This policy works in conjunction with the delivering SignConnects Roles & Responsibility, Sign Connects courses policy, SignConnects Checklist and SignConnects Licences Form and SignConnects Contract.
The Terms and Conditions below outline your responsibilities as a centre.
They MUST be read in conjunction with the Roles and Responsibilities of Centres document, qualification specifications and assessment regulations for each qualification.
- Have read the Roles and Responsibilities of Centres document and understand the role of each responsible contact.
- Have provided details of the following staff contacts during the on-line approval process: Centre Administrator, Quality Assurance Manager, Accounts Contact, Curriculum Manager, Marketing Manager, Teachers and Assessors (of Internally Assessed Units).
- Agree to keep all of the above contacts up to date on the portal.
- Have read the Qualification Specification and Regulations for each qualification you wish to deliver and understand how to operate assessments in accordance with these documents.
- Have access to the internet in order to use the portal.
- Have an Equal Opportunities Policy*
- Have a Reasonable Adjustment Process*
- Have systems to ensure consistency of standards, and support equality of opportunity.
- Have an Appeals Policy.*
- Have a Complaints Policy. *
- Have a Malpractice Policy.*
- Have a Health and Safety Policy*
- Have a Safeguarding Policy*
- Have a GDPR/Data Protection Policy *
- Have a Withdrawal of Qualification Policy/Statement*
- Have a procedure detailing How to Conduct SignConnects Assessments
- Have staff with appropriate qualifications and experience to teach our qualifications
- Have staff with the competence in the subject matter of the qualifications, assessment procedures and language(s) used for assessment.
- Have qualification certificates of teachers and assessors*.
- Ensure all learners are given the opportunity to complete the full qualification, enrolled for, in the event of the centre not being able to continue, or not wishing to renew their approval of a qualification.
- Agree to financial accounts being obtained or credit checks being carried out to ensure the financial health of the centre.
- Ensure a workforce of appropriate size and competence to undertake the delivery of the qualifications, ensuring the capability and capacity to deliver the qualification to the expected number of learners.
- Understand that SignConnects recommends a class size to be no more than 15 learners. Therefore, if you have more than 15, we recommend you have 2 teaches or one CSW or run 2 classes.
- Have appropriate equipment and resources, including recording equipment and training rooms, to support effective delivery of the assessments leading to the award of credits. The following are essential:
- a training room with at least two walls in plain colour, no visual distractions and good lighting
- video playback facilities
- suitable recording equipment for practical assessments which must be recorded
- access to SignConnects material
- the ability to upload assessment videos to the portal
- Have systems and procedures to ensure that assessments reach us quickly and effectively, allowing the outcome of assessment to lead to the award of credits.
- Has systems in place to ensure consistency of:
- the standards and security of assessments and assessment records
- the tracking of learner progress and transmission of assessment outcomes
- the recording of credit accumulation and transfer of credits and exemptions
- Have the ability to obtain Unique Learner Numbers (ULN) on behalf of the learners
- Will use existing learner ID numbers, when registering learners for assessments, to ensure that all achievement is recorded on their unique ID number, therefore allowing certification upon completion and take steps to confirm learners identity prior to the assessment taking place.
- Have arrangements in place to allow for recognition of prior learning (RPL) exemptions or credit transfers, or is aware of when to seek advice from SignConnects
- Will not undertake any activity that could bring the name of SignConnects into disrepute. This includes but is not restricted to: a) derogatory comments on social media referring to SignConnects, SignConnects centres or learners
- Will adhere to all SignConnects policies and procedures.
- Will operate any internal and external assessments in full accordance with SignConnects regulations and/or the Qualification Regulator. Centres must refer to Signature Assessment Regulations at all times.
- Will notify SignConnects immediately if there is a breach of the security of assessments.
- Accept that approval of a qualification by SignConnects does not guarantee that it will be funded by public funding bodies.
- Ensure that the assessment process will be fair, open and free from bias and all reasonable steps are taken to guard against fraudulent claims for certification.
- Agree to provide SignConnects and our regulatory authority with access to premises, people and records.
- Will comply with SignConnects and RQF requirements for monitoring on a planned or unplanned basis.
- Will co-operate with SignConnects monitoring activities.
- Will allow SignConnects to undertake the required moderation processes required of each assessment where appropriate.
- Will keep all assessment materials they are privy to during the assessment process private and confidential and not use them in any other capacity other than for assessment purposes.
- Will notify SignConnects of any changes, which put at risk the centres ability to meet centre approval or deliver the qualifications they are approved for.
- Will monitor the approval and accreditation period for all qualifications and seek renewal of approval when required.
- Will retain evidence of learners work, records of assessment and Internal verification records for a minimum period of one year following learner certification and that these comply with GDPR legislation.
- Have safeguarding processes in place in relation to filmed material to protect young and vulnerable people.
- Will comply with SignConnects terms and conditions for payment of invoices.
- Understand that if quality is not maintained centre approval may be withdrawn.
- Accept that SignConnects has the right to refuse approval without giving reasons for their decision.
- Understand that if the specification changes, then credits will no longer be valid and a surcharge may be required to utilise them. Any changes to this will be given with a minimum of 12 months notice.
- Notify SignConnects of any previously rejected applications, withdrawal from centre recognition by any awarding organisation or any issues of non-compliance or confirmed malpractice.
- Understand that sanctions may be applied to centres who do not comply with SignConnects regulations. Please refer to our Malpractice Policy and Indicative Sanctions.
- Have read the guidance on the Roles and Responsibilities of Centres and will comply with SignConnects to meet the Conditions of Recognition.
- Have read the Terms and Conditions and understand the responsibilities of becoming an approved centre.
- Accept that SignConnects reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to modify or replace these Terms and Conditions at any time.
- We will notify you to any new terms taking effect.
- What constitutes a change will be determined at our sole discretion.
- By clicking to accept these Terms & Conditions you agree to fully adhere to them
- RPL Recognition of Prior Learning
- RQF Regulated Qualifications Framework
- ULN Unique Learner Numbers
*for each assessment you are approved to offer.
All information highlighted must be uploaded to the portal.