FAQs
What is the place-making recognition scheme and how to submit your products.
Before you begin your submission, please download our guide to the submission process and the questions you are required to answer.
How do I submit a product
What sort of product can be submitted for approval?
Can recognition be sought for something that has not yet been delivered?
How long does recognition last?
What does it cost?
Can I upload supporting documents and information?
I have several products which I wish to submit
Can I apply for recognition for my organisation?
When can I submit a product?
How can I use the place-making recognition scheme logo/mark?
When will I hear if my submission has received recognition?
How will I hear if I am successful?
What happens if my product is approved?
Will I get feedback if my product is not approved?
Is there a right to appeal if the submission is not approved?
Who do I contact for further information?
To submit a product please register.
How do I submit a product?
Organisations are asked to register and submit information about their product using an online application form. The form asks for simple information about the product or programme and includes a section on the values of place-making and the skills and knowledge that your product promotes.
Back to top
What sort of product can be submitted for approval?
The scheme has been constructed to allow a wide variety of activities to be submitted for recognition. Examples of such products are: accredited and non-accredited learning programmes; a seminar or workshop; an example of best practice such as a toolkit or case study.
Back to top
Can recognition be sought for something that has not yet been delivered?
The panel will only consider applications which can demonstrate the impact that the product/programme has had to date. New learning programmes, events or seminars are not suitable for the scheme as they must have been ‘tried and tested’ first. The panel will be looking for demonstrable evidence that the product is established and has been subject to an evaluation.
Back to top
How long does recognition last?
Recognition lasts for a period of three years. If the programme ends before this time, so does the recognition. If the programme significantly changes during the three years, you will be asked to resubmit your product for approval. You must inform the HCA of all changes that occur to the programme during the three year period and the implications of this for continued recognition. After three years your organisation will be invited to resubmit products if you wish recognition to continue.
Back to top
What does it cost?
A fee of £250 (excl. VAT) per product is charged to cover administration and external independent assessment of submissions. This fee is non-refundable. An individual submission and accompanying fee is required for each product for which recognition is sought. Organisations will only be informed of the verdict upon receipt of the administration fee.
Back to top
Can I upload supporting documents and information?
You will have the opportunity to include a weblink to your product to support your application. Additional documents such as training manuals or course outlines cannot be uploaded through the online system or submitted direct to the HCA for consideration by the panel. Organisations are requested to use the online form to supply all information relevant to the application – the independent panel will review only the information supplied on this form.
Back to top
I have several products which I wish to submit
In the main, organisations will need to do a separate application for each product for which they seek recognition. In some cases, programmes can be packaged together as long as there is coherence in the application and all programmes as part of the package individually contribute to the values and skills of the framework. Recognition will not be awarded to a package of programmes where only a percentage of the content contributes to the values of place-making and the broader skills framework.
Back to top
Can I apply for recognition for my organisation?
Recognition is only awarded to a single product or programme submitted through the online application process, not the submitting organisation. The recognition scheme does not award recognition to organisations. Upon recognition, your organisation must not use the logo in such a way as to suggest that the organisation as a whole (rather than the approved product) has been endorsed by the HCA.
Back to top
When can I submit a product?
Submissions are accepted throughout the year but our independent recognition panel will only meet at set times up to four times per year to assess submissions. Submission deadlines will be advertised on the homepage of the site and in the HCA’s newsletter.
Back to top
How can I use the place-making recognition scheme logo/mark?
The logo can be used to publicise the product or programme that has received recognition. Use of the logo is governed by a license agreement, a legally binding document that you will be required to sign before the HCA will issue the logo. Branding guidelines will also be sent to you if your product is approved, to guide you in the use of the logo.
When will I hear if my submission has received recognition?
You will hear if you have been successful no later than four weeks after the closing date for submissions. For example, for the submission deadline 21st June you will receive notification no later than 18th July.
Back to top
How will I hear if I am successful?
All notifications will be sent via email to the registered email address supplied during the registration process.
Back to top
What happens if my product is approved?
Organisations whose products have received recognition will be awarded with the HCA’s recognition logo. You can use the logo on publicity material for your programme to highlight that it has been independently approved by the HCA. Upon approval, you will be required to sign a license agreement outlining the specific terms and conditions of use of the logo. You will then be able to download the logo along with detailed guidelines setting out the do’s and don’ts of use.
Your product/programme will also be listed on the HCA’s Skills & Knowledge directory to support the promotion of your product.
Back to top
Will I get feedback if my product is not approved?
The HCA will provide feedback if your product is not approved. Feedback will be sent to the e mail address provided in your submission.
Back to top
Is there a right to appeal if the submission is not approved?
There is no appeal procedure. You can resubmit your product in the following round should you wish the HCA to reconsider your application.
Back to top
Who do I contact for further information?
For further information contact recognition@hca.gsx.gov.uk
Back to top
