Policies and Quality Standards define the requirements for provider and course approval under the International Professional Learning Standards Organisation (IPLSO). These policies establish minimum expectations for organisational structure, learning delivery, assessment integrity, and ongoing compliance.
1. Overview
The International Professional Learning Standards Organisation (IPLSO) approves professional learning providers that demonstrate integrity, consistency, and a commitment to high-quality learning delivery.
To ensure international credibility and learner protection, all providers applying for Provider Approval or Course Approval must operate under clear, documented quality policies and standards. These policies form the foundation of IPLSO’s Quality Assurance Framework and ensure that approved learning meets minimum professional, ethical, and operational requirements.
Providers may submit their own policy documents or adapt standard templates, provided that all submitted policies accurately reflect the provider’s actual operational practices.
2. Mandatory Provider Policies
All providers seeking IPLSO approval must submit the following policies. Policies must be current, implemented in practice, and applicable to the organisation’s learning operations.
2.1 Quality Management Policy
This policy must outline how the provider maintains and improves learning quality. It should address instructional design, delivery standards, learner engagement, feedback mechanisms, and continuous improvement processes.
2.2 Assessment Policy
Where assessments are used, this policy must explain how they are designed, administered, moderated, and recorded. It must ensure fairness, validity, and transparency.
For learning activities without formal assessment, the policy must still describe how participation, attendance, or completion is verified.
2.3 Learner Support Policy
This policy must describe how learners are supported before, during, and after learning activities. It should include communication channels, guidance processes, accessibility considerations, and reasonable accommodations where applicable.
2.4 Complaints and Appeals Policy
This policy must define clear procedures for submitting complaints or appeals. It must include timelines, investigation steps, documentation requirements, and escalation pathways.
2.5 Trainer Code of Conduct
This policy must set clear expectations for professional behaviour, ethical conduct, communication standards, and learner interaction for all trainers, facilitators, and assessors.
2.6 Data Protection and Privacy Policy
This policy must explain how personal data is collected, stored, used, protected, and retained. It must comply with applicable data protection legislation and include procedures for handling data breaches.
2.7 Copyright and Intellectual Property Policy
This policy must clarify ownership of learning materials, permitted use of third-party content, and restrictions on copying or redistribution. It must demonstrate respect for intellectual property law.
2.8 Refund and Cancellation Policy
This policy must clearly state the provider’s terms regarding refunds, cancellations, withdrawals, and non-attendance, including any limitations or exclusions.
2.9 General Operational Policy
This policy must describe the organisation’s structure, governance, staff roles, operational controls, and stability. It ensures that learning is delivered within a reliable and well-managed environment.
2.10 Disciplinary Policy (Recommended)
This policy should outline how misconduct, academic dishonesty, plagiarism, fraud, or non-compliance with provider rules are addressed, including investigation procedures and potential outcomes.
3. Minimum Quality Standards
All IPLSO-approved providers must meet and maintain the following minimum standards.
3.1 Learning Content Standards
- Content must be accurate, current, and professionally relevant
- Learning outcomes must be clearly defined and measurable
- Content must be reviewed and updated when standards, regulations, or industry practices change
3.2 Trainer Standards
- Trainers must be competent, experienced, and appropriately qualified
- Trainers must act ethically and professionally at all times
- Learning must be facilitated in a respectful and supportive manner
3.3 Delivery Standards
- Learning must be logically structured and clearly presented
- Materials must be accessible to learners
- Online delivery must use stable, secure platforms
3.4 Assessment Standards (Where Applicable)
- Assessments must measure achievement of stated learning outcomes
- Assessment criteria must be provided in advance
- Results must be recorded accurately and stored securely
3.5 Record-Keeping Standards
Providers must maintain accurate records for:
- learner enrolments
- completion or assessment outcomes
- trainer credentials
- attendance or participation records
- certificates issued
Records must be stored securely and retained for a minimum of five (5) years.
3.6 Certification Standards
All certificates issued for approved learning must include:
- learner name
- course title
- learning category (including CPD where applicable)
- approved learning hours (instructional time only)
- provider name
- completion date
- certificate reference number
- IPLSO approval reference (once granted)
4. Ongoing Provider Obligations
Approved providers must remain in good standing by complying with the following requirements.
4.1 Annual Renewal
Providers must submit renewal documentation and pay the annual renewal fee to maintain active approval status.
4.2 Periodic Quality Reviews
IPLSO may conduct periodic quality reviews or audits to verify continued compliance. Providers must cooperate fully with all review requests.
4.3 Incident Reporting
Providers must notify IPLSO within a reasonable timeframe if:
- serious complaints arise
- data breaches occur
- legal or regulatory actions affect the organisation
- significant organisational changes take place
4.4 Content Maintenance
Approved learning must be reviewed regularly. Outdated or misleading content may result in suspension or withdrawal of approval.
5. Quality Reviews
IPLSO conducts periodic quality reviews as part of its ongoing Quality Assurance Framework. These reviews ensure that approved providers continue to meet professional, ethical, and operational standards and help protect learners and stakeholders.
6. Suspension and Withdrawal of Approval
IPLSO reserves the right to suspend or withdraw provider or course approval where required standards are no longer met.
In such cases:
- Formal written notice will be issued via the secure provider communication channel
- The decision will be recorded in the provider’s compliance file
- A public notice may be issued where necessary to protect learners and maintain transparency
Approval may be reinstated only once all non-compliance issues have been fully addressed and a reassessment has been successfully completed.
For practical guidance on how these standards are applied, please review the Approval Requirements and Approval Process pages.