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CIM have a quality assurance accreditation process for study centres which it uses worldwide. The purpose of this is to ensure that decisions related to CIM Accredited Study Centres are fair and in the best interests of all parties concerned.
Each application to become a CIM Accredited Study Centre is reviewed by a panel (consisting of three Education Managers, the Head of Marketing (Education) and Director of Education) against the following criteria, during the application process. |
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Criteria for selection of centres for accreditation (as per Study Centre Accreditation Policy Sept 2007)
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Location (access to centre, study centres already in the area, population density)
Competition
Infrastructure
Teaching standards and resources (staff, IT, books etc.)
Current portfolio
Fully completed schemes of work
Staffing Information
Tutor training and development
Observations and inspection grades
Teaching methods and equipment
Teaching accommodation (venue & teaching & learning resources)
Dedicated Course Manager with appropriate professional experience
Market development and research
Promotional plan and budget
Recruitment plan with proposed student numbers
Resources and facilities for both staff and students
Staff evaluation procedures
Student feedback procedures
Organisational policies
Overall administration and quality procedures |
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The process for reviewing each application is based on three separate stages.
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The first stage reviews the location of the centre, the courses it applies to offer and the mode of delivery. CIM look for a centre that will add value to the network of study centres, by fulfilling a need which was not previously met. Applications which do not add value will be rejected at this stage to avoid unnecessary work by the potential ASC.
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The second stage relates to the requirements of the Partnership agreement and requires much more information. It reviews whether the applicant has a viable proposition and can market itself appropriately. It also judges whether the applicant will be able to deliver the CIM courses to the high standards which CIM require. At this stage if some aspects of the application are unclear or ambiguous CIM will usually seek clarification and provide advice, rather than reject an application.
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The third and final stage is a visit to the proposed teaching venue to inspect the accommodation and resources. If requested by the ASC this is sometimes completed prior to the stage two applications to help the ASC clarify the stage two requirements. This is not always possible for international centres and the British Council or International Branches frequently offer support to facilitate an informed judgement. |
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Following this process the Partnership Agreement and invoice are sent to the successful ASC. The Annual Review then monitors the relationship with CIM, including student numbers, pass rates and various quality standards.
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