ABE Accreditation Handbook

ABE Accreditation Handbook

Contents Section 1 About ABE & ABE programmes 4 Section 2 Procedure and Conditions for Accreditation 14 Section 3 Application procedure 18 Section 4 Changes to the Accredited Tuition Provider and how they affect Accreditation 18 Section 5 Conditions of Maintaining Accreditation 19 3

Section 1 About ABE The Association of Business Executives (ABE) is a professional membership body and an examination board. ABE develops business and management qualifications at Level 4 Diploma, Level 5 Diploma, Level 6 Diploma/Level 6 Extended Diploma and Level 7 Diploma. As well as being qualifications in their own right, ABE qualifications provide progression routes to degree and Masters programmes worldwide. ABE is committed to offering qualifications that are relevant, recognised and respected. ABE staff support this commitment at all times. ABE has a set of values that run through everything we do. They explain how we work. They reflect the needs of our students and colleges. ABE is proud to have recognition as an awarding body from the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulations (Ofqual), the UK qualifications regulator who also regulate and approve each of ABE s qualifications. Mission Statement The Association of Business Executives enhances the intellectual, social and economic development of individuals and communities through the provision of relevant, high-quality, affordable qualifications. 4

ABE programmes All five ABE programmes are accredited by Ofqual in the UK as well as equivalent bodies worldwide. ABE programmes are management focused and they all blend common units with more specialist subject areas to allow greater flexibility. Section 1 Business Management including FM and MIS pathways 6 Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management 9 Entrepreneurship 10 Human Resource Management 11 Marketing Management 12 Travel Tourism and Hospitality Management 13 5

The theory and practice of business Business Management Programme Why study the Business Management (BM) programme? The BM programme is a comprehensive and detailed programme which covers the knowledge and skills required in modern business practice. The programme provides you with an appreciation of the theoretical issues involved in the study of business whilst also helping you to develop a range of practical skills which will enhance your value to employers. Major topics covered in the BM programme include management, marketing, economics and accounting. Career opportunities The positions below are examples of jobs currently held by ABE Business Management qualification holders. The list is not exhaustive as ABE qualifications are applicable to a wide range of vocations. Level 4 Diploma in BM Marketing Assistant, Administration Assistant, or Accounts Assistant Level 5 Diploma in BM Marketing Executive, Management Trainee, or Secretary Level 6 Diploma in BM Marketing Manager, Office Manager, or HRM Manager Programme structure The BM programme now comprises three pathways: 1. Business Management pathway 2. Business Management Management of Information Systems pathway 3. Business Management Financial Management pathway Each of the pathways is split into three levels: Level 4 Diploma, Level 5 Diploma and Level 6 Diploma. As the following page illustrates, ABE has developed the Extended Diploma in Business Management, comprising 13 units in one stand-alone qualification. It is accredited by Ofqual as a level 6 qualification. The programme can still be taken as two separate qualifications at levels 5 and 6. BUSINESS MANAGEMENT (BUSINESS MANAGEMENT PATHWAY) Level 4 Diploma Units - Introduction to Business - Introduction to Quantitative Methods - Introduction to Business Communication - Introduction to Accounting Open entry, and you must be competent in English (IELTS 5.0 minimum) and mathematics Level 5 Diploma - Quantitative Methods for Business Management - Financial Accounting - Marketing Policy, Planning and Communication - Human Resource Management Optional units (choose two units) - Principles of Business Law - Managerial Accounting - Economics for Business - Managing the Customer Relationship - Entrepreneurship and Business Development? What is a Pathway? ABE s Level 4, 5 and 6 Diplomas in Business Management are divided into three separate Pathways. A Pathway is a combination of units (with some options within them) which enable you to specialise in a particular area. The three Pathways are Business Management, Financial Management and the Management of Information Systems. All successful students will receive a Diploma in Business Management (at the appropriate level). If you take the Financial Management or Management of Information Systems Pathways the relevant Pathway will be shown on your award certificate. This will be especially useful if you are considering a career in, or planning to study further in, either of these Pathway areas. 6

Level 6 Diploma - Corporate Strategy and Planning - Managing in Organisations - International Business Case Study Optional units (choose two units) Strategic Marketing Management - Strategic Human Resource Management - Project Management - Corporate Finance - Any ABE Level 5 Diploma or equivalent qualification - A degree or equivalent Level 6 Extended Diploma - Quantitative Methods for Business Management - Financial Accounting - Marketing Policy, Planning and Communication - Human Resource Management - Corporate Strategy and Planning - Managing in Organisations - International Business Case Study Optional units (choose two units from) - Principles of Business Law - Managerial Accounting - Economics for Business - Managing the Customer Relationship - Entrepreneurship and Business Development (and two units from) - Strategic Marketing Management - Strategic Human Resource Management - Project Management - Corporate Finance? What do the levels mean? The levels refer to the level of learning required to complete the qualification. Qualifications at the same level are therefore broadly similar (or equivalent) in the level of learning required QCF Level Other qualifications at the same level Level 3 UK A level, BTEC National Certificate Level 4 BTEC Professional Diploma Level 5 UK Foundation Degree, HND Level 6 Bachelors Degree, Graduate Diploma Level 7 Masters Degree, Postgraduate Diploma BUSINESS MANAGEMENT (FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT PATHWAY) Level 4 Diploma Units - Introduction to Business - Introduction to Quantitative Methods - Introduction to Business Communication - Accounting for Financial Managers Open entry but you must be competent in English (IELTS 5.0 minimum) and mathematics Level 5 Diploma Units - Quantitative Methods for Business Management - Financial Accounting - Marketing Policy, Planning and Communication - Human Resource Management - Systems Management and Internal Financial Controls - Managerial Accounting Level 6 Diploma Units - Corporate strategy and Planning - Managing in Organisations - International Business Case Study - Corporate Finance - International Business Finance and Planning - Any ABE Level 5 Diploma or equivalent qualification - A degree or equivalent Level 6 Extended Diploma Units - Quantitative Methods for Business Management - Financial Accounting - Marketing Policy, Planning and Communication - Human Resource Management - Systems Management and Internal Financial Controls - Managerial Accounting - Corporate strategy and Planning - Managing in Organisations - International Business Case Study - Corporate Finance - International Business Finance and Planning Business Management Programme 7

Business Management Programme BUSINESS MANAGEMENT (MANAGEMENT OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS PATHWAY) Level 4 Diploma Units - Introduction to Business - Introduction to Quantitative Methods - Introduction to Business Communication - Introduction to Management Information Systems Open entry but you must be competent in English (IELTS 5.0 minimum) and mathematics Level 5 Diploma - Quantitative Methods for Business Management - Financial Accounting - Marketing Policy, Planning and Communication - Human Resource Management Optional units (choose two units) - Information Systems Applications for Business - Information Systems Development - Managing the Customer Relationship? What do the levels mean? The levels refer to the level of learning required to complete the qualification. Qualifications at the same level are therefore broadly similar (or equivalent) in the level of learning required QCF Level Other qualifications at the same level Level 3 UK A level, BTEC National Certificate Level 4 BTEC Professional Diploma Level 5 UK Foundation Degree, HND Level 6 Bachelors Degree, Graduate Diploma Level 7 Masters Degree, Postgraduate Diploma Level 6 Diploma Units - Corporate strategy and Planning - Managing in Organisations - International Business Case Study - Project Management - Information Systems for Strategic Management - Any ABE Level 5 Diploma or equivalent qualification - A degree or equivalent Level 6 Extended Diploma - Quantitative Methods for Business Management - Financial Accounting - Marketing Policy, Planning and Communication - Human Resource Management - Corporate Strategy and Planning - Managing in Organisations - International Business Case Study - Project Management - Information Systems for Strategic Management Optional units (choose two units) - Information Systems Applications for Business - Information Systems Development - Managing the Customer Relationship 8

Your pathway to advanced entry to Masters degree programmes Why study the Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management (BM)? The ABE Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management offers students enhanced career prospects as well as the opportunity to progress to Masters degree programmes at numerous universities worldwide. This Level 7 qualification has been developed by senior university professors, utilising current academic learning and research, as well as employer knowledge and practice. It is therefore an ideal progression route for those who: are currently studying professional qualifications and wish to proceed to a Masters degree in business/ management have a related Honours degree but wish to proceed to a Masters level business/management qualification are in employment, at managerial level, and wish to achieve a Masters level qualification Qualification structure The Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management is comprised of five units: 1. Strategic Business Management and Planning 2. Management of Financial Resources and Performance 3. Leadership, Change and People Performance 4. Corporate Strategy, Governance and Ethics in the Global Environment 5. Research Methods and their Application to Marketing Where can you study the Postgraduate Diploma in BM? Students may take the programme independently (private self-study), or through a college which has been accredited by ABE to deliver the Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management. Level 7 Diploma Units - Strategic Business Management and Planning - Management of Financial Resources and Performance - Leadership, Change and People Performance - Corporate Strategy, Governance and Ethics in the Global Environment - Research Methods and their Application to Marketing Assessment The Strategic Business Management and Planning unit is assessed by examination. The other four units are assessed by assignment. - Holders of any ABE Level 6 Diploma - Degree holders in related subject areas - Holders of other internationally recognised relevant qualifications at level 6 - Five years relevant senior management experience - English at IELTS 6.0 (recommended) Progression routes ABE has agreements with the following universities to allow our Postgraduate Diploma in BM holders onto varying levels of their Masters and MBA degree programmes: Banasthali Vidyapith, India www.banasthali.org Brunel University, UK www.brunel.ac.uk Charles Sturt University, Australia www.csu.edu.au University of Coventry, UK www.coventry.ac.uk De Montford University, UK www.dmu.ac.uk Deakin University, Australia www.deakin.edu.au University of Gloucestershire, UK www.glos.ac.uk Heriot-Watt University, UK www.ebsglobal.net University of Hertfordshire, UK www.herts.ac.uk Markfield Institute of Higher Education, UK www.mihe.org.uk University of Portsmouth, UK www.port.ac.uk University of Tasmania, Australia www.utas.edu.au Touro College, USA www.touro.edu University of Wales, UK www.wales.ac.uk University of Worcester, UK www.worc.ac.uk You can find out more information about these progression routes in the After ABE section of the ABE website. Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management 9

Do you want to start your own business? Entrepreneurship Why study the Entrepreneurship programme? New products and services are the lifeblood of business, but it can often take someone special, an entrepreneur to identify and develop such opportunities. Many of the largest businesses in the world were started by someone with a good idea, and the most famous business people are invariably entrepreneurs. The Association of Business Executives (ABE) offers a relevant qualification the Level 4 Diploma in Entrepreneurship. If you have a great business idea, but you are not sure what to do next, then the Diploma can help you. It provides an understanding of the main areas you need to know about in order to run a successful business. Career opportunities If there is a scarcity of jobs in your country then the Level 4 Diploma in Entrepreneurship gives you the skills and knowledge you will need to set up your own business. It can also help you find a job or obtain a promotion, as all businesses will benefit from employing someone with an entrepreneurial outlook. If you hold the Level 4 Diploma in Entrepreneurship it will show that you understand how to develop business ideas. Programme structure The unit syllabuses cover the essential understanding, knowledge and skills required by the entrepreneur and include: - spotting business opportunities - the importance of knowing your customers - market demand as the key to commercial viability - the importance of motivation - how to construct a business plan to attract potential lenders and investors - the importance of good market research - the implementation of the business plan - innovation and creativity - the barriers faced Level 4 Diploma - Understanding Entrepreneurship - Introduction to Marketing - Enterprise Start-up - Business Plan for Enterprise Start-up Open entry, but you must be competent in English? What do the levels mean? The levels refer to the level of learning required to complete the qualification. Qualifications at the same level are therefore broadly similar (or equivalent) in the level of learning required QCF Level Other qualifications at the same level Level 3 UK A level, BTEC National Certificate Level 4 BTEC Professional Diploma Level 5 UK Foundation Degree, HND Level 6 Bachelors Degree, Graduate Diploma Level 7 Masters Degree, Postgraduate Diploma 10

Effective workforce management Why study the Human Resource Management (HRM) programme? The effective management of an organisation s human resources is now recognised as a critical component in the success of public and private enterprises. This recognition has led to a demand for trained and qualified HR professionals and to the development of a career structure rising to the highest levels of the organisation. The HRM programme introduces you to the academic disciplines that underlie the effective management of the human resource, and proceeds to explore the theory, practice and strategy of human resource management. Career opportunities The positions below are examples of jobs currently held by ABE HRM qualification holders. The list is not exhaustive as ABE qualifications are applicable to a wide range of vocations. Level 4 Diploma in HRM working in a Personnel or HRM Department Level 5 Diploma in HRM Assistant Personnel Manager or Assistant HR Manager Level 6 Diploma in HRM Personnel Manager or HR Manager Programme structure The Human Resource Management programme is divided into three levels: Level 4 Diploma, Level 5 Diploma and Level 6 Diploma. ABE has developed the Extended Diploma in Human Resource Management, comprising 13 units in one stand-alone qualification. It is accredited by Ofqual as a level 6 qualification. The programme can still be taken as two separate qualifications at levels 5 and 6. Level 4 Diploma - Introduction to Business - Managing People - Personnel Administration - Introduction to Business Communication Open entry, and you must be competent in English Level 5 Diploma - Human Resource Management - Human Resource Development - People Planning and Resourcing - Employment Relations Optional units (choose two) - Principles of Business Law - Quantitative Methods for Business Management - Managing the Customer Relationship - Personnel Information Systems? What do the levels mean? The levels refer to the level of learning required to complete the qualification. Qualifications at the same level are therefore broadly similar (or equivalent) in the level of learning required QCF Level Other qualifications at the same level Level 3 UK A level, BTEC National Certificate Level 4 BTEC Professional Diploma Level 5 UK Foundation Degree, HND Level 6 Bachelors Degree, Graduate Diploma Level 7 Masters Degree, Postgraduate Diploma Level 6 Diploma - Strategic Human Resource Management - Managing Organisational Change & Development - Performance Management and Reward Optional units (choose two) - Corporate Strategy and Planning - Managing in Organisations - Project Management - Any ABE Level 5 Diploma or equivalent qualification - A degree or equivalent Level 6 Extended Diploma - Human Resource Management - Human Resource Development - People Planning and Resourcing - Employment Relations - Strategic Human Resource Management - Managing Organisational Change & Development - Performance Management and Reward Optional units (Choose two units from) - Principles of Business Law - Quantitative Methods for Business Management - Managing the Customer Relationship - Personnel Information Systems (and two units from) - Corporate Strategy and Planning - Managing in Organisations - Project Management Human Resources Management Programme 11

Finding and keeping your customers 12 Marketing Management Programme Why study the Marketing Management programme? Marketing is an important function that brings companies and clients closer to each other. The ABE Marketing Management programme introduces you to the crucial role that Marketing plays in business development. Holders of our Marketing Management qualifications will have a good knowledge and understanding of the key principles of Marketing and will be able to relate this to the workplace. Career opportunities The positions below are examples of jobs currently held by ABE Marketing Management qualification holders. The list is not exhaustive as ABE qualifications are applicable to a wide range of vocations. Level 4 Diploma in Marketing Marketing or Business Development Assistant Level 5 Diploma in Marketing Assistant Marketing or Business Development Manager Level 6 Diploma in Marketing Marketing or Business Development Manager Programme structure The Marketing Management programme is divided into three levels: Level 4 Diploma, Level 5 Diploma and Level 6 Diploma. ABE has developed the Extended Diploma in Marketing Management, comprising 13 units in one standalone qualification. It is accredited by Ofqual as a level 6 qualification. The programme can still be taken as two separate qualifications at levels 5 and 6. Level 4 Diploma - Introduction to Business - Introduction to Marketing - Introduction to Quantitative Methods - Introduction to Business Communication Open entry, and you must be competent in English Level 5 Diploma - Marketing Policy, Planning & Communication - Managing the Customer Relationship - Principles of Marketing - Marketing Information Systems Optional units (choose two) - Principles of Business Law - Quantitative Methods for Business Management - Sales Management - Economics for Business? What do the levels mean? The levels refer to the level of learning required to complete the qualification. Qualifications at the same level are therefore broadly similar (or equivalent) in the level of learning required QCF Level Other qualifications at the same level Level 3 UK A level, BTEC National Certificate Level 4 BTEC Professional Diploma Level 5 UK Foundation Degree, HND Level 6 Bachelors Degree, Graduate Diploma Level 7 Masters Degree, Postgraduate Diploma Level 6 Diploma - International Marketing - Contemporary Issues in Marketing - Integrated Marketing Communications - Strategic Marketing Management Optional units (choose one) - Corporate Strategy and Planning - Project Management - Any ABE Level 5 Diploma or equivalent qualification - A degree or equivalent Level 6 Extended Diploma - Marketing Policy, Planning and Communication - Managing the Customer Relationship - Principles of Marketing - Marketing Information Systems - International Marketing - Contemporary Issues in Marketing - Integrated Marketing Communications - Strategic Marketing Management Optional units (choose two units from) - Principles of Business Law - Quantitative Methods for Business Management - Sales Management - Economics for Business (and one unit from) - Corporate Strategy and Planning - Project Management

The business of tourism Why study the Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Management (TTHM) programme? Tourism is the world s largest industry with revenues of over $500 billion. The TTHM programme links business principles with sector expertise by introducing you to the principles and practice of modern tourism. The programme goes further to explore issues such as ecotourism and sustainable development. Students holding this qualification will be confident in applying key business and management concepts to this growing sector. Career opportunities The positions below are examples of jobs currently held by ABE TTHM qualification holders. The list is not exhaustive as ABE qualifications are applicable to a wide range of vocations. Level 4 Diploma in TTHM Hotel or Travel Agency Supervisor Level 5 Diploma in TTHM Assistant Hotel or Travel Agency Manager Level 6 Diploma in TTHM Hotel or Travel Agency Manager Programme structure The Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Management programme is divided into three levels: Level 4 Diploma, Level 5 Diploma and Level 6 Diploma. ABE has developed the Extended Diploma in Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Management, comprising 13 units in one stand-alone qualification. It is accredited by Ofqual as a level 6 qualification. The programme can still be taken as two separate qualifications at levels 5 and 6. Level 4 Diploma - Introduction to Business - Introduction to Marketing - Introduction to Travel, Tourism and Hospitality - Introduction to Business Communication : Open entry, and you must be competent in English Level 5 Diploma - Travel, Tourism and Hospitality - IT in hospitality and Tourism Operations - Managing the Customer Relationship - Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Operations Management Optional units (choose two) - Principles of Business Law - Human Resource Management - Marketing Policy, Planning and Communication - Sales Management :? What do the levels mean? The levels refer to the level of learning required to complete the qualification. Qualifications at the same level are therefore broadly similar (or equivalent) in the level of learning required QCF Level Other qualifications at the same level Level 3 UK A level, BTEC National Certificate Level 4 BTEC Professional Diploma Level 5 UK Foundation Degree, HND Level 6 Bachelors Degree, Graduate Diploma Level 7 Masters Degree, Postgraduate Diploma Level 6 Diploma - Strategic Hospitality Management - International Travel, Tourism and Hospitality - Sustainable Tourism Planning and Development Optional units (choose two) - Strategic Marketing Management - Strategic Human Resource Management - Project Management : - Any ABE Level 5 Diploma or equivalent qualification - A degree or equivalent Level 6 Extended Diploma - Travel, Tourism and Hospitality - IT in hospitality and Tourism Operations - Managing the Customer Relationship - Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Operations Management - Strategic Hospitality Management - International Travel, Tourism and Hospitality - Sustainable Tourism Planning and Development Optional units (choose two) - Principles of Business Law - Human Resource Management - Marketing Policy, Planning and Communication - Sales Management and two from: - Strategic Marketing Management - Strategic Human Resource Management - Project Management : Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Management Programme 13

ABE Accreditation Conditions The following pages outline essential information on how to apply, important changes and how to maintain your accreditation. 14

Section 2 Procedure and Conditions for Teaching Organisations Seeking Accreditation 2.1 ABE will accredit tuition providers provided the Association s conditions set out below are met. 2.2 In so far as is consistent with regulations of overseas education ministries, the same conditions apply in all countries. Where tuition providers have to be specifically approved by their national education ministry or other regulatory body, ABE will refuse to recognise any tuition provider not so approved. In such cases evidence of this approval will form part of the accreditation documentation. 2.3 The accreditation of a tuition provider (normally for a period of one year initially) will be based on inspection, wherever possible, of the teaching services offered and consideration of student and staff welfare (including health & safety requirements and equal opportunities legislation) and other relevant aspects of the tuition provider s management and processes. Accreditation will imply a trust in the management to maintain acceptable standards, as determined by ABE and their regulators, in all activities undertaken by that tuition provider and to operate within the requirements of the law of its country. 2.4 Effective control of the tuition provider must be the responsibility of an accountable management. The tuition providers should be led, directed and administered by a proprietor or designated Principal/Director with clearly defined responsibilities for implementing policy for the day-to-day running of the tuition provider and for the quality of its work. 2.5 It is a requirement that all ABE accredited colleges in the UK must possess accreditation from the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) or Ofsted. Re-accreditation from ABE is also dependent on accreditation from one of these three bodies. General Requirements 2.6 Accreditation will be based, among other things, on: Inspection of the teaching services wherever possible, including consideration of lesson plans and observation, provision for equality of access to tuition and assessment, if deemed necessary Consideration of student welfare and staff conditions Continuity of acceptable standards Control by accountable management 2.7 Tuition providers normally eligible for accreditation include those which: a) Offer courses throughout the year, both full time and part time b) Exist as a distinct tuition provider or as a co located part or separate branch of a larger organisation, (where part of a larger organisation, accreditation will relate to the co-located part and not to the organisation as a whole). 15

Section 2 Continued Educational Requirements 2.8 a) The tuition provider must be conducted at a level of efficiency which is satisfactory with regard to its objectives, is in the best interests of the students and as far as is reasonably possible enables ABE to deliver the assessment of its qualifications in accordance with the conditions required by its regulators. b) The tuition provider must provide courses appropriate to the needs of the ABE students. Course delivery must be appropriate to the stated syllabus contents and objectives outlined in the ABE programme and provided within a suitable educational framework. c) There must be satisfactory arrangements to ensure that students are not placed on inappropriate courses. d) The teaching must be suitable, efficient and adequate in scope and character. To this end, there must be satisfactory academic supervision and, when appropriate, training of staff. e) The teaching staff must be adequate in number and possess the qualifications and experience necessary to meet the standards of the course. All staff should enjoy satisfactory working conditions. No one should be employed who on medical grounds or on grounds of professional misconduct would be considered unsuitable for employment in an educational organisation. Note: It is a requirement of tuition providers that they provide authenticated copies of teachers qualifications, as well as CVs of the nature outlined in the AC1 form, prior to accreditation. Without this accreditation will be refused. f) Centres must ensure they have appropriate processes to identify and manage any conflicts of interest in relation to assessment delivery, marking and moderation Premises 2.9 a) The tuition provider should have reasonable security of tenure of premises for those periods of the year in which courses are offered. If the location/name of a tuition provider changes during the period of accreditation, or there is a change in the ownership, nature or scale of the tuition provider, then it must not be assumed that accreditation is continued; accreditation must be re-sought. b) The premises must be suitable and properly equipped in relation to the courses offered. There must be adequate teaching and learning facilities in terms of libraries, equipment (including access to relevant IT/computer facilities) and general teaching accommodation, according to the nature of the courses and the number, ages and gender of the students and staff. Tuition providers are expected to retain statistical data relating to the nature of the student cohort (age, gender, educational background). c) Following accreditation, ABE must be informed without delay of any closure or change of premises, the acquisition of additional premises and the opening of annexes even if these changes are only temporary. It must not be assumed that accreditation automatically applies to changed premises. If a centre withdraws from the delivery and/or assessment of an ABE qualification it must take all reasonable steps to protect the interests of the learners. d) ABE reserves the right at its discretion and without prejudice to refuse accreditation on the grounds of inappropriate or excessive competition due to proximity of existing Accredited Tuition Providers. e) The premises must have adequate facilities for students with physical disabilities. This includes, among other things, the provision of wheelchair ramps and disabled toilets. f) Accreditation is linked to the site/location the tuition provider supplied in the original application, accreditation is not transferable to additional sites. Accreditation for ABE courses to be offered at a new location must be sought from ABE. 16

Section 2 Continued Student Welfare 2.10 Satisfactory arrangements must be made for those aspects of the welfare of students for which the tuition provider either undertakes, or can reasonably be expected to undertake, responsibility. This may include but not be limited to: health and safety aspects, accommodation (including décor), student support services and support for students that have special requirements or require reasonable adjustment to the delivery and/or assessment processes. Promotion 2.11 Any brochure, prospectus, website or advertisement issued by the tuition provider or its agents must describe accurately what the tuition provider offers to prospective students. Accreditation must not be claimed or implied when it has not been granted formally in an official letter and certificate from ABE or when it has been withdrawn or suspended. When it has been granted, reference to accreditation may be made only in a form of words approved by ABE. Tuition providers will only be shown on the ABE website and on other promotional material as offering an ABE qualification if they are actively offering that specific qualification to potential students through inclusion on their website and or other promotional material. 2.12 When using the ABE logo, which is issued after accreditation is granted, tuition providers must adhere to the ABE brand guidelines. A copy of the guidelines and electronic versions of the correct logos are available on the ABE website or can be obtained from the ABE marketing department at marketing@abeuk.com. A tuition provider cannot use the ABE logo until written notification of accreditation has been received from ABE and use of the logo is conditional on the tuition provider continuing to offer ABE qualifications. 2.13 Under no circumstances are centres permitted to use the logos of ABE s regulators in their promotional materials. Student Records System 2.14 The tuition provider must ensure that its student records system will be centrally administered by suitably trained staff. As part of this system, each student should have a confidential personal file, in which their personal details should be securely stored. A computerised system should comply with any relevant data protection legislation in force in the country where the tuition provider is situated. Such registers and records must be kept and such information provided as ABE may, from time to time, require. 2.15 The record should show: The student s enrolment details (incl. age, gender, education), each student must be able to be uniquely identified as part of the centre registration process and photographic I.D. must be checked and a copy retained for authentication purposes Particulars of their sponsor, if any The names of their tutors In-course progress records Actual and projected examination dates, Examination results, with grades obtained, Attendance records For UK colleges only please attach copy of correspondence with UKBA regarding potential absences by non-uk nationals 2.16 Access to these confidential records should be restricted to: Administrators responsible for maintaining them The Principal and officials Tutors The student ABE officials engaged in accreditation or monitoring Qualification Regulators Ofqual, the UK regulator Monitoring 2.17 Lesson observation may take place at the discretion of ABE. Student enrolments and pass rates will be taken as a gauge of general performance and will have a bearing on continuing accreditation and re-accreditation. Accredited Tuition providers may, at the discretion of ABE, be subject to ad hoc inspections. 17

Section 3 Section 4 Application Procedure 3.1 A tuition provider wishing to become accredited must notify the Accreditation Manager, who will provide an up-to-date copy of the Accreditation Application Form (AC1 form). 3.2 On completion of the form it must be returned to ABE with the requested supporting documents. Such documentation may include but not be limited to: Current accreditation fee College prospectus Names, qualifications, experience and responsibilities of staff teaching each of the subjects in the ABE programme(s) Details of library/learning centre facilities Details of reprographic facilities available to staff and students Other inspection/accreditation details whether provided by a ministry, accreditation body or other organisation All other documentation as may be requested on form AC1. All copies of documents must be certified as true and correct by the Principal/Head of organisation. For the full set of required supporting documents to accompany the accreditation application please refer to the AC1 form. 3.3 Informal discussion of the accreditation process may occur prior to the formal accreditation visit; this may be at the discretion of ABE or the college Principal/ Head of organisation. A formal visit to the organisation will be the normal process for accreditation, unless physically not possible. Organisations will be given prior notice of visitation and areas for inspection therein. Challenges: In the case of rejection, if an organisation considers that ABE has not followed the procedures specified in the ABE Accreditation Handbook, the organisation may challenge the decision. Changes to the Accredited Tuition Provider and how they affect Accreditation 4.1 Accreditation will be granted for a period of one year upon receipt of the signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), and is subject to the organisation meeting the conditions for accreditation. If, subsequently, any significant change occurs, whether or not it lessens the organisation s ability to meet these conditions, the organisation must at once report this to ABE. 4.2 ABE will consider the situation and take whatever steps may be necessary to determine the impact of the change. It will then make whichever of the following decisions is believed to be appropriate: The change is minor only: hence accreditation is continued. ABE requests the organisation to effect specified requirements within a stated period. Accreditation will continue until the end of this period, when ABE will review the situation. ABE withdraws accreditation, and will not register any more students from the organisation. Existing students will be allowed to continue with the organisation, if they wish, until their next examination. When they have sat this, they must arrange to study elsewhere. If a centre has been found not to adhere to the conditions of accreditation, sanctions may be applied including the withdrawal of accreditation. 4.3 ABE will communicate the decision to the organisation as soon as is practicable. In the event of accreditation being withdrawn, ABE will simultaneously notify students of their position. The appropriate section of the ABE website will also be adjusted to show any decision with regard to an organisation s accreditation. 4.4 An organisation from which accreditation has been withdrawn may re-apply for accreditation unless it has been otherwise informed. The procedure will be the same as for accreditation. In the event that an organisation has accreditation withdrawn, or fails an accreditation, it must immediately cease using the ABE logo. 18

Section 5 Conditions of Maintaining Accreditation 5.1 A tuition provider will be required to reapply for accreditation at the end of the nominated period of accreditation. Where a tuition provider applies for re-accreditation, it will be expected to complete a Re-Accreditation (AC3) Form. Completion of this form is mandatory. Should an organization cease to comply with ABE s conditions, accreditation will be withdrawn. If a major change occurs after accreditation, ABE must be informed within 48 hours. 5.2 UK Colleges must adhere to the guidelines as set out by UKBA with regard to absences by international students. These include keeping an attendance record, following up on absences and setting limits on the amount of permissible absences by an individual student. As a matter of policy ABE does not get involved in Legal disputes between colleges and students Setting and method of payment of college tuition fees However, ABE reserves the right to remove accreditation where the service to students does not match the expected standard. 5.3 Failure on the part of any accredited tuition provider to respond to ABE communications, continuously fail to comply with the conditions set by ABE, or fail to comply with the annual accreditation update (form AC3) may lead to accreditation being withdrawn. ABE reserves the right, on reasonable grounds, to visit a tuition provider or to review its accreditation at any time without prior notice. Centres are expected at all times to comply with requests for information from Ofqual, the UK regulator, for ABE qualifications 5.4 Consistent registration figures are expected, with a minimum of 10 registrations in the first year of running the ABE programmes and this should be maintained thereafter. 5.5 Pass rates will be taken as a gauge of general performance and will have a bearing on continuing accreditation and re-accreditation. Accredited Tuition providers may, at the discretion of ABE, be subject to ad hoc inspections. The college is expected to have a minimum pass rate of 40% at any one examination session with student absences not going above 10%. Higher pass rates and student enrolments attained by the college may qualify the college for extended accreditation periods. Notification of Events 5.6 Centres should advise ABE immediately of any of the occurrences below: It believes there has been an incident that has led to a failure in the delivery of the assessment which threatens the assessor s ability to differentiate accurately and consistently between the levels of attainment. It believes that there has been an incident of malpractice or maladministration which could either invalidate or affect the award of an ABE qualification. There has been a significant change in governance, legal status, change of control, merger or insolvency/bankruptcy. It identifies any incident that may be a risk to the delivery or assessment of the qualification. If you would like any further information, please contact us on +44 (0)20 8329 2930. 19

The Association of Business Executives, 5th Floor, CI Tower, St Georges Square, New Malden, Surrey KT3 4TE, UK Tel: +44 (0)20 8329 2930 info@abeuk.com www.abeuk.com