies. This includes old sticky notes in your workspace that no longer apply. Clearing old tasks reduces mental clutter and makes it easier to focus on what actually matters when the new year begins. Starting fresh feels better — and it’s easier to stay organized.


Accreditation can feel overwhelming when everything stacks up at once, but a little intentional planning now can make a big difference later. If you want to talk through any of these ideas, bounce something off someone, or ask a quick question, I’m always happy to help. You’ll find my contact information at the bottom of this post — don’t hesitate to reach out.


Who do you know that could benefit from these accreditation-friendly tips and resources? Consider sharing this link with a colleague so they can sign up:https://www.accreditationacademy.net/signup 

Areaka P. Jewell

Accreditation Academy

areaka@accreditationacademy.net

(305) 360-1075