The British Association for Open Learning (BAOL) operated on a non-profit making basis. The non-commercial status meant that the Association could offer an independent view without bias to any one sector. The Association's strengths were those of its members. BAOL only accepted institutions committed to excellence in learning. The goals of BAOL, an association for open learning in the United Kingdom, are to build a dynamic community with global reach, committed to innovation, excellence, and best practice in learning.