Centre Recognition Policy

Quality Awards and Vocational Accreditation (QAVA)

1. Purpose of the Policy

The purpose of this Centre Recognition Policy is to define the criteria, process, and conditions under which Quality Awards and Vocational Accreditation (QAVA) recognises centres to deliver QAVA-approved qualifications. This policy ensures that all recognised centres operate to consistent, high-quality standards in line with UK vocational education best practice, similar to those upheld by established awarding bodies such as OTHM and ATHE.

QAVA is committed to safeguarding learners, maintaining qualification integrity, and ensuring fair, transparent, and robust quality assurance across all approved centres.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all organisations seeking initial recognition or ongoing approval as a QAVA Recognised Centre, including but not limited to:

  • Further and higher education institutions
  • Training providers and academies
  • Online and distance learning centres
  • International education partners

3. Centre Recognition Principles

QAVA recognises centres based on the following core principles:

  • Quality Assurance: Demonstrated capability to deliver qualifications in accordance with QAVA standards
  • Learner Protection: Policies and systems that safeguard learner interests and data
  • Operational Capability: Adequate staffing, resources, and infrastructure
  • Academic Integrity: Fair assessment, internal verification, and malpractice prevention
  • Regulatory Compliance: Adherence to UK legal, data protection, and equality legislation

4. Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for centre recognition, applicant centres must demonstrate:

  • Legal registration and lawful operation in their jurisdiction
  • Clear organisational structure and governance
  • Appropriately qualified and experienced teaching, assessing, and internal quality assurance staff
  • Secure systems for learner registration, assessment, and record-keeping
  • Policies covering:
    • Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
    • Health & Safety
    • Data Protection (GDPR compliant)
    • Complaints and Appeals
    • Malpractice and Maladministration

5. Application Process

The centre recognition process includes the following stages:

  1. Initial Application
    Submission of a completed Centre Recognition Application Form with supporting documentation.
  2. Document Review
    QAVA reviews policies, procedures, staffing profiles, and operational evidence.
  3. Due Diligence & Approval Review
    QAVA may conduct interviews, request additional evidence, or carry out a virtual or on-site review.
  4. Decision & Outcome
    Centres will be informed in writing of the recognition decision. Approval may be:
    • Granted
    • Granted with conditions
    • Deferred pending further evidence
    • Declined

6. Conditions of Centre Recognition

Recognised centres must:

  • Deliver QAVA qualifications strictly in accordance with approved specifications
  • Register learners accurately and within required timelines
  • Implement effective internal quality assurance and assessment controls
  • Cooperate fully with QAVA monitoring, audits, EQA activities, and reviews
  • Notify QAVA promptly of any significant changes to staffing, ownership, or delivery arrangements

Failure to comply may result in sanctions, suspension, or withdrawal of centre recognition.

7. Monitoring and Quality Assurance

QAVA operates a risk-based monitoring approach, which may include:

  • Annual or periodic centre reviews
  • External Quality Assurance (EQA) sampling
  • Learner and staff feedback analysis
  • Review of assessment and verification practices

This ensures continuous improvement and consistency across all recognised centres.

8. Suspension and Withdrawal of Recognition

QAVA reserves the right to suspend or withdraw centre recognition where there is evidence of:

  • Serious or repeated non-compliance
  • Malpractice or maladministration
  • Risk to learners or qualification integrity
  • Failure to meet conditions of approval

Centres will be notified formally and provided with the opportunity to respond or appeal in accordance with QAVA procedures.

9. Appeals

Centres have the right to appeal recognition decisions in line with QAVA’s Appeals Policy. All appeals must be submitted in writing within the specified timeframe.

10. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure ongoing alignment with UK awarding body standards, regulatory expectations, and sector best practice.

Quality Awards and Vocational Accreditation (QAVA)

📞 +44 020 4615 2574
📧 info@qava.org.uk
🌐 https://qava.org.uk
📍 150 Ashburton Avenue, Ilford, London, United Kingdom, IG3 9EL