Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to set out the framework by which the Cambridge Academy of Risk Management (CARM) recruits, admits, and registers learners onto its programmes. It ensures that all learners are treated fairly and consistently throughout the admissions journey, from the point of enquiry to formal registration with both CARM and the awarding body.

This policy guarantees that recruitment and admissions processes are transparent, consistent, and free from discrimination. It provides applicants with clear and accurate information so they can make informed decisions about their chosen programme of study. It also ensures that learners admitted to CARM meet the entry requirements and are suitably prepared to succeed in their chosen programme.

In addition, the policy protects the integrity of CARM’s academic standards by aligning all admissions practices with awarding body regulations. It promotes equality, inclusivity, and accessibility, ensuring that reasonable adjustments are made for applicants with additional needs. Finally, it sets out CARM’s commitment to maintaining accurate and timely learner records, fulfilling both institutional responsibilities and awarding body requirements.

Recruitment Principles

CARM is committed to ensuring that learner recruitment, admissions, and registration processes are fair, transparent, and consistent with institutional values and awarding body requirements. All learners are given the opportunity to access high-quality education in a supportive environment that promotes professionalism, inclusivity, and accountability.

The principles that guide this policy are as follows:

• Fair Access – All learners are considered equally, with admission decisions based solely on merit, eligibility, and potential to succeed.
• Equality and Diversity – Recruitment and admissions are carried out without discrimination on the basis of age, gender, disability, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or background.
• Transparency – Information on entry requirements, fees, programme content, and progression routes is communicated clearly and accurately to applicants.
• Right Programme, Right Learner – Admissions decisions ensure that learners are matched with programmes that reflect their skills, qualifications, and career aspirations.
• Learner Support – Applicants with additional needs are encouraged to disclose them at an early stage so that reasonable adjustments can be arranged to support their learning journey.
• Regulatory Compliance – All recruitment and registration processes are aligned with awarding body regulations and quality assurance standards, protecting both learners and the integrity of CARM’s programmes.

By applying these principles, CARM reinforces its mission to deliver education that is accessible, inclusive, and aligned with professional standards in risk management and related fields.

Entry Requirements

CARM sets clear entry requirements for all programmes to ensure that learners are academically prepared and have the potential to succeed in their chosen course of study. Entry criteria are designed to be transparent, fair, and accessible, while maintaining the academic integrity and professional standards expected by awarding bodies.

Learners may be admitted based on one or more of the following:

• Academic Qualifications – Applicants are normally expected to hold relevant qualifications appropriate to the level of study (e.g., secondary, undergraduate, or postgraduate entry requirements).
• Professional Experience – Where formal qualifications are lacking, applicants may be admitted based on substantial and relevant work experience, particularly for vocational or professional programmes.
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) – Prior certificated or experiential learning may be recognised in accordance with awarding body guidelines, allowing applicants to gain entry or advanced standing.
• English Language Proficiency – Since programmes are delivered in English, applicants must demonstrate sufficient English language skills to participate fully in their studies. Evidence may include formal qualifications, prior study in English, or other approved assessments.

CARM recognises that some applicants may not meet the standard entry requirements but may still demonstrate the ability and motivation to succeed. In such cases, applications will be considered on an individual basis, with decisions made fairly and consistently.

Where appropriate, applicants may also be asked to attend an interview, complete a short assessment, or provide additional documentation to support their application. This ensures that learners are matched to programmes suited to their academic background, skills, and professional goals.

Recruitment and Admissions Procedure

CARM follows a structured process for recruiting and admitting learners to ensure fairness, transparency, and compliance with awarding body requirements. The procedure is designed to give applicants clear guidance and support at every stage. The process includes the following steps:

1. Application
   • Prospective learners complete an official application form and provide supporting documentation such as academic transcripts, proof of identity, and evidence of relevant work experience (if applicable).
2. Eligibility Check
   • The Admissions Team reviews each application against the published entry requirements.
   • Where necessary, clarification or additional evidence may be requested from the applicant.
3. Interview or Assessment (if required)
   • For certain programmes, applicants may be invited to attend an interview or complete a short assessment.
   • This allows CARM to evaluate the applicant’s suitability for the programme and provide tailored advice on study expectations.
4. Decision
   • Applicants will receive one of the following outcomes:
     • Unconditional Offer – Admission granted with no further requirements.
     • Conditional Offer – Admission granted subject to fulfilling specific requirements (e.g., providing missing documents, achieving a qualification, or meeting English language standards).
     • Rejection with Feedback – Where admission is not possible, applicants will receive constructive feedback to support future applications.
5. Acceptance of Offer
   • Learners accepting an offer confirm in writing and, where required, complete financial arrangements such as fee payment or instalment agreements.
6. Enrolment and Registration
   • Upon acceptance, learners are officially enrolled with CARM and their details are securely recorded.
   • The Administration Team ensures that learners are registered with the awarding body within the required deadlines.
   • Learners are then issued confirmation of registration, induction details, and access credentials for the CARM Learning Zone.

This structured approach ensures that learners are fully informed, appropriately placed on the right programme, and officially registered in compliance with institutional and awarding body standards.

Registration

Registration is the formal process of enrolling learners with both CARM and the relevant awarding body. It ensures that learners are officially recognised as participants in their chosen programme and that their records are maintained accurately and securely. The key principles of registration are as follows:

• Accurate Records
  All learner information, including personal details, qualifications, and contact information, must be accurately recorded in CARM’s student management system. Records are regularly reviewed and updated to maintain integrity and compliance with awarding body requirements.
• Timely Registration
  Learners must be registered with the awarding body within the deadlines specified by that organisation. CARM takes responsibility for meeting these deadlines and ensuring that learners are not disadvantaged by delays.
• Identity Verification
  Learners are required to provide proof of identity (such as a passport, national ID card, or driving licence) and evidence of any entry qualifications used for admission. This verification process safeguards against fraudulent enrolment and protects the validity of learner achievements.
• Data Protection
  All learner data is handled securely and in compliance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Personal data is collected only for legitimate purposes, stored securely, and shared only with authorised awarding bodies or regulators where required.
• Confirmation of Registration
  Once registered, learners will receive a confirmation letter or email, which includes:
  • Details of their programme of study.
  • Induction arrangements.
  • Access credentials for the CARM Learning Zone.
  • Key contact information for academic and student support services.

CARM views registration as a vital step in ensuring learners are formally recognised, properly supported, and fully prepared to begin their academic journey.

Late Registration

CARM recognises that in certain circumstances, learners may be unable to complete the registration process within the standard timeframe. While timely registration is strongly encouraged to ensure learners have full access to resources and awarding body recognition, late registrations may be considered on an exceptional basis.

• Approval
  Any late registration must be formally approved by an authorised senior manager. Each case will be reviewed individually, taking into account the reason for the delay and the potential impact on the learner’s ability to succeed on the programme.
• Acceptable Reasons
  Consideration may be given in cases such as:
  • Medical or personal emergencies.
  • Administrative errors or delays outside the learner’s control.
  • Exceptional professional or family circumstances.
• Limitations
  • Late registration may not always be possible due to awarding body regulations or fixed deadlines.
  • Learners registering late may experience reduced preparation time for assessments and limited access to induction activities.
• Fees
  If the awarding body imposes additional charges for late registration, these costs will be passed on to the learner.
• Responsibilities
  Learners are responsible for providing evidence to support their request for late registration. CARM will provide guidance and support throughout the process, but the final decision will rest with the institution and, where applicable, the awarding body.

Withdrawal or Deferral at Registration Stage

CARM recognises that, in some cases, learners may need to withdraw or defer their place after completing registration. While we encourage learners to commit fully to their chosen programme, we also acknowledge that personal, professional, or financial circumstances may require changes to their study plans.

• Notification
  Learners wishing to withdraw or defer must notify CARM in writing as soon as possible. This ensures that accurate records are maintained and that any required notifications can be made to the awarding body.
• Deferral
  • Learners may request to defer their place to a future intake of the same programme.
  • Deferral requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may require supporting evidence (e.g., medical certificates or employer confirmation).
  • The availability of deferral will depend on awarding body regulations and programme delivery schedules.
• Withdrawal
  • If a learner decides to withdraw completely, their registration with both CARM and the awarding body will be cancelled.
  • Where applicable, the learner will be entitled to a transcript of any completed modules or credits.
  • Refunds, if applicable, will be processed in line with CARM’s Refund Policy.
• Support for Learners
  CARM aims to support learners through this process by:
  • Providing academic or pastoral advice to explore alternatives to withdrawal.
  • Offering guidance on re-enrolment in the future, should circumstances allow.
  • Assisting learners with referrals to external services, where appropriate.

By setting clear procedures for withdrawal and deferral, CARM ensures that learners are treated fairly and compassionately, while maintaining compliance with awarding body requirements and safeguarding institutional standards.

Appeals

CARM is committed to ensuring that all learners are treated fairly and that decisions regarding recruitment, admission, and registration are made in a transparent and consistent manner. Learners have the right to appeal decisions if they believe that a mistake has been made or that they have been treated unfairly.

• Grounds for Appeal
  Appeals may be made in relation to:
  • A refusal of admission.
  • A rejection of a deferral request.
  • A decision to withdraw a learner during or immediately after registration.
  • Delays or errors in the issuing of certificates or registration confirmation.
• How to Appeal
  • Appeals must be submitted in writing within 10 working days of receiving the decision.
  • The appeal should clearly state the grounds for appeal and include any supporting evidence.
  • Appeals should be addressed to the Admissions Office, which will log the appeal and forward it to the appropriate senior manager.
• Review Process
  • Appeals will be reviewed by a senior member of staff not involved in the original decision, to ensure impartiality.
  • In some cases, additional information may be requested from the learner to support the review.
  • A decision will normally be made within 15 working days of receiving the appeal.
• Outcomes
  • If the appeal is upheld, corrective action will be taken as quickly as possible (e.g., reinstating registration, issuing corrected documentation, or revising an admissions decision).
  • If the appeal is not upheld, the learner will receive a clear explanation of the reasons.
  • The decision of the review will be final.

CARM ensures that all appeals are handled promptly, fairly, and with full respect for the learner’s rights. This process provides reassurance that institutional decisions are accountable and open to review.

Review

This policy will be formally reviewed on an annual basis to ensure that it remains aligned with awarding body regulations, sector best practices, and the evolving needs of learners. The review process will be overseen by CARM’s senior management and will take into account both internal and external factors.

As part of the review, CARM will:

• Monitor any changes in awarding body requirements or national regulatory frameworks.
• Collect and evaluate feedback from applicants, enrolled learners, and staff involved in the admissions and registration process.
• Consider outcomes from appeals, complaints, or withdrawal cases to identify areas for improvement.
• Benchmark admissions and registration processes against sector standards to ensure fairness, inclusivity, and transparency.

Where updates are required, a revised version of the policy will be approved by senior management and communicated to all staff and learners. The most current version will be accessible via the CARM Learning Zone and other appropriate communication channels.

Through regular review and updating, CARM demonstrates its commitment to continuous improvement and to maintaining a high-quality admissions and registration process that protects learners and upholds institutional integrity.