BRITISH ACCREDITATION COUNCIL INSPECTION REPORT ... - BAC

BRITISH ACCREDITATION COUNCIL INSPECTION REPORTShort Course Provider Re-accreditation InspectionORGANISATION:GLOBAL ANALYTICS CONSULTING (UK) LTDADDRESS: Suite 1201 PoultryLondonEC2R 8JRHEAD OF ORGANISATION: Mr Syed Ahmed MBADATE OF INSPECTION: 26 March 2013ACCREDITATION STATUS: AccreditedDECISION ON ACCREDITATION:Reaccreditation to be awarded for the full four-year period.Decision on accreditation deferred.Accreditation to be withdrawn.Date: 29 May 2013Page 1 of 15

PART A - INTRODUCTION1. Background to the OrganisationGlobal Analytics Consulting (GA) was registered in the UK to provide continuing professional development (CPD) shortcourses to senior corporate participants mostly from Nigerian government and commercial organisations. Governancerests with the board of directors, and day-to-day operations are managed by the Managing Consultant who reportsdirectly to the CEO in Lagos. He is assisted by the Administrator, the only other full time employee. The premises are in aprestigious, modern serviced office building opposite the Bank of England managed by Regus. The provider has apermanent office on a two year lease and appropriately furnished and equipped meeting rooms are hired for training asand when required.Because of the short (one or two weeks) nature of courses, participants generally enter the UK on student visitor visas.Almost all (90-95%) delegates hold middle or senior management positions in, typically, public sector organisations:ministries, national banks, state-owned oil companies, etc. The aims of the training seminars are to provide participantswith a global perspective and with practical financial, economic and management expertise to apply in their specificjobs, and course content is adjusted to the delegates’ needs.2. Brief description of the current provisionSince the supplementary inspection in May 2010 the political situation in Nigeria and visa difficulties in the UK havecombined to reduce significantly the number of participants coming to the UK. The provider has reduced the number offull time staff to two and has begun to run courses in Ghana and Dubai which are more attractive venues. As anadditional means of expansion, the provider has begun offering short courses to UK residents.All courses lead to an internally certificated award.3. Inspection processThe re-accreditation inspection was carried out over one day by one inspector who met the Managing Consultant, theAdministrator and one Trainer. The inspector had sight of documentation covering all aspects of the areas inspected andthis report is based on the documentation seen. The inspector also interviewed the three participants on the two-daycourse that was being run at the time and their verbal feedback has further informed this report. One classroom sessionwas observed by the inspector as part of the overall assessment of teaching and learning. At the end of the inspection,the inspector held a brief meeting with the Managing Consultant and Administrator to provide preliminary feedback.4. Inspection history:Inspection TypeDateFull Accreditation 9-10 December 2008Interim 3 February 2010Supplementary 12 May 2010Page 2 of 15

PART B - JUDGEMENT AND EVIDENCEThe following judgements and comments are based upon evidence seen by the inspector(s) during the inspectionand from documentation provided by the provider.INSPECTION AREA - MANAGEMENT, STAFFING AND ADMINISTRATIONMinimum standards 1 - 81.1.11.2The provider is effectively managedThe management structure is clearly defined, documented and understood, including therole 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 thoseworking at the delivery venue/s.YesYesYesNoNoNoThis standard is judged to be:MetPartially MetNot MetComments1.3 Normally only the Managing Consultant, the Administrator and one or two trainers are on site at any time andcommunication is by personal contact and e-mail.2. The administration of the provider is effective2.1Administrators are suitably qualified or experienced and understand their specificresponsibilities and duties.YesNo2.2The size of the administrative team is sufficient to ensure the effective day-to-day runningof the provider.YesNo2.3The administrative support available to the management is clearly defined, documentedand understood.YesNo2.4Policies, procedures and systems are well documented and effectively disseminated acrossthe provider.YesNo2.5Data collection and collation systems are effective.YesNo2.6Administrative offices are adequate in size and resources for the effective administrationof the provider.YesNoThis standard is judged to be:MetPartially MetNot MetComments2.4 Written policies and procedures are documented and available to trainers and participants.Page 3 of 15

3. The provider employs appropriate staff3.1There are appropriate policies and effective procedures for the recruitment and continuingemployment of suitably qualified and experienced staff.YesNo3.2Experience and qualifications claimed are verified before employment.YesNo3.3There is an effective system for regularly reviewing the performance of staff.YesNoThis standard is judged to be:MetPartially MetNot MetComments3.1 Training staff are recruited by networking and are well qualified academics and business managers.3.2 CVs are retained in staff files.3.3 Annual performance review records are retained in staff files.4. Publicity material gives a comprehensive, up-to-date and accurate description of theprovider and its programmes4.14.2Text 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.YesYesNoNoThis standard is judged to be:MetPartially MetNot MetComments4. Publicity material is available via the website.5.The provider takes reasonable care to recruit and enrol suitable participants for itscourses5.15.2Entry requirements for each course, including those relating to language ability,are set at an appropriate level and clearly stated in the course descriptions seen byprospective participant's.A formal application process ensures that participants meet the entry requirements andany claimed qualifications are verified.YesYesNoNoNANA5.35.4The provider replies to all application enquiries promptly and appropriately and briefs allstakeholders properly on the nature and requirements of its programmes.Any overseas recruitment agents are properly selected, briefed, monitored and evaluated.YesYesNoNoNANAThis standard is judged to be:MetPartially MetNot MetComments5. Recruitment of participants is mainly by networking at corporate level.Page 4 of 15

6.There is an appropriate policy on participant attendance and effective procedures andsystems to enforce it6.1There is a clear and published policy on participant attendance and punctuality.YesNo6.2Accurate and secure records of attendance and punctuality at each session are kept for allparticipants, collated centrally and reviewed.YesNo6.3Participant absences are followed up promptly and appropriate action taken.YesNoThis standard is judged to be:MetPartially MetNot MetComments6.1 Policies are clearly documented and given to participants at induction and attendance is monitored by manual registerwith copies retained in course files.7.The provider regularly obtains and records feedback from participants and otherstakeholders and takes appropriate action where necessary7.17.2The provider has effective mechanisms for obtaining feedback from participants and otherstakeholders (such as staff, partner providers and employers) on all aspects of theprovider's provision, including formal participant representation where appropriate.Feedback is obtained, recorded and analysed on a regular basis.YesYesNoNo7.3The feedback is reviewed by management and action is taken where necessary.YesNo7.4There is a mechanism for reporting on the provider's response to the feedback to theparticipant body.YesNoThis standard is judged to be:MetPartially MetNot MetComments7. Whilst feedback forms are completed by participants and are acted upon by the provider, there is no documentaryevidence of this. It is recommended that the provider close the documentation loop by recording participant feedbackoutcomes, action plans and completion as standing agenda item at quarterly management meetings.8.The provider has effective systems to review its own standards and assess its ownperformance with a view to continuing improvement8.1There are effective systems for monitoring and periodically reviewing all aspects of theprovider’s performance.YesNo8.28.3Reports are compiled at least annually which present the results of the provider’s reviewsand incorporate action plans. Reports include analysis of year-on-year results on participantsatisfaction, retention, achievement, examination results and completion rates.Action plans are implemented and regularly reviewed, with outcomes reported to themanagement.YesYesNoNoThis standard is judged to be:MetPartially MetNot MetComments8. Standards are reviewed by participant and client (employer) feedback and actions taken as required. Again there is nodocumentary evidence of this. It is recommended that the provider close the documentation loop by recording clientfeedback outcomes, action plans and completion as a standing agenda item at quarterly management meetings.Page 5 of 15

INSPECTION AREA - TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENTMinimum standards 9-169. Programme management is effective9.19.2There is a suitably qualified and experienced programme manager or management teamwith responsibility for teaching, learning and assessment and the management of the bodyof trainers.Classes are timetabled and rooms allocated appropriately for the courses offered.YesYesNoNo9.3The allocation of trainers to classes provides for a consistent learning experience anddelivery is monitored to ensure consistency.YesNo9.4There is an appropriate policy and effective procedures for the acquisition of teaching andlearning resources.YesNoThis standard is judged to be:MetPartially MetNot MetComments9. Class size varies from three to 20 with an average 10. Programme management is by the Managing Consultant andtrainers develop session plans in the form of PowerPoint presentations which are printed as handouts. The inspectorobserved the one course that was in progress and considered the standard of delivery to be very good.10.The courses are planned and delivered in ways that enable participants to succeed10.110.2Courses are designed and delivered in ways that allow participants to develop theknowledge and skills which will be required for final examinations or assessments or whichmeet stakeholders' requirements.Lessons and assessments maintain an appropriate focus on any assessment objectives orstatement of learning outcomes established by the awarding body.YesYesNoNoNA10.310.4Formative assessments appropriately reflect the nature and standards of summativeexaminations.Participants are encouraged and enabled to develop independent learning skills.YesYesNoNoNANA10.5 The academic backgrounds and particular needs of participants are taken into account inthe classroom delivery of the course.YesNoThis standard is judged to be:MetPartially MetNot MetComments10. Learning outcomes are identified in the prospectus and feedback is obtained informally from participants' employers bye-mail.Page 6 of 15

11.11.1Trainers are suitable for the courses to which they are allocated and effective indelivering themTrainers are appropriately qualified and experienced.YesNo11.211.3Trainers have a level of subject knowledge, pedagogic and communicative skill which allowsthem to deliver the content of courses effectively.The appraisal procedures for trainers incorporate regular classroom observation.YesYesNoNo11.4 Trainers are supported in their continuing professional development and enabled todevelop further pedagogic techniques to enhance the learning of participants.11.5 Trainers respond to different learning needs of participants where appropriate, takingvarious learning styles into account in their planning and delivery of lessons.11.6 Trainers employ effective strategies to involve all participants in active participation and tocheck their understanding of concepts and course content.YesYesYesNoNoNoThis standard is judged to be:MetPartially MetNot MetComments11.4 Trainers' CVs show well qualified and experienced academics and senior business managers. As self-employedprofessionals, Global Analytics considers they are responsible for their own CPD, so this standard is not applicable.Classroom observation showed a good standard of delivery involving individual participants.The inspector was concerned that the provider is very heavily reliant on the availability of specialist trainers, and there iscurrently no procedure to be followed should a trainer suddenly become unavailable for a course due to illness or otherunforeseen problem. It is recommended that the provider establish a procedure to cover such an eventuality.12. The provider provides participants and trainers with access to appropriate resources andmaterials for studyThis standard is judged to be:MetPartially MetNot MetCommentsCourse notes and handouts are of a good standard supported by participant satisfaction as demonstrated by interview andfeedback forms.Page 7 of 15

13.13.113.213.313.413.513.6Participants receive appropriate assessment and feedback on their performance andprogress, which are effectively monitoredCourses are planned to include a schedule of assessments, the procedures and criteria forwhich are available in writing and in advance to participants and trainers.Assessment outcomes are monitored to enable the identification of participants who arenot making satisfactory progress and prompt intervention where appropriate.Participants are made aware of how their progress relates to their targeted level ofachievement.Additional support or advice on alternative courses is provided to participants who arejudged not to be making sufficient progress to succeed.Oral and written feedback is given to individual participants on a regular basis, tailored tomeet their specific needs and constructive in its nature and delivery.Participants have appropriate access to trainers outside class time.YesYesYesYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNANAThis standard is judged to be:MetPartially MetNot MetComments13. Courses are typically two days, one week or two weeks. There is no formal formative assessment other than thetrainers' ability to ensure that the participants understand the sessions. This was clearly working satisfactorily in the sessionobserved by the inspector. There is a written test at the end of each course, copies of which are retained in course files.Whilst this is effectively a form of summative assessment, there is no grading and participants receive a certificate ofcourse completion. However, the results of the tests are reviewed by trainers and the Managing Consultant as anassessment of course delivery. Within these constraints, the inspector considered this standard to be met.14. The provider offers courses leading to accredited awards granted by recognised awardingbodies wherever appropriateThis standard is judged to be:Met Partially Met Not Met NAComments14. All course awards are internal certificates of training.15.There is a clear rationale for courses leading to unaccredited or internal awards15.115.215.3There is a clear statement of the level claimed relative to the NQF/QCF and evidencethat participants who receive the award meet the stated requirements for that level.There is evidence of the extent to which the awards are accepted for the purposes ofemployment or further study.External moderators are involved in the assessment process where appropriate.YesYesYesNoNoNoNANANAThis standard is judged to be:Met Partially Met Not Met NAComments15.2 Courses are accepted as CPD by employers as evidenced by repeat clients and client feedback.Page 8 of 15

16.There are satisfactory procedures for the administration of examinations and othermeans of assessment16.1The provider complies with the requirements of the relevant awarding bodies in terms ofexamination security and administration where appropriate.YesNoNA16.2For internal awards, there are effective systems in place for examination security andadministration, and clear procedures for participants to appeal against their marks.YesNoNAThis standard is judged to be:Met Partially Met Not Met NACommentsINSPECTION AREA - PARTICIPANT WELFAREMinimum standards 17-2217.Participants receive pastoral support appropriate to their age, background andcircumstances17.1There is at least one named staff member responsible for participant welfare who issuitably trained, accessible to all participants and available to provide advice.YesNoNA17.2Participants receive appropriate advice before the start of the programme.YesNo17.317.4Participants receive an appropriate induction and relevant information at the start of theprogramme.Participants are issued with a contact number for out-of-hours and emergency support.YesYesNoNo17.5The provider has policies in place to avoid discrimination and a published procedure fordealing with any abusive behaviour.YesNoThis standard is judged to be:MetPartially MetNot MetComments17. Participants are all mature and courses are short so welfare is not normally an issue. However, the Administratorprovides assistance with travel and accommodation arrangements as required.Page 9 of 15

18.International participants are provided with specific advice and assistance18.1International participants receive appropriate advice before their arrival on travelling toand living in the UK.YesNo18.218.318.4International participants receive an appropriate induction upon arrival covering issuesspecific to the local area.Information and advice specific to international participants continues to be availablethroughout the course of study.Provision of support takes into account cultural and religious considerations. Wherepossible, participants have access to speakers of their own first language.YesYesYesNoNoNoThis standard is judged to be:Met Partially Met Not Met NAComments18.1 The Administrator provides assistance with all aspects of passport and visa application if required.19.The fair treatment of participants is ensured19.1Participants apply for and are enrolled on courses under fair and transparent contractualterms and conditions.YesNo19.2Participants have access to a fair complaints procedure of which they are informed inwriting at the start of the course.YesNoThis standard is judged to be:MetPartially MetNot MetComments19.2 Policies and procedures are documented and made available to participants at induction.20.20.120.220.320.4Where residential accommodation is offered, it is fit for purpose, well maintained andappropriately supervisedAny residential accommodation is clean, safe and of a standard which is adequate to theneeds 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 precautionstaken for security of participants and their property.A level of supervision is provided appropriate to the needs of participants.YesYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNA20.5Separate accommodation blocks are provided for participants under 18.YesNoNAThis standard is judged to be:Met Partially Met Not Met NACommentsPage 10 of 15

21.21.121.221.321.421.5Where home-stay accommodation is organised, the welfare of participants is ensured and theprovider's relationship with hosts is properly managedDue care is taken in selecting home-stay accommodation which both provides a safe andcomfortable living environment for participants and is appropriately located for travel tothe provider and back.Any home-stay accommodation is inspected before participants are placed and is subject toregular 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 duringthe placement.Clear monitoring procedures are in place with opportunities for participant feedback andprompt action taken in the event of problems.YesYesYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoThis standard is judged to be:Met Partially Met Not Met NAComments22.22.1The provider provides an appropriate social programme for participants and informationon leisure activities in the areaParticipants are provided with appropriate information on opportunities for participationat events and other leisure activities which may be of interest.YesNo22.2The social programme is responsive to the needs and wishes of participants.YesNo22.322.4Any activities within the social programme have been chosen with consideration for theiraffordability by the majority of participants.Any activities organised by the provider are supervised by a responsible representativewith suitable qualifications and experience.YesYesNoNoThis standard is judged to be:Met Partially Met Not Met NAComments22. A course dinner is arranged for one and two week courses and a sightseeing visit to the City is included on two weekcourses.Page 11 of 15

INSPECTION AREA - PREMISES AND FACILITIESMinimum standards 23 - 2623. The provider has secure possession of and access to its premises23.1The provider has secure tenure on its premises.YesNoNA23.2Where required, the provider has access to suitable external premises for trainingpurposes of a temporary or occasional nature.YesNoNAThis standard is judged to be:MetPartially MetNot MetComments23. The lease was renewed on 21 September 2012 for 2 years24.The premises provide a safe, secure and clean environment for participants and staff24.1Access to the premises is appropriately restricted and secured.YesNo24.2The premises are maintained in an adequate state of repair, decoration and cleanliness.YesNo24.324.4There 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.YesYesNoNoNA24.524.624.7There is adequate signage inside and outside of the premises and notice boards for thedisplay of general information.There is adequate circulation space for the number of participants and staffaccommodated, and a suitable area in which to receive visitors.There are toilet facilities of an appropriate number and level of cleanliness.YesYesYesNoNoNo24.8 There is adequate heating and ventilation in all rooms.YesNoThis standard is judged to be:MetPartially MetNot MetComments24. The offices are managed and maintained by Regus who provide security at reception in the main entrance. Regus has adocumented health and safety policy with which all leasees are required to comply. Regus undertake regular fire riskassessments.Page 12 of 15

25.Training rooms and other learning areas are appropriate for the courses offered25.1Training rooms and other learning areas provide adequate accommodation in size andnumber for the classes allocated to them.YesNo25.2Training 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.YesNo25.3There are facilities suitable for conducting the assessments required on each course.YesNoThis standard is judged to be:MetPartially MetNot MetComments25. Well equipped training rooms are hired from Regus as required to suit course numbers.26.There are appropriate additional facilities for participants and staff26.1Participants have access to sufficient space and suitable facilities for private study, includinglibrary and IT resources.YesNo26.2Trainers have access to sufficient personal space for preparing lessons, marking work andrelaxation.YesNo26.326.4Participants and staff have access to space and facilities suitable for relaxation and theconsumption of food and drink where appropriate.Participants and staff have access to storage for personal possessions where appropriate.YesYesNoNoNANA26.5There are individual offices or rooms in which trainers and senior managementcan hold private meetings and a room of sufficient size to hold staff meetings.YesNoThis standard is judged to be:MetPartially MetNot MetComments26. The short courses are based full time in the classroom from 10.00-16.00 with all course materials provided, and theprovision of facilities for private study is not a requirement. Similarly coffee and lunch are provided, but there is a Regusbreak-out area with refreshments which is available for use by trainers and participants.26.4 Courses are short and provision of storage for personal possessions is not normally required, but the provider hasfacilities for temporary storage of participants' luggage after checking out of their hotels and before departure.COMPLIANCE WITH STATUTORY REQUIREMENTSDeclaration of compliance has been signed and dated.YesNoPage 13 of 15

PART C - SUMMARY OF STRENGTHS AND ACTION POINTSNumbering of action points aligns with that of the minimum standardsMANAGEMENT, STAFFING AND ADMINISTRATIONProvider's strengthsThe provider is a small business with a flexible management team able to respond to market and client requirements.Actions requiredPriority H/M/LNone High Medium LowTEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENTProvider's strengthsThe provider is able to offer a high standard of training by the use of well qualified and experienced trainers.Actions requiredPriority H/M/LNone High Medium LowPARTICIPANT WELFAREProvider's strengthsThe Administrator is fully familiar with all aspects of visas and international travel and can provide advice and assistance asnecessary including local accommodation and travel.Actions requiredPriority H/M/LNone High Medium LowPREMISES AND FACILITIESProvider's strengthsThe Regus managed office is a prestigious venue in the heart of the City of London. It is operated and maintained to a veryhigh standard and Regus take responsibility for health and safety aspects of the building.Actions requiredPriority H/M/LNone High Medium LowPage 14 of 15

RECOMMENDED AREAS FOR QUALITY IMPROVEMENTSince control of quality is based on feedback provided by participants and their organisations, it is recommended that aprocedure be implemented to record such feedback and the actions taken. The provider could close the documentationloop by recording feedback outcomes, action plans and completion as a standing agenda item at quarterly managementmeetings.It is recommended that the provider establish a procedure to cover the eventuality should a trainer become unavailable atshort notice.COMPLIANCE WITH STATUTORY REQUIREMENTSCompliance with statutory requirements is satisfactory and the provider has signed the BAC Declaration of Compliance.Page 15 of 15