Becoming an Approved Access Centre

Becoming an OCNSWR Approved Access Centre

Providers wishing to run an OCNSWR Access to HE programme must first become an Approved Access Centre. Approval for Access is separate and distinct from NOCN Centre Approval, which follows different administrative procedures for all other non Access Programmes. This is necessary in order to meet QAA requirements as an Access Validating Agency.

Once approved the Centre is eligible to run any CAF Pathway, provided they can demonstrate that appropriate staff, resources, facilities and quality assurance systems are in place.

Initial Centre Approval Application

Providers wishing to offer Access Programmes should contact the OCNSWR Access to HE Officer to discuss the proposal. An Initial Centre Approval Application Form should be submitted and arrangements made for the Access to HE Officer to visit the proposed centre to view facilities and meet key members of staff.

The Access to HE Officer will refer a satisfactory application to the Director of Access for submission to the HEAC. If confirmed, the HEAC will award Approved Centre status for a period of five years.

Additional Pathways

At the end of the Spring Term, Providers are required to complete a CAF Pathways Planning form, indicating which pathways they plan to offer during the next academic year.  If a Provider wishes to expand provision and offer new pathways in addition to those agreed in their Initial Application, an Application to Offer Additional Pathways form should be submitted. This is to ensure that any new provision meets the same quality standards.

Centre Review

Approved Access Centre status is reviewed every five years. The Provider is required to submit an Access Centre Review Report which is presented to a Review Group at a Centre Review meeting. The Review Group will make a recommendation to the HEAC that Approved Access Centre status be:

• Renewed for a period of five years (possibly with minor amendments)
• Renewed for a period of five years subject to stated actions being implemented within an agreed timescale

Referred for a further period of review and resubmission