TLM ENDORSED PROGRAMME POLICY (NON‑REGULATED PROVISION)

1 Purpose

This policy sets out TLM’s requirements for the design, delivery, quality assurance and certification of Endorsed Programmes. These are courses that:

  • fall outside the scope of Ofqual regulation,
  • are not listed on the Register of Regulated Qualifications, and
  • culminate in a TLM Certificate of Completion rather than an RQF qualification award.

The policy safeguards learner interests, maintains public confidence in TLM’s regulated qualifications and provides a robust framework comparable to endorsement schemes offered by other Ofqual‑regulated awarding organisations.

2 Scope

The policy applies to:

  • TLM staff are involved in approvals, quality assurance and certification.
  • All new and existing TLM Centres seeking endorsement of bespoke programmes.
  • Any third‑party providers subcontracted to deliver, assess or support an endorsed programme.

3 Regulatory Context

Although Endorsed Programmes sit outside Ofqual regulation, TLM observes relevant provisions of the General Conditions of Recognition (GCR) to ensure non‑regulated activity does not undermine the integrity of regulated qualifications (GCR A5 & B2). Key compliance references are noted throughout this document.

4 Definitions

Term Definition
Endorsed Programme A bespoke course assured by TLM that leads to a Certificate of Completion, but is not a regulated qualification.
Centre An organisation approved by TLM to deliver and/or assess endorsed or regulated provision.
Certificate of Completion A secure certificate issued by TLM confirming successful completion of an Endorsed Programme.
Level Equivalence Indicative level benchmarked against Ofqual descriptors to aid transparency. carries no RQF credit value.

5 Governance & Responsibilities

  • Board of Directors – approves policy and receives quarterly compliance reports.
  • Head of Compliance – owns and reviews this policy. Oversees endorsement approvals and monitoring.
  • Quality & Curriculum Panel (QCP) – evaluates programme submissions for academic coherence, level, assessment validity and learner protection.
  • Centres – design, deliver, and quality assure programmes in accordance with this policy and the Service Agreement.

6 Centre Eligibility & Due Diligence (GCR C2)

Centres must:

  1. Hold full TLM Centre Approval or submit a combined Centre Approval & Endorsed Programme application.
  2. Pass due diligence checks: financial resilience, organisational structure, conflicts of interest, safeguarding and data‑protection capability.
  3. Nominate key roles (Exams Officer, Safeguarding Lead, IQA Lead) and evidence staff vetting

7 Programme Submission & Approval (GCR C1, D2)

Centres complete the TLM Endorsed Programme – Centre Application & Course Submission Form  and supply:

  • programme rationale and target group.
  • learning outcomes mapped to Ofqual level descriptors.
  • detailed scheme of work and assessment instruments.
  • IQA strategy (≥ 10 % moderation sample).
  • safeguarding risk assessment and data‑sharing plan.
  • marketing copy with mandatory disclaimer.

The QCP conducts a two‑stage review:

  1. Desk‑based evaluation against six tests: relevance, coherence, level, assessment validity, safeguarding, and sustainability.
  2. Interview/clarification where required. Outcomes: Approve, Approve with conditions, Resubmit or Reject.

8 Programme Design Standards

  • Learning Outcomes – clear, measurable and pitched at the identified level of equivalence.
  • Guided Learning Hours (GLH) – included on certificates only where the Centre requests it.
  • Assessment – designed for validity, reliability, fairness and manageability.
  • Grading – Pass / Fail or graded scale, as justified by the Centre.

9 Delivery Requirements

Centres must:

  • ensure sufficient, competent staff and resources.
  • use approved facilities/platforms for distance or blended learning.
  • log and control any subcontracted delivery or assessment arrangements (GCR C3).

10 Internal Quality Assurance (GCR H1)

  • Minimum 10 % sample of learner evidence – never lower.
  • Standardisation activities at least annually.
  • IQA records are retained for five years and are accessible to TLM.

11 External Monitoring & Risk Management

TLM employs a risk‑based monitoring model:

Risk Rating Monitoring Method Frequency
Low Desk‑based annual review Yearly
Medium Remote review + sample learner interviews 18 months
High On‑site visit 12 months or sooner

Triggers for escalation include safeguarding incidents, complaints, maladministration, or failure to submit learner data.

12 Safeguarding & Learner Protection (GCR A4, C2.5)

Centres must:

  • maintain and implement a safeguarding policy compliant with the UK Safeguarding Act 2006 (or local equivalent).
  • report serious incidents to TLM within 24 hours.
  • ensure secure learning environments, particularly for under‑18s and vulnerable adults.

13 Data Protection (UK GDPR)

Personal data must be:

  • processed lawfully, fairly and transparently.
  • stored on TLM’s secure LMS or encrypted during transfer.
  • retained no longer than necessary for certification and audit.

14 Certificates & Records (GCR I3, G4)

Certificates include:

  • course title, level equivalence, learner name, unique certificate ID.
  • list of completed modules, where applicable.
  • security mark.
  • disclaimer:

“Non‑Regulated Course Endorsed by TLM – not listed on the Ofqual Register”.

Replacement certificates follow TLM’s regulated process but reference non‑regulated status.

15 Branding, Marketing & Communications (GCR B5)

Centres must:

  • include the mandatory disclaimer on all promotional material.
  • submit draft marketing copy to TLM for approval prior to publication.

16 Fees & Charges

A published fee schedule covers:

  • Application review.
  • Annual endorsement licence.
  • External monitoring visits.
  • Certificate production.

17 Malpractice & Maladministration

The TLM Malpractice & Maladministration Policy applies in full. Proven cases may result in:

  • suspension or withdrawal of endorsement.
  • learner results voided.
  • centre sanctions up to and including approval withdrawal.

18 Withdrawal or Amendment of Endorsement

TLM may withdraw endorsement if:

  • quality, safeguarding or compliance risks are unmitigated.
  • the Centre ceases trading or requests withdrawal.
  • learner numbers fall below viability for two consecutive years.

Centres will receive written notice and a teach‑out plan will be agreed where feasible.

19 Continuous Improvement

Annual analysis of learner outcomes, feedback and monitoring findings informs policy enhancements. Significant changes are subject to stakeholder consultation and Board approval.

20 Policy Review & Version Control

The Head of Compliance reviews this policy annually or sooner if triggered by:

  • changes to Ofqual regulation.
  • sector best practice developments.
  • internal audit findings.