For Access Providers

OCN Eastern Region is the Access Validating Agency (AVA) for the East of England, licensed by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). An Access to HE Diploma is specifically designed to prepare adult students from under-represented groups for study in UK Higher Education. We offer:

• development support for new Access courses, provided by a team of experienced advisors
• access to a bank of approved units across a range of curriculum areas
• a course recognition and validating process
• effective and supportive quality assurance through external moderation and regional standardisation
• an efficient registration and awards process
• ongoing curriculum support.

In our most recent licence review by the QAA, we received an ‘outstanding’ outcome with nine commendations – confirming our widely-recognised reputation for quality. The full report can be found on the QAA website.

For existing Access Providers
OCN Eastern Region provides many resources for Access Providers. Some are in the public domain but others are password protected. If you are prompted for a password you should use your current Access username and password.

• The Access Quality Manual should be your first point of reference.
• The Access Quality Standards are available for all to read.
• Access News is published regularly to keep you abreast of new developments.
• The Access Unit databank (password protected) contains all approved Access units at your disposal.
• The Access Grading implementation document library.

Please contact your Centre's Access to HE Coordinator if you do not know your Centre's password.

External resources for Access Providers:
QAA website for FE Staff
QAA newsletter for AVAs

Becoming an Access Provider
The process to become an Access provider is straightforward but it is essential the appropriate steps are followed. The process involves the five steps:

1. Follow the Centre Recognition process to become a Recognised Centre.
2. Complete the Access programme approval and validation process.
3. Register the learners with OCN Eastern Region.
4. The award of credit to learners is confirmed.
5. Learners receive their Access to HE Diplomas.

Guidance on Course Development and Approval and on completing the Submission Document is available.

A centre which offers an Access to HE Diploma course must meet minimum requirements in order for the learners to gain their certificates. The core requirements can be divided into three sections: Administration, Course Delivery and Quality Assurance.

For further information, or to discuss becoming an Access provider, please contact OCN Eastern Region.