Policies & Regulations

Strong Governance. Clear Standards. Trusted Learning.

Our policies and regulations create a secure, fair and transparent environment for learners, centres and partners worldwide.

Awarding Regulations

Establish the governance, authority and rules under which Ashbourne Professional Awarding Organisation manages and approves its awards.

Purpose & Scope
Define the purpose of these regulations, the activities covered, the awards regulated and those to whom they apply.
Awarding Governance
Outline the governance structure and oversight bodies responsible for maintaining academic standards and integrity.
Awarding Authority
Define who may approve, authorise, recommend, issue and amend awards within Ashbourne’s framework.
Award Approval Process
Explain the end-to-end process from assessment decision through to final award authorisation and certification.
Awarding Principles
Set out the core principles guiding fair, consistent, transparent and accountable award decisions.

Conflict of Interest
Define conflict of interest requirements, declaration process and expectations for impartial decision-making.
Awarding Records
Specify the records that must be created, maintained and securely retained for each award.
Withholding, Suspension & Revocation
Define the circumstances and process for withholding, suspending or revoking an award.
Appeals & Review
Outline the rights of appeal, review processes and independent consideration of awarding decisions.
Regulatory Review
Explain how these regulations are reviewed, updated and published to ensure continued relevance and quality.

Assessment & Examination Regulations

Establish the mandatory rules governing assessment, examinations and assessment decisions.

A. Scope
Define the scope and application of assessment and examination regulations.
B. Assessment Requirements
Set out the mandatory requirements for all assessments.
C. Assessment Methods
Specify the approved assessment methods and their conditions of use.
D. Submission Regulations
Define the rules for submitting assessments and required documentation.
E. Examination Regulations
Outline the rules governing examinations, invigilation and conduct.
F. Marking
Set the standards and processes for marking and awarding marks.

G. Reasonable Adjustments
Ensure fair access by outlining adjustments for learners with disabilities or specific needs.
H. Extensions & Special Consideration
Define the criteria and process for extensions and special consideration.
I. Resubmission & Reassessment
Explain the rules for resubmissions, reassessments and associated limits.
J. Moderation & IQA
Ensure consistency and quality through internal and external moderation and internal quality assurance.
K. Results
Define how results are determined, recorded, communicated and stored.
L. Assessment Appeals
Outline the process for appealing assessment decisions.

Quality Assurance Policies

Define how Ashbourne monitors academic quality, assessment consistency and continuous improvement.

A. Quality Assurance Purpose
Define the purpose and importance of quality assurance within Ashbourne.
B. Quality Governance
Outline the governance structure and responsibilities for quality assurance.
C. Internal Quality Assurance
Define internal quality assurance processes for monitoring academic and operational quality.
D. Independent External Quality Review
Explain the role and process of independent external quality review.
E. Standardisation
Define standardisation of assessment, marking and academic practice.
F. Moderation
Outline internal and external moderation processes to ensure consistency.

G. Risk-Based Quality Monitoring
Define how risks to academic quality are identified, monitored and mitigated.
H. Quality Indicators
Specify the key indicators used to measure and monitor quality performance.
I. Corrective Actions
Explain how quality issues are addressed and corrective actions are implemented.
J. Annual Quality Review
Define the process for annual quality review and evaluation.
K. Records & Continuous Improvement
Outline how quality assurance records are maintained and how continuous improvement is achieved.

Qualification & Credit Regulations

Define the structure, levels, credits and academic rules applying to Ashbourne’s internal and non-regulated programmes.

A. Purpose & Scope
Define the purpose and scope of qualification and credit regulations.
B. Ashbourne Level Framework
Outline Ashbourne’s internal level framework and level descriptors.
C. Credit Framework
Define the credit system used in Ashbourne programmes.
D. Qualification & Programme Categories
Define the types of qualifications and programmes offered.
E. Programme Development
Explain the process for designing and developing programmes.
F. Programme Approval
Define the approval process for new and revised programmes.

G. Credit Allocation
Define how credits are allocated to learning and assessment.
H. Recognition of Prior Learning
Outline the process for recognising prior learning and experience.
I. Credit Recognition & Transfer
Define how credits may be transferred or recognised from other programmes.
J. Programme Modification
Explain how programmes may be modified, suspended or withdrawn.
K. Periodic Review
Define the process for regular review and update of qualifications and programmes.

Approved Centre Regulations

Define the requirements and responsibilities applying to organisations approved to deliver Ashbourne programmes.

A. Purpose
Define the purpose of centre approval and these regulations.
B. Centre Approval Requirements
Outline the mandatory requirements for centre approval.
C. Approval Process
Explain the step-by-step process for centre approval.
D. Centre Personnel
Define the personnel requirements and competency expectations.
E. Delivery Requirements
Set out the standards for programme delivery and learner support.
F. Learner Registration
Define the rules for learner enrolment, registration and induction.
G. Assessment Responsibilities
Explain the centre’s responsibilities for assessments and assessment security.

H. Centre Quality Assurance
Define the quality assurance responsibilities and reporting requirements.
I. Marketing & Branding
Set out the rules for marketing, branding and use of Ashbourne identity.
J. Data & Records
Outline the data protection, record keeping and reporting obligations.
K. Centre Risk Rating
Explain how centres are risk rated and monitored.
L. Centre Sanctions
Define the sanctions for non-compliance and poor performance.
M. Centre Closure
Outline the process for centre closure, suspension or withdrawal of approval.

Certification & Award Regulations

Establish the controls governing award approval, certification, verification and maintenance of award records.

A. Purpose
Define the purpose and application of certification and award regulations.
B. Eligibility for Certification
Set out the requirements learners must meet to be eligible for certification.
C. Award Authorisation
Define the process for authorising and approving awards.
D. Certificate Content
Specify the mandatory information and design requirements for certificates.
E. Certificate Numbering
Outline the rules for unique certificate numbering and tracking.
F. Digital Certificates
Define the issuance and format of digital certificates.
G. Online Verification
Explain how certificates can be verified online by third parties.

H. Replacement Certificates
Provide the process for issuing replacement certificates.
I. Corrections
Define how errors on certificates are corrected and documented.
J. Award Register
Outline the maintenance of the official award register.
K. Withholding Certificates
Define the circumstances and process for withholding certificates.
L. Revocation
Explain the grounds, process and rights related to revoking awards.
M. Certificate Security
Set out security features and controls to prevent fraud and misuse.

Appeals, Complaints & Academic Review

Provide fair and transparent mechanisms for raising complaints and challenging academic or awarding decisions.

A. Principles
Outline the principles of fairness, transparency and natural justice.
B. What is a Complaint?
Define what constitutes a complaint under these regulations.
C. What is an Academic Appeal?
Define what constitutes an academic appeal under these regulations.
D. Informal Resolution
Encourage early resolution through informal discussion where possible.
E. Formal Complaint Process
Explain the formal steps for submitting and handling complaints.
F. Academic Appeal Process
Explain the formal steps for submitting and handling academic appeals.

G. Grounds for Appeal
List the valid grounds on which an academic appeal may be made.
H. Independence
Ensure decisions are made independently and without conflict of interest.
I. Response Times
Set clear timelines for acknowledging and resolving cases.
J. Possible Outcomes
Outline the range of possible outcomes for complaints and appeals.
K. Records
Explain how complaints and appeals are recorded and retained.
L. Learning from Complaints
Describe how feedback is used to improve policies and processes.

Malpractice & Maladministration

Protect the integrity of Ashbourne awards by establishing rules for identifying, investigating and responding to malpractice and maladministration.

A. Definitions
Define key terms relating to malpractice and maladministration.
B. Learner Malpractice
Outline examples of learner malpractice and related behaviours.
C. Staff & Assessor Malpractice
Define examples of malpractice by staff, assessors and tutors.
D. Centre Malpractice
Define malpractice committed by approved centres.
E. Maladministration
Define maladministration and provide examples.
F. Reporting Concerns
Explain how concerns can be reported and by whom.

G. Investigation
Set out how investigations are initiated, managed and concluded.
H. Evidence
Define acceptable evidence and how it is collected and stored.
I. Fair Process
Ensure a fair, consistent and unbiased process for all cases.
J. Sanctions — Learners
Outline sanctions and penalties that may be applied to learners.
K. Sanctions — Staff & Centres
Outline sanctions and penalties that may be applied to staff and centres.
L. Reporting & Records
Set out the requirements for reporting and maintaining records.

Learner Protection

Protect learners where programme delivery, centre operations or other circumstances could disrupt their studies or awards.

A. Learner Protection Principles
Outline the principles that guide Ashbourne’s approach to learner protection.
B. Scope
Define the situations and activities covered by this policy.
C. Programme Closure
Explain how programme closures may occur and be managed.
D. Teach-Out
Set out how learners will be supported to complete their studies.
E. Approved Centre Closure
Define the process when an approved centre closes.
F. Programme Changes
Explain how significant programme changes are communicated and managed.
G. Assessment Continuity
Ensure assessments are available and fair during disruption.

H. Learner Records
Ensure learner records are safeguarded and remain accessible.
I. Certification Protection
Explain how learners’ certification and achievements are protected.
J. Refund & Transfer Principles
Set out principles for refunds and transfers in protected circumstances.
K. Communication
Ensure timely, accurate and transparent communication with learners.
L. Business Continuity
Outline how Ashbourne ensures continuity of operations and services.
M. Oversight
Define oversight of learner protection plans and implementation.

Policies & Regulations

Strong Governance. Clear Standards. Trusted Learning.

Our policies and regulations create a secure, fair and transparent environment for learners, centres and partners worldwide.

Approved Centre Regulations

Define the requirements and responsibilities applying to organisations approved to deliver Ashbourne programmes.

A. Purpose
Define the purpose of centre approval and these regulations.
B. Centre Approval Requirements
Outline the mandatory requirements for centre approval.
C. Approval Process
Explain the step-by-step process for centre approval.
D. Centre Personnel
Define the personnel requirements and competency expectations.
E. Delivery Requirements
Set out the standards for programme delivery and learner support.
F. Learner Registration
Define the rules for learner enrolment, registration and induction.
G. Assessment Responsibilities
Explain the centre’s responsibilities for assessments and assessment security.

H. Centre Quality Assurance
Define the quality assurance responsibilities and reporting requirements.
I. Marketing & Branding
Set out the rules for marketing, branding and use of Ashbourne identity.
J. Data & Records
Outline the data protection, record keeping and reporting obligations.
K. Centre Risk Rating
Explain how centres are risk rated and monitored.
L. Centre Sanctions
Define the sanctions for non-compliance and poor performance.
M. Centre Closure
Outline the process for centre closure, suspension or withdrawal of approval.