Short Course Provider (SCP) Candidacy / Stage 2 Inspection

Transcription

1 BRITISH ACCREDITATION COUNCIL INSPECTION REPORT Short Course Provider (SCP) Candidacy / Stage 2 Inspection PROVIDER: ADDRESS: London Centre for International Executive Education Winchester House 269 Old Marylebone Road London NW1 5RA HEAD OF PROVIDER: Peter Dovey, Principal and Director DATE OF INSPECTION: 4 December 2014 ACCREDITATION STATUS AT INSPECTION: Unaccredited DECISION ON ACCREDITATION: Accreditation awarded for 6 months. Award of accreditation deferred. Award of accreditation refused. Date: 29 Jan 2015 Page 1 of 10

2 PART A - INTRODUCTION 1. Background to the provider The London Centre for International Executive Education (LCIEE), formed in 2014, is a trading name of Albara Management Ltd, incorporated in 2000 in order to provide high-level executive education in the form of short programmes to senior executives based mainly in the Middle East. Albara Management Services Ltd has operated as a management consultancy for 14 years. Since 2000 its two directors have also run EN Education, a consultancy specialising in links between higher education institutions in the Middle East and Universities and providing student placements for UK universities as a recognised agent. EN Education has a secure rental agreement for serviced offices in London which provide an administrative base for LCIEE operations. It plans to market its programmes, to be tutored by industry experts, as both open to all and 'bespoke' programmes for particular organisations either in London venues, normally hotels, or at clients' premises. LCIEE has assembled an experienced management team that includes its Director, Strategic Director, PR and Marketing Officer, Creative Director and Business Development Manager. The latter has responsibility for running day-to-day operations, meeting clients and programme delegates, sourcing suitable training venues and liaising with programme leaders on content, style, presentation etc. He has qualified teacher status. LCIEE's proposed programmes appear to be intensive, practically-focused, and targeted to the particular needs of senior professionals, particularly policy makers, initially in the Middle East. Courses aim to broaden delegates' skills in making strategic decisions, experience and cultural horizons. From enquiries already received, it is clear that sponsoring organisations consider London-based courses will provide rich benefits to delegates' future career development. Each programme is planned to run for a minimum of one and maximum of fourteen days and will not normally lead to an award, so no formal assessment will be made of participants at the end. However, LCIEE proposes to provide end of course certification and advice and support for participants' future continued professional development (CPD). Programmes consist of lectures from professional consultants (hired on a part-time freelance basis) and include discussion, case studies, visits to places of interest, assignments and shared work examples where possible. Some of the planned titles include: Making Strategy and Innovation Gaining a Competitive Advantage through Strategic Planning Leading From the Top. (For all courses the number of days is flexible according to clients' requirements). Although LCIEE does not provide accommodation, it helps delegates find suitable accommodation if required, obtaining corporate discount through an agreement with a top London hotel chain. It also has agreements with a taxi firm to help delegates with transport arrangements. LCIEE is registered with the Institute of Learning and Management (ILM) as an approved provider. 2. Brief description of the current provision programmes are running at the moment. A booklet of proposed courses has been produced and course details are also provided on the website. LCIEE is currently marketing courses with a number of potential clients in the Middle East. Planned courses would aim to give senior professionals tools to improve their skills and experience. LCIEE is currently seeking to recruit delegates and the final course programme will depend on expressed demand through the marketing process. 3. Inspection process LCIEE administrative premises were inspected by one inspector over one day, comprising discussions with the two directors, three full-time employed staff and two freelance trainers, together with scrutiny of documentation. This included a signed compliance form for health and safety. It was not necessary to visit the hotels to be used for delivery as no courses are yet in operation. Page 2 of 10

3 PART B - JUDGEMENT AND EVIDENCE The following judgements and comments are based upon evidence seen by the inspector(s) during the inspection and from documentation provided by the provider. INSPECTION AREA - MAGEMENT, STAFFING AND ADMINISTRATION The provider is effectively managed The management structure is clearly defined, documented and understood, including the role and extent of authority of any owners, trustees or governing body. The head of the provider and other senior managers are suitably qualified and experienced, understand their specific responsibilities and are effective in carrying them out. 1.3 There are clear channels of communication between the management and staff and those working at the delivery venue/s. Partially t The two directors have exceptional experience in the fields of management consultancy and educational partnerships, particularly in the Middle East. LCIEE's 'parent' companies have been in operation since 2000 and based in the serviced offices in central London since then. Relationships and communications between the directors and other staff are extremely close; staff are all very clear about their roles and responsibilities. 2. The administration of the provider is effective 2.1 Administrators are suitably qualified or experienced and understand their specific responsibilities and duties. 2.2 The size of the administrative team is sufficient to ensure the effective day-to-day running of the provider. 2.3 The administrative support available to the management is clearly defined, documented and understood. 2.4 Policies, procedures and systems are well documented and effectively disseminated across the provider. 2.5 Data collection and collation systems are effective. 2.6 Administrative offices are adequate in size and resources for the effective administration of the provider. Partially t The directors take close control of day-to-day operations in association with administrative staff and the Business Development Manager, and this ensures that communications in this 'flat' organisation are extremely effective. 2.4 Although a start has been made on documenting policies relating to such areas as quality assurance, health and safety and equal opportunities, this is a work in progress, and policies are not yet disseminated to all staff. Data collection is limited at this stage as courses have not yet begun but plans for data collection are sound. LCIEE has a close relationship with its landlord (dating from 2000) which enables it to rent office space very flexibly from year to year. Page 3 of 10

4 3. The provider employs appropriate managerial and administrative staff 3.1 There are appropriate policies and effective procedures for the recruitment and continuing employment of suitably qualified and experienced staff. 3.2 Experience and qualifications claimed are verified before employment. 3.3 There is an effective system for regularly reviewing the performance of staff. Partially t 3.3 Currently day-to-day informal appraisal is effective but, although a formal yearly appraisal system has been planned, it has not yet begun as LCIEE is a new organisation. The recruitment policy is currently being finalised, but procedures are rigorous. LCIEE appears to have excellent procedures for hiring programme trainers and excellent plans for observing and reporting back to programme trainers. 4. Publicity material, both printed and electronic, gives a comprehensive, up-to-date and accurate description of the provider and its programmes Text and images provide an accurate depiction of the provider's location, premises, facilities and the range and nature of resources and services offered. Information on the courses available is comprehensive, accurate and up to date. Partially t Programme information seen is necessarily in draft form at this stage; however, it is comprehensive. It fully informs prospective delegates of details and structure of programmes. 5. The provider takes reasonable care to recruit and enrol suitable participants for its courses Entry requirements for each course, including those relating to language ability, are set at an appropriate level and clearly stated in the course descriptions seen by prospective participants. A formal application process ensures that participants meet the entry requirements and any claimed qualifications are verified The provider replies to all application enquiries promptly and appropriately and briefs all stakeholders properly on the nature and requirements of its programmes. Any overseas recruitment agents are properly selected, briefed, monitored and evaluated. Partially t Programmes are not yet in operation but recruitment plans and policy are fit for purpose. Page 4 of 10

5 6. There is an appropriate policy on participant attendance and effective procedures and systems to enforce it 6.1 There is a clear and published policy on participant attendance and punctuality. Partially t 6.1 This is currently being prepared as a published policy to be included in material ed to registered delegates and in handbooks. LCIEE has a clear policy in mind and has made a good start on producing final documentation. INSPECTION AREA - PARTICIPANT WELFARE Where residential accommodation is offered, it is fit for purpose, well maintained and appropriately supervised Any residential accommodation is clean, safe and of a standard which is adequate to the needs of participants. Any residential accommodation is open to inspection by the appropriate authorities, including Ofsted where participants under 18 are accommodated. Clear rules and fire, health and safety procedures are in place, with appropriate precautions taken for security of participants and their property. A level of supervision is provided appropriate to the needs of participants Separate accommodation blocks are provided for participants under 18. Partially t Page 5 of 10

6 Where home-stay accommodation is organised, the welfare of participants is ensured and the provider's relationship with hosts is properly managed Due care is taken in selecting home-stay accommodation which both provides a safe and comfortable living environment for participants and is appropriately located for travel to the provider and back. Any home-stay accommodation is inspected before participants are placed and is subject to regular re-inspection by a responsible representative or agent of the provider. The provider has appropriate contracts in place with any hosts, clearly setting out the rules, terms and conditions of the provision. Appropriate advice and support is given to both hosts and participants before and during the placement. Clear monitoring procedures are in place with opportunities for participant feedback and prompt action taken in the event of problems. Partially t The provider provides an appropriate social programme for participants and information on leisure activities in the area Participants are provided with appropriate information on opportunities for participation at events and other leisure activities which may be of interest The social programme is responsive to the needs and wishes of participants Any activities within the social programme have been chosen with consideration for their affordability by the majority of participants. Any activities organised by the provider are supervised by a responsible representative with suitable qualifications and experience. Partially t Good plans were discussed but they are not yet implemented because no programmes are yet in operation. Page 6 of 10

7 INSPECTION AREA - PREMISES AND FACILITIES 23. The provider has secure possession of and access to its premises 23.1 The provider has secure tenure on its premises Where required, the provider has access to suitable external premises for training purposes of a temporary or occasional nature. Partially t The premises referred to are the rented offices for administration. These offices are very flexible in terms of space depending on size of future operations; LCIEE's 'parent' company EN Education is the longest-serving tenant in the building, since 2000, and the directors apparently have an excellent relationship with the management company acting on the landlord's behalf. During the inspection evidence of this was observed. 24. The premises provide a safe, secure and clean environment for participants and staff 24.1 Access to the premises is appropriately restricted and secured The premises are maintained in an adequate state of repair, decoration and cleanliness There are specific safety rules in areas of particular hazard (e.g. science laboratories), made readily available to participants, staff and visitors. General guidance on health and safety is made available to participants, staff and visitors There is adequate signage inside and outside of the premises and notice boards for the display of general information. There is adequate circulation space for the number of participants and staff accommodated, and a suitable area in which to receive visitors. There are toilet facilities of an appropriate number and level of cleanliness There is adequate heating and ventilation in all rooms. Partially t te that this section is not applicable for stage 2 as it refers to premises used for training. The administrative premises are serviced offices which are rented and they comply with all statutory requirements as indicated by LCIEE's signing the compliance declaration. Page 7 of 10

8 25. Training rooms and other learning areas are appropriate for the courses offered 25.1 Training rooms and other learning areas provide adequate accommodation in size and number for the classes allocated to them Training rooms and any specialised learning areas (e.g. laboratories, workshops, studios) are equipped to a level which allows for the effective delivery of each course There are facilities suitable for conducting the assessments required on each course. Partially t It is not possible to judge precisely the overall standard as training rooms have not yet been used and were not seen; however brochures seen indicate that facilities for training (in four star hotels in a well-known chain) are likely to meet requirements. 26. There are appropriate additional facilities for participants and staff 26.1 Participants have access to sufficient space and suitable facilities for private study, including library and IT resources Trainers have access to sufficient personal space for preparing lessons, marking work and relaxation Participants and staff have access to space and facilities suitable for relaxation and the consumption of food and drink where appropriate. Participants and staff have access to storage for personal possessions where appropriate There are individual offices or rooms in which trainers and senior management can hold private meetings and a room of sufficient size to hold staff meetings. Partially t t applicable. COMPLIANCE WITH STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS Declaration of compliance has been signed and dated. Page 8 of 10

9 PART C - SUMMARY OF STRENGTHS AND ACTION POINTS Numbering of action points aligns with that of the minimum standards MAGEMENT, STAFFING AND ADMINISTRATION Provider's strengths There are regular minuted staff meetings which detail actions on all aspects of operations. Proposed short programmes are very well planned and structured. The proposed trainers are exceptionally well qualified and experienced in running short courses for overseas executives. The directors, managers and other staff of LCIEE work closely as a team with excellent communication. Actions required 2.4 LCIEE must ensure policies to underpin recruitment, quality assurance monitoring, health and safety, equality and disability are in place. 3.3 LCIEE must ensure that proposed formal yearly appraisals are fully implemented. 6.1 The policy on participant attendance and punctuality must be finalised and published. Priority H/M/L High Medium Low High Medium Low High Medium Low PARTICIPANT WELFARE Provider's strengths Actions required Priority H/M/L ne. High Medium Low PREMISES AND FACILITIES Provider's strengths LCIEE has good access to high quality hotels as training venues in London which provide a good environment for learning. Actions required Priority H/M/L ne. High Medium Low Page 9 of 10

10 RECOMMENDED AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT It is recommended that the quality assurance policy is supplemented by a quality assurance manual that brings together the various documents LCIEE has already prepared relating to observation of courses, course reports and internal verification checklists. LCIEE should ensure that the handbook for delegates is comprehensive and brings together all the necessary information and guidance delegates might require. It is suggested that all programme descriptions are standardised in format to contain both content and possible learning methods and styles which will help LCIEE market its programmes. COMPLIANCE WITH STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS Page 10 of 10