I would like to be a leadership scheme provider, I already have an approved course director

‘Application submission’

Mountain Training England accepts new leadership schemes provider applications once a year. Applications must be formally submitted by 12 noon, 12th Jan 2024. We welcome informal, verbal communication prior to application but will not comment in writing without formal submission.

To apply applicants must complete the application form and pay the fee (£50). Multiple schemes can be applied for, at an additional cost of £25 per approval. The individual named on the provider application becomes the ‘Administrator’ (key contact)

In all cases a nominated course director is required for each scheme approval.

Please understand Mountain Training England is under no obligation to accept new applications and the submission fee is non-refundable.

Application criteria

Provider applicants must be able to evidence the following;

1. Sustainable business

Applicants must demonstrate they have a solid, sustainable business plan to reliably run a significant number of well attended courses into the future for the specific scheme. Applicants who wish to deliver a very limited number of courses with minimal numbers would not be seen as beneficial to the future delivery plan and are unlikely to be accepted. As a guideline we would expect providers to run a minimum of two well attended courses each year, for each scheme they are approved to provide.

2. Target markets

Applicants must demonstrate they have access to a specific catchment of candidates. Evidence should be supplied on application, in particular; any links to relevant organisations, marketing material or details of existing client groups.

For those concerned; Applicants must be able to evidence access to under-represented groups on application and demonstrate this in the probationary period.

3. Course base and facilities

Applicants must evidence they have access to suitable briefing and teaching areas, conducive to the training and assessment of candidates. These teaching areas must be close to appropriate venues to minimise travel.

4. Safeguarding

All successful applicants must read our Safeguarding Policy and comply with the requirements described. Successful applicants will be contacted to submit a declaration and appropriate evidence as noted below. Please prepare the following ready for submission;

• Your safeguarding policy or policies
• Name & contact of your Designated Safeguarding Lead

‘Application vetted by Screening Committee’

Screening

The role of the Screening Committee is to impartially consider applications for provider and course staff approval and subsequently make recommendations to the Mountain Training England Board. Consideration is given to the full application submitted, aligned to criteria outlined.

Screening process

In collaboration with the Development Officer the Technical Support Administrator supports initial screening by validating evidence submitted. The applications are then passed to the committee members for comment.

Members are requested to comment separately on each application. Comments are collated by the Officer concerned and commonly include their personal recommendation to accept or reject an application. Where opinions differ, the Officer communicates with all to find resolution.

Although screening is primarily based on evidence submitted by applicants of adherence to outlined application criteria, the Screening Committee has the discretion to recommend rejecting applications if there are other less quantifiable causes for concern. The Screening Committee also has the discretion to recommend accepting applications on merit if they can see other significant evidence of competence, for example.

The aim is to reach consensus, where this is not possible the majority view is taken. The majority view is then reported to the Board.

Outcome

In the case of successful applications, probationary terms to acceptance are suggested.

Where the Screening Committee recommends rejecting an application, their reasoning is outlined.

The Development Officer communicates the outcome to the Mountain Training England Board.

‘Mountain Training England Board approval’

The Board considers the recommendations made by the Screening Committee and formally accepts or rejects applications submitted. Applicants can expect to hear the outcome by early March 2024. Probationary conditions are outlined at this time.

Induction attendance

As part of probationary terms successful provider ‘‘Administrator’s must attend the following;

• ‘Online introduction to Mountain Training scheme delivery’ This is a dedicated event delivered at 7pm, 19th March 2024 as an evening event, 1-2hrs in duration. The event is free to attend and bookable through CMS -https://mt.tahdah.me/event/detail/759204
• Provider administrators must also view admin related content here before delivering courses.

‘Applicant is granted probationary approval’

Provisional approval is given to start running courses following induction attendance (early April) The probationary period is an opportunity to review performance and ensure new approvals are used actively and appropriately.

Moderation visit

Mountain Training England aims to moderate new providers as soon as possible. Providers may be contacted at any time to arrange a moderation visit.

Applicant is granted approval

Probationary approval is reviewed after 12 months to ensure conditions have been satisfied. If we are satisfied with the conduct, performance and delivery, probationary applicants will be given full approval. Please understand Mountain Training England is under no obligation to give full approval if there is any cause for concern.

Costs

Approval costs;

• Application submission - £50. £25 per additional scheme/course director approval.
• 'Course director – Scheme delivery' attendance - ???
• ‘Course director online assessment’ - £30 per attendance.

Ongoing costs to retain approval;

• Annual provider fee - £125 per year (includes 1 free course director)
• Additional approved course directors attached to the provider account - £20 per year
• Course directors must attend a practical update once every 3 years (£30).

Further guidance

The Mountain Training website outlines our work and gives specific detail on the schemes.

Applicants are welcome to view the Provider and course staff area. This will help individuals understand the requirements and processes involved within course provision. Prior to submission it is worth consulting the 'Mountain Training England Strategic Plan' within and viewing Learn Lead Inspire and Our Ethos to get a feel of who we are and what we do.

For informal, verbal guidance regarding applications please contact Mountain Training - 01690 720314.