u/Ambitious-Algae-2280

Just received my endorsement decision from the British Academy and instead of a letter attachment it just says the email itself is the decision letter and to use it for Stage 2. No separate PDF or document attached.

Has anyone else had this? Is the email alone sufficient for the Stage 2 application?

For context — applied April 17th, got the decision today May 6th. So just under 3 weeks, which included some back and forth with my employer on the revised SoG due to the new April 2026 template changes.

Applied under Route 1 (British Academy, humanities/social science) and after submission the BA contacted my HR directly asking for a revised Statement of Guarantee and Job Description to meet the new April 2026 template requirements — specifically the PhD/equivalent essential criterion language.

HR has now resubmitted. Just wondering:

- Has anyone else had the BA reach out directly to their employer to fix the SoG post-submission?

- Is this them being lenient given how new the changes are, or is this standard practice?

- Has anyone been assessed under the post-April 2026 criteria yet and what was your experience?

Still within the 14 working day window so fingers crossed — just trying to gauge how common this is!