Approved Employer (AE) Programme Handbook

Approved Employer (AE) Programme Handbook

Approved Employer (Ae) Programme Handbook Contents 1. WHAT IS THE APPROVED EMPLOYER PROGRAMME?... 3 Who is this handbook for? What are the different types of accreditation? What are the benefits of the Approved Employer programme for an organisation? What are the benefits of the Approved Employer programme for ACCA students and members? Who can apply? How much will it cost to become accredited? What is the Scope of an approval? What is Investors in People (IIP UK) accreditation? 2. ASSESSMENT FOR APPROVED EMPLOYER ACCREDITATION... 6 What are the criteria for accreditation? What documentary evidence could I submit? 3. HOW TO MAKE AN APPLICATION...13 What information do I need to make an application? Helpful Tips What is the process for becoming an Approved Employer? How do I make an application? How do I apply if I have Investors in People UK (IIP) accreditation? How long does it take for ACCA to determine if an application is complete? Who can help me in ACCA to make an application? 4. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I AM APPROVED?...16 Renewals Monitoring Communications Withdrawals 5. WHAT USEFUL CONTACTS MIGHT I NEED IN ACCA?...17 CONTENTS 2

1. What is the Approved Employer Programme? The ACCA Approved Employer programme recognises employers high standards of staff training and development. ACCA Approved Employer status provides: formal recognition that your organisation is committed to providing learning and development opportunities to its finance staff which will enhance your organisation s reputation as an employer an accessible global standard which enables organisations to compare their learning and development support against a global benchmark, enhancing your brand fast-track specific ACCA business processes your trainees and/or members can benefit depending on which approval stream you choose. In summary, the Approved Employer programme provides an overall framework within which ACCA can help to support your organisation s trainees and members. Who is this handbook for? This handbook is primarily intended as a source of information for those organisations interested in holding accreditation for training and development provided to ACCA students and members. What are the different types of accreditation? There are three type of accreditation: Trainee Development (Gold or Platinum) Professional Development Practicing Certificate Development (General or Audit) Trainee Development The trainee development stream recognises the learning opportunities your organisation provides for its employees working towards either the ACCA Qualification or the Certified Accounting Technician qualification (part of the Foundations in Accountancy suite of awards). There are two levels of approval gold and platinum. The scheme is accessible to all and the level of approval awarded reflects the support your organisation provides to trainees. It is also progressive, enabling organisations approved at gold level to work towards a higher level of approval. We will review the learning and support your organisation provides, focusing on study support and the provision of suitable practical experience. The criteria for becoming an Approved Employer in this stream can be found in the Approved Employer assessment matrix (on page 6). The criteria for becoming an Approved Employer in this stream can be found in the Approved Employer assessment matrix (on page 6). Practicing Certificate Development The practising certificate development stream recognises employers who provide learning opportunities for trainees and members training towards the ACCA practising certificate or the ACCA practising certificate and audit qualification. The criteria for becoming an Approved Employer in this stream can be found in the Approved Employer assessment matrix (on page 6). There are two types of practising certificate development approval: ACCA Practising Certificate Development - General (holders of an ACCA practising certificate may undertake general practice work only). ACCA Practising Certificate Development Audit (holders of an ACCA practising certificate and audit qualification may undertake both general practice work and work specifically reserved for registered auditors). Please note under the terms of our Global Practising Regulations, it is mandatory for ACCA members to hold an appropriate practising certificate in order to carry out public practice work or to be partners or directors of a firm which undertakes public practice. What are the benefits of the Approved Employer programme for an organisation? ACCA Approved Employer status means even more than gaining an international standard of recognition for your employee training and/or development. Exclusive Branding To help your organisation demonstrate its achievement, an ACCA Approved Employer certificate will be provided which can be displayed, for example, for public viewing. Also a logo will be provided which can be used, for example, on organisational business letterheads and job advertisements. ACCA Approved Employers trainee development stream can be provided with one of the logos below according to their approval level. Professional Development The professional development stream recognises employers who provide learning opportunities for ACCA members to support their Continuing Professional Development (CPD). 1. WHAT IS THE APPROVED EMPLOYER PROGRAMME? 3

ACCA Approved Employers professional development stream can be provided with the following logo. answering the challenge questions for 13 Performance Objectives (PO) and having these reviewed and signed off by a workplace mentor recording and reporting their PER progress through an online recording system called My Experience. An advantage of becoming an ACCA Approved Employer trainee development is that your trainees practical experience requirement could be simplified. ACCA Approved Employers practicing certificate development stream can be provided with the following logo. Discounts From ACCA Careers.com ACCA Approved Employers get a 25% discount on job listings when hiring ACCA candidates through our official recruitment website. ACCA Careers.com offers unique reach through our marketing and connections to our large, international and ambitious audience of finance professionals. In addition, for key roles Approved Employers will receive the Approved Employer logo alongside their recruitment advertising, distinguishing them amongst the ACCA audience as a supportive organisation, providing skills, training and CPD, helping you to attract the most ambitious talent. Discounts On ACCA s Online Certificates Accessing quality specialist finance learning and assessment enables you to increase the skill of your workforce. ACCA Approved Employers receive discounts on our online specialist finance certificates in finance topics including International Financial Reporting and International Auditing. Accounting Link Especially for employers of finance professionals, this regular e-bulletin is designed to bring you timely news and information about ACCA and developments within the profession. What are the benefits of the Approved Employer programme for my ACCA students and members? Trainee Development Stream ACCA Approved Employer trainee development stream status recognises your organisation s commitment to progress its trainees careers as finance professionals. To achieve ACCA membership a trainee has to complete the ACCA exams, the Professional Ethics module and the Performance Experience Requirement (PER), which requires: completing three years employment in an accounting or finance-related role(s) If your organisation becomes a gold or platinum ACCA Approved Employer, you can decide whether or not your trainees can take advantage of the Performance Objective exemption available when working for an Approved Employer. This means that your trainees do not need to complete the challenge questions associated with each of our Performance Objectives required for membership. This exemption reflects the fact that the organisation meets ACCA s demanding criteria for trainee development, including having the policies and processes in place that allow trainees to meet the minimum requirements of ACCA s PER. It means that ACCA has confidence in your organisation s systems and processes and at the same time removes duplication of effort with regard to record keeping. If this status is awarded, it should be emphasised that all ACCA trainees employed by your organisation still need to record the number of months relevant work experience they have gained using the online My Experience recording tool. However, this is a very quick and straightforward process. Please note that it is you, the employer not the trainee who decides whether the trainee can claim the Performance Objective exemption. If you prefer your trainees to complete the 13 Performance Objectives, they will need to have their challenge questions signed off by a Workplace Mentor. Professional Development Stream ACCA Approved Employer professional development stream status recognises your organisation s commitment to the career development of its qualified accountants as finance professionals. Career development is critical to effective employee retention. ACCA members who are employed by an Approved Employer under the Professional Development stream are automatically exempt from having to follow ACCA s Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Unit Scheme Route due to the high quality of support that their employer provides to ensure that their knowledge and skills stay up to date. However, members are still required to complete their annual CPD declaration confirming they are covered by the Approved Employer route but this process is simple and only takes a few minutes. Members are asked to indicate their chosen CPD route, whether they are involved in the audit of historical financial information and to confirm that they have kept their professional ethics up to date. 1. WHAT IS THE APPROVED EMPLOYER PROGRAMME? 4

Who can apply? The Approved Employer programme is inclusive and we do not specify the size of the business that should apply for Approved Employer status. Therefore, we will accept applications from a wide variety of organisations, ranging from large multinational organisations to small family run businesses. There are different ways to evidence the Approved Employer assessment matrix targets which will depend on the policies and procedures in place in each individual organisation. This also may vary depending on the size of the organisation. Therefore, the manner in which each organisation evidences each target may differ. If you are unsure of how you can evidence each Approved Employer assessment matrix target please contact the New Accreditations team at newaccreditations@accaglobal.com and we will be happy to assist you with your query. How much will it cost to become accredited? The Approved Employer programme is free to join and can help you to bring talented people into your organisation. What is the Scope of an approval? The scope of approval identifies the extent of cover to employees of your organisation. This can be: single office approval is relevant to one office in a single geographic location individual department or function approval is relevant to one department or function country wide this scope applies within a single country number of offices approval is relevant to offices located in multiple countries. What is Investors in People UK (IIP) accreditation? ACCA has an agreement with Investors in People UK (IIP) with respect to the professional development stream of approval. The agreement enables organisations in the UK that hold Investor in People status to be automatically eligible for the professional development stream of ACCA Approved Employer. 1. WHAT IS THE APPROVED EMPLOYER PROGRAMME? 5

2. Assessment for Approved Employer Accreditation What are the criteria for accreditation? Below are the targets organisations are required to meet for each stream/level of approval. Trainee Development / Professional Development PLAN DO REVIEW Pre-membership TRAINEE DEVELOPMENT There are two levels of approval available for the Trainee Development stream: For GOLD level your organisation must be able to meet all six statements. For PLATINUM level your organisation must be able to meet all six Gold statements AND all three Platinum statements. Gold Platinum Objectives are identified as part of the performance review. Learning needs are identified as part of the performance review. Trainee s objectives are linked to organisational or departmental objectives. Practical experience is provided to meet objectives. Gold study support is provided to trainees. Platinum study support is provided to trainees. Workplace mentor(s) review practical experience at least every 12 months (a). Trainee s objectives are evaluated against organisational or departmental objectives. Trainee s objectives are evaluated against organisational or departmental objectives. Post-membership PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Your organisation must be able to meet all three statements. CPD Formal objectives are set and development needs are identified which are relevant to the member s current role or future career aspirations. Resources are committed which enable members to achieve their objectives and develop effectively in line with their career plans. Objectives and development plans are formally reviewed at least once every 12 months. Practicing Certificate Development Post-membership PRACTISING CERTIFICATE DEVELOPMENT Your organisation must be able to meet all seven statements. Practising certificate Individuals intentions towards training for an ACCA practising certificate (and audit qualification) are discussed and objectives are set as part of an appraisal process, if required. Individuals, principals (d) and authorised supervisors (e) are aware of the requirements for an ACCA practising certificate (and audit qualification). Principals and authorised supervisors are qualified accountants and eligible to act in this position. Individuals are provided with support to enable them to meet their objectives. Individuals are provided with sufficient/ appropriate work experience pre and post membership in order to meet practising certificate (and audit qualification) requirements. Individuals training towards an ACCA practising certificate (and audit qualification) have their objectives reassessed at least once every six months as part of a review. Individuals are required to ensure their practising certificate training records are completed and reviewed by their principal or authorised supervisor at least once every six months. 2. ASSESSMENT FOR APPROVED EMPLOYER ACCREDITATION 6

Suggested Documentation In order to meet trainee development gold your organisation must provide supporting documentation for statements 1 6. For the platinum level approval your organisation must provide supporting documentation for statements 1 9. Gold Approval 1 Objectives are identified as part of the performance review (Plan) As an Approved Employer, you are required to set trainees objectives as part of a performance review. Through the performance review process, a trainee must be clear on what they are expected to deliver in their role. This includes formally documenting how a trainee will work towards achieving relevant practical experience, equivalent to ACCA s Practical Experience Requirements (PER), throughout the performance year. Performance Review Documentation Staff handbook/policy outlining the performance review process. 2 Practical experience is provided to meet objectives (Do) ACCA trainees and workplace mentors must understand their roles and responsibilities in relation to a trainee meeting their PER. As part of the application process, trainees and mentors will be required to verify their understanding of their practical experience obligations. As an Approved Employer you need to be able to verify that trainees are provided with the opportunity to undertake activities that meet the minimum requirements of ACCA s PER. You need to be able to clearly demonstrate that you have the people and processes in place that allow a trainee to work towards meeting their PER. Performance Review Documentation Job descriptions Competency Framework. 3 Workplace Mentor(s) review practical experience at least every 12 months (Review) As an Approved Employer, you need to be able to confirm that trainees plan and agree activities with a workplace mentor and that these are formally reviewed at least once every 12 months. The review should include evaluating the practical experience that has been achieved and identifying further development opportunities in areas where practical experience is still not sufficient. Performance Review Documentation Development Plans Trainees documenting experience through the My Experience tool and this being signed off by a workplace mentor. 4 Learning needs are identified as part of the performance review (Plan) As part of the performance review process, learning needs are identified in relation to a trainee s progress towards achieving ACCA membership. This includes assessing trainees exam and practical experience progress and ensuring appropriate processes and measurements are in place to address any learning needs relating to their studies. Performance Review Documentation Development Plans Study policy guidelines (for example, outlining the support available and the action that would be taken in the event of poor exam progress). 2. ASSESSMENT FOR APPROVED EMPLOYER ACCREDITATION 7

5 Gold study support is provided to trainees (Do) As an Approved Employer you must provide the following support to trainees when undertaking study programmes and sitting exams: Trainees must be assigned an appropriately qualified workplace mentor Trainees must take part in regular progress/guidance meetings with workplace mentors and/or line managers to review progress in studies and exams Trainees must receive paid leave to sit exams and/or provide the following financial support: The organisation must make a financial contribution (does not have to be 100%) towards at least TWO of the following: exam fees subscription fees registration fees exemption fees travel costs (for study and exam related purposes) subsistence costs (for study and exam related purposes). The organisation must also make a financial contribution (does not have to be 100%) towards at least ONE of the following: study materials study courses led by external expert tuition providers (correspondence, day release, block release, evening, weekend or in-house) revision courses led by external expert tuition providers (correspondence, day release, block release, evening, weekend or in-house) Written study policy Confirmation of payment for support offered (invoices, receipts) Communications to employees of support provided. 6 Performance is reviewed at least once every 12 months (Review) As an Approved Employer you must assess the objectives that are set for a trainee as part of the performance review process. The process should include monitoring the progress trainees are making in their studies as well as their workplace learning. It should also highlight what action could/would be taken where a trainee s progress is deemed as unsatisfactory. Performance Review Documentation Development Plans Study policy guidelines Training reports (detailing trainees exams progress)/tuition provider progress reports. Platinum Approval In order to meet platinum level, organisations must meet the 6 gold level criteria plus the further 3 criteria outlined below. 7 Trainees objectives are linked to organisational or departmental objectives (Plan) An Approved Employer must have a formal process in place that links the objectives of trainees to organisational or departmental objectives. Trainees should be able to clearly explain how their objectives link to those of the organisation and/ or department. Performance Review Documentation Job descriptions Operational plans Corporate plans. 2. ASSESSMENT FOR APPROVED EMPLOYER ACCREDITATION 8

8 Platinum study support is provided to trainees (Do) In addition to meeting the requirement of Gold support, an Approved Employer must also provide the following: Additional study leave (does not have to be paid) The Approved Employer must pay the one off admission fee when a trainee applies for ACCA membership and/or the membership subscription fee Written study policy Confirmation of payment for support offered (invoices, receipts). 9 Trainees objectives are evaluated against organisational or departmental objectives (Review) An Approved Employer must have a formal process in place that allows the objectives of a trainee to be evaluated against those of the organisation or their department. Trainees should be able to clearly explain how their performance in the review year has contributed to the overall objectives of the organisation/department. Performance Review Documentation. 2. ASSESSMENT FOR APPROVED EMPLOYER ACCREDITATION 9

Professional Development Professional development only has one level of approval. 1 Formal objectives are set and development needs are identified which are relevant to the member s current role or future career aspirations (Plan) As an Approved Employer, you are required to set ACCA members objectives as part of a performance review. Through the performance review process, a member must be clear on what they are expected to deliver in their role. Members are also required to prepare and agree a formal development plan with their line manager. This development plan could include activities that are both relevant to the member s current role or their future career aspirations. The development plan should explain the reason for each proposed activity and highlight the expected learning outcome for the member. Performance Review Documentation Personal Development Plans Job descriptions. 2 Resources are committed which enable members to achieve their objectives and develop effectively in line with their career plans (Do) As an Approved Employer you must ensure that ACCA members are provided with opportunities to work towards achieving their objectives. You must also provide resources that enable ACCA members to undertake the training and development opportunities outlined in their development plan. Resources could include financial support, internal and external training courses, access to a workplace mentor and time being allocated to undertake specified development activities such as e-learning. Training budget Formal Development policy Confirmation employees have attended courses Course invoices. 3 Objectives and development plans are formally reviewed at least once every 12 months (Review) As an employer you must ensure that the objectives and development activities of ACCA members are formally reviewed at least once every 12 months. This process should review the extent to which a member has progressed towards meeting their development needs, the learning outcome of activities and the value to their current role or future career aspirations. The review should evaluate if development activities have been effective in achieving their intended outcome and begin the process of identifying further development needs. Performance Review Documentation Personal Development Plans. 2. ASSESSMENT FOR APPROVED EMPLOYER ACCREDITATION 10

Practising Certificate Development To be eligible for Approved Employer Practising Certificate Development approval an organisation will be required to demonstrate that they meet all of the best practice statements noted below. As part of the approval process, an employer will be required to provide an explanation and supporting documentary evidence as to how these are achieved within their organisation. 1 individuals intentions towards training for an ACCA practising certificate (and audit qualification) are discussed and objectives are set as part of an appraisal process, if required (Plan) Approved Employers need to set trainees objectives and members objectives, if required, and document these as part of a performance review. Trainees and/or members must be clear on what they are expected to deliver in their role. 2 Individuals are provided with support to enable them to meet their objectives (Do) As an Approved Employer you need to be able to verify that trainees and/or members are provided with the opportunity to undertake activities that meet the ACCA practising certificate (and audit qualification) requirements. You need to be able to clearly demonstrate that you have the people and processes in place that allow a trainee and/or member to work towards achieving a practising certificate (and audit qualification). 3 Individuals training towards an ACCA practising certificate (and audit qualification) have their objectives re-assessed at least once every six months as part of a review (Review) As an Approved Employer, you need to be able to demonstrate that where trainees and/or members are training towards an ACCA practising certificate (and audit qualification), their objectives are formally reviewed every six months. 4 individuals, principals (d) and authorised supervisors (e) are aware of the requirements for an ACCA practising certificate (and audit qualification) (Plan) ACCA trainees, members, principals and authorised supervisors must understand their roles and responsibilities in relation to a trainee and/or member training towards an ACCA practising certificate (and audit qualification). As part of the application and monitoring processes, members will be required to verify their understanding of the practising certificate requirements. 5 individuals are provided with sufficient/appropriate work experience pre and post membership in order to meet practising certificate (and audit qualification) requirements (Do) As an Approved Employer you need to be able to verify that trainees and/or members are provided with the opportunity to undertake activities that meet the ACCA practising certificate (and audit qualification) requirements. You need to evaluate the practical experience that has been achieved and identify further development opportunities in areas where practical experience is still not sufficient. 2. ASSESSMENT FOR APPROVED EMPLOYER ACCREDITATION 11

6 individuals are required to ensure their practising certificate training records are completed and reviewed by their principal or authorised supervisor at least once every six months (Review) As an Approved Employer, you need to be able to demonstrate that where trainees and/or members are training towards an ACCA practising certificate (and audit qualification), their practising certificate training record is reviewed every six months. 7 principals and authorised supervisors are qualified accountants and eligible to act in this position (Plan) A principal (d) is defined as an appropriately qualified member of a professional body who has overall responsibility for supervising the training of up to ten individuals towards ACCA s practising certificates and acts as guarantor to ACCA that individuals have reached the required standards. See table on definitions section of the Assessment Matrix for further details. An authorised supervisor (e) is defined as a qualified member of a professional accountancy body to whom the principal has delegated responsibility for reviewing and verifying ACCA training records for a practising certificate. This person does not need to be a qualified auditor. However, the principal must ensure that an authorised supervisor has the necessary qualifications and experience. The authorised supervisor must be a senior staff member in the organisation, have knowledge of the individual s work and the training undertaken. 2. ASSESSMENT FOR APPROVED EMPLOYER ACCREDITATION 12

3. How to make an application What information do I need to make an application? To make an application for approved employer status you will be required to provide the following information as part of the online application process. Therefore we suggest that you have this information to hand before making an application. Organisation name Address details Contact details Employee information - Number of employees - Number of Directors/partners - Number of finance employees Number of ACCA students/members Primary/Secondary contact details Stream of approval Scope of approval (to cover a single office, single department, multiple offices or all offices countrywide) Confirmation your organisation meets all required targets for stream you are applying for. Information on how your organisation meets each target. Supporting documentation to evidence that your organisation meets each target. Confirmation if your employees are able to claim the exemption from the performance objectives (trainee development only) Nominate a suitably qualified accountant as the mentor (trainee development only) As well as the above information, you will be required to provide us with supporting documentation to show that your organisation satisfies each target as described in the AE Assessment matrix. This matrix is part of the online application process and is on page 6 of this guide. Please note this supporting documentation must be uploaded as part of the online application. As part of the application process and depending on the stream of approval applied for, employers will be expected to provide contact details of ACCA members and/or ACCA trainees as well as a qualified accountant employed by the organisation who can verify the information provided in the application. Helpful Tips To try to ensure that you receive an outcome as soon as possible please see below the 4 most common reason applications are returned. 1. Missing Membership Certificates for Workplace Mentors We require this to ensure that Workplace Mentors are fully qualified. 2. Primary contact is a Student/Affiliate As part of the application we cannot accept an ACCA student/affiliate as the Primary contact. 3. Trainee Development verifier is not an ACCA student As part of an Trainee Development application we require verifications from ACCA students that are employed by the organisation, therefore we cannot accept an ACCA member as a verifier. 4. Professional Development verifier is not an ACCA member As part of an Professional Development application we require verifications from ACCA members that are employed by the organisation, therefore we cannot accept an ACCA student as a verifier. ACCA trainee/member verification contact details 3. HOW TO MAKE AN APPLICATION 13

What is the process for becoming an Approved Employer? EMPLOYER Complete the online application, including verification details and uploading supporting documentation. EMPLOYEE Nominated ACCA trainee/member verifiers complete the online verification and nominated mentors complete the verification (trainee development only). ACCREDITATION Within five days, determine that we have all required information to proceed with the assessment of the application. ACCREDITATION Conduct a full assessment of the organisations supporting documentation against the relevant criteria. ACCREDITATION Update our Approved Employer database with the organisations approval. ACCREDITATION Communicate outcome of application to the organisation. 3. HOW TO MAKE AN APPLICATION 14

How do I make an application? The online application should only take 15 20 minutes if you have prepared the required documentation prior to completing the application. To make an application for Approved Employer status you are required to visit the link below. www.accaglobal.com/employers On the right of the page in the Approved Employer Programme box select Find out more, click on How to apply then click on APPLY NOW Tip: We recommend using Internet Explorer 8 or Google Chrome 42x. Also when completing the application and using the navigation buttons within the application do not use the back and forward browser buttons. How do I apply if I have Investors in People UK (IIP) accreditation? If your organisation is based in the UK or Ireland and is recognised by IIP, you may apply directly for the award of Approved Employer (professional development stream) by contacting us on newaccreditations@accaglobal.com. You will not need to undertake any additional work and we will grant your ACCA Approved Employer award for the same period as set by IIP for its standard. Your IIP status will be unaffected by any approvals granted by ACCA. Any organisation which has its IIP status renewed will automatically be eligible to have its Approved Employer award renewed. However, organisations which lose their IIP status will have their ACCA Approved Employer status suspended. Issues relating to the approval of organisations as Approved Employers are the sole responsibility of ACCA. If you would like further information on or have any queries about the Approved Employer programme, please email newaccreditations@accaglobal.com. How long does it take for ACCA to determine if an application is complete? ACTIVITY Pre-checks SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT The Accreditation Department will aim to provide you with an indication as to whether all necessary information has been received within five working days of receipt of application and verifications. If this turnaround is not possible a member of the Accreditation Department will provide an estimated date of completion upon receipt of the full application. Full assessments The Accreditation Department will aim to provide you with a full outcome within three weeks of receipt of all necessary documentation. If this turnaround is not possible, a member of the Accreditation Department will provide an estimated date of completion. Who can help me in ACCA to make an application? If you have any questions about the Approved Employer Programme or how to make an application please contact the New Accreditations team on newaccreditations@accaglobal.com or +44 (0)141 534 4199. 3. HOW TO MAKE AN APPLICATION 15

4. What happens when I am approved? Existing Accreditation team look after continual approval of employers to ensure high standards in staff training and development demonstrated as part of the application process continue to be met and that ACCA members and trainees can continue to benefit from relevant PO/CPD exemptions. Renewals Approved employers are required to take part in renewals of their status every three years. When approvals are due for renewal, relevant employers will be contacted and required to confirm their continued eligibility for the programme by taking part in simple administrative process. Monitoring Six years after the initial approval, approved employer status award is monitored. The Existing Accreditations team will contact employers with Trainee Development and Professional Development approvals to supply their evidence which will then be assessed. If the employer continues to meet the standards required of the Approved Employer programme their approval will be extended. If deemed appropriate, the employers may be advised of any improvements they should make to enable them to continue to hold their approvals. Approvals may be withdrawn if the employers are not able to provide sufficient evidence demonstrating continual compliance with ACCA quality standards. Any employers holding Practising Certificate Development approvals will be contacted by the Licensing team who will either arrange an on-site monitoring visit, or a deskbased review. Communications ACCA s Approved Employer status is subject to renewal and monitoring every three years and it is essential to take part in the review in order to retain the approval. Each employer will be contacted by email explaining the renewal or monitoring process and next steps, including deadline for submission of relevant documents. Those employers who do not comply with this requirement by date specified will receive a reminder after the closing date specified, however, if they still fail to respond, their approval will be withdrawn. It is very important to ensure that ACCA has your correct and up to date contact details, to avoid withdrawal of the approval status in the event of us being unable to reach relevant individuals within the organisation. Withdrawals In the event of approved employer status withdrawal work experience gained by any ACCA trainees in your organisation will continue to contribute towards the practical experience for ACCA membership, however, they will not be eligible to claim Performance Objectives exemption. Please see ACCA s website Practical Experience for further information. Likewise, ACCA members employed by your organisation will not be eligible to participate in the CPD programme via ACCA Approved Employer route - they will be able to choose from alternative routes available. Please see ACCA s CPD i-guide for more information. PCD approvals - Please note that in the event of withdrawal of approved employer status, any work experience that an ACCA trainee or member obtains with your firm will no longer contribute towards the training required for an ACCA practising certificate and, where applicable, ACCA practising certificate and audit qualification. 4. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I AM APPROVED? 16

5. What useful contacts might I need in ACCA? 1. for queries regarding Approved Employer accreditation: Please contact ACCA s New Accreditations team on +44 (0)141 534 4199. 2. for general information and queries regarding PER: Please contact ACCA Connect on +44 (0)141 582 2000. 3. for queries regarding Practicing Certificates: Please contact ACCA s Authorisations team on +44 (0)141 534 4175. 4. for queries regarding CPD: Please contact ACCA s Professional Development team on +44 (0)141 534 4008. 5. for queries regarding Existing Approved Employer approvals: Please contact ACCA s Existing Accreditations team on +44 (0)141 534 4540. 5. WHAT USEFUL CONTACTS MIGHT I NEED IN ACCA? 17

New Accreditations Team ACCA 2 Central Quay 89 Hydepark Street Glasgow G3 8BW United Kingdom +44 (0)141 534 4199 www.accaglobal.com The information contained in this publication is provided for general purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate and up to date at the time of going to press, ACCA accepts no responsibility for any loss which may arise from information contained in this publication. No part of this publication may be reproduced, in any format, without prior written permission of ACCA. ACCA July 2015.