Guidane on Centre Approval and applications
Becoming a Centre Handbook
Provides all information required to become a centre. You can download this here.
Centre Application form
If you’d like to jump ahead and complete the application form you can download it here and send to business@focusawards.org.uk.
Example Quality Manual
Example policy and procedure document that you can use as inspiration for your own policies and procedures if required. You can download the exemplar here.
Application FAQ's
The most frequently asked questions regarding centre approval.
How much is approval?
£260.00 with VAT £312.00. International approval is £1500.00.
Can you discount the approval fee?
We often have offers on for approval fees, discounts are subject to terms and conditions but keep an eye on our socials and check your emails for any offers being sent to you.
What is the cost of registrations?
Registration fees very, please refer to the fees section of the Becoming a centre handbook for more information.
What is the cost of certification?
Certification fees are included in the Registration cost. There are no separate fees for certificating.
Do you do exams?
No, all qualifications are portfolio based
Can we use our own resources?
Yes, it’s not a requirement that you use out resources other than logbooks where available.
Can we deliver online?
For most of the qualifications online delivery is possible, please be aware that some practical elements of qualifications will need to be assessed face to face.
Can we deliver internationally?
Yes, please be aware some qualifications can only be delivered within the UK. A member of our approval team can advise which qualifications are UK only.
Are our qualifications internationally recognised?
This is entirely dependent on local authorities. Many countries outside of the UK recognise RQF qualifications.
How long has Focus Awards been established?
10 years +
How do we know you’re a real Awarding Organisation?
You can find us on the register on the government website: https://find-a- qualification.services.ofqual.gov.uk/find-regulated-qualifications
Can we transfer Direct Claim Status?
Yes, after a first initial sample of your portfolios. We will need an EQA report evidencing the direct claims status with your other Awarding Organisation from the last 12 months.
Is there a renewal fee yearly?
Yes, more information can be found above under ‘Fees’.
How do you invoice for pay as you go centres?
Focus Awards will automatically invoice your Centre within one hour of learner registrations, and within one week of confirming your order for all other resources unless alternative arrangements have been agreed. The invoice will be sent to the main email address we hold on file for your Centre unless you inform us otherwise. If you would like to change who we send the invoices to, please contact us via the details provided at the end of this Policy.
Each invoice will contain details:
- of the product / service being provided
- the payment method and where required our bank account details
- the VAT amount (unless you have informed us that you are VAT exempt)
- our payment terms
All invoice payments are due on receipt.
On receipt of payment, we will update our records to show payment has been received and ensure the invoice is appropriately filed.
Failure to pay due invoices may result in services and / or products being phased out and / or withdrawn from your Centre. A payment reminder will be sent to you after 3 days, and if the balance outstanding remains unpaid after 7 days, access to your account may be suspended. Non-compliance with our payment policy is highlighted to our EQAs as part of our Centre monitoring arrangements.
If you have any queries about any aspect of an invoice, please contact us.
In accordance with HMRC guidelines, we keep records of all invoices issued and received. An auditable trail of transactions can be provided to your Centre or other relevant parties if necessary.
Can an international centre be approved?
International Centres are subject to the same standards and requirements of those located within the UK. International Centre’s are any Centre which is based outside of England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. International fees can be found above.
What assessment methods can be used?
The main pieces of evidence for the portfolio could include some or all of the following:
Assessor observation, Witness testimony, Learner product, Worksheets, Assignments/projects/reports, Record of oral and written questioning, Learner and peer reports and Recognition of prior learning (RPL)
How can I prove to learners I am an approved Focus Awards centre?
Learners can call us to check this if needed, and you can evidence this with your centre approval certificate
Can we upskill staff through our Focus Awards account?
Yes! If you have an Assessor and an IQA competent in the qualification.