Information Note in Relation to Protection of Enrolled Learners (PEL)
The Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 (the 2012 Act sets out (in Part 6) the legal requirements for QQI and providers of education and training (providers) regarding the Protection of Enrolled Learners (PEL).
The 2012 Act seeks to ensure that:
- Learners have the opportunity to complete a programme leading to an award,
- Learners are refunded the moneys most recently paid if a programme ends before they complete it
- Learners are provided with adequate and accurate information about the programme that they wish to pursue and about the protection in place for them in the event that the programme ceases prior to their completion.
What is PEL?
PEL is a legal requirement on education and training providers to establish adequate arrangements for PEL on specified programmes of training delivery. These programmes will be delivered over three months or longer.
If a training provider ceases training delivery for any reason, learners who are currently undertaking a course of study must be accommodated on the same course in the same geographical area delivered by another qualified training provider or be offered a refund of the money paid for training (which has not been delivered) in full.
To facilitate this, providers must have arrangements in place with at least two other providers to facilitate the transfer of learners to similar programmes or, where this is not practicable, arrangements for the refund of moneys most recently paid.
The Cpl Institute Commitment
In the unlikely event that The Cpl Institute ceases training, monies have been lodged in escrow to cover the refund of the monies paid by learners for training which will now not take place.
Learners will be protected by PEL arrangements from the time that fees are paid, in part or in whole, for enrolment on a programme of education and training of three months’ duration or longer until they have received certification for the learning achieved or until they have been legitimately excluded from the programme.
In the event of a PEL arrangement being implemented, learner data may be shared with alternate providers and QQI.
If any change to PEL arrangements is required, learners will be notified in writing of the change in the arrangements agreed for PEL within 14 days of becoming aware of that change.