Governance, Compliance
& Legal Policies

This policy applies to all personal data processed by DC Global Academy in connection with our educational programmes, student enrolment, examinations, certification, employment, and commercial operations. It covers data in all formats — digital, paper-based, and any other medium.

• Identity data: full name, date of birth, nationality, government-issued ID details
• Contact data: email address, phone number, postal address
• Enrolment data: course selection, payment records, enrolment dates
• Assessment data: examination results, module progress, certificate issuance records
• Technical data: IP address, browser type, login timestamps, device identifiers
• Communications data: support tickets, messages, email correspondence
• Marketing data: communication preferences, survey responses

Under UK GDPR, you have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Right of access: Request a copy of all personal data we hold about you (Subject Access Request)
• Right to rectification: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
• Right to erasure: Request deletion of data where no longer necessary (subject to legal retention obligations)
• Right to restriction: Request that we limit processing of your data in certain circumstances
• Right to portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
• Right to object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests or for direct marketing
• Right to withdraw consent: Withdraw consent at any time where processing is based on consent

• Student enrolment and assessment records: 7 years from last activity
• Certificate and examination records: Indefinitely (for verification purposes)
• Payment records: 7 years (legal financial obligation)
• Marketing consent records: Until consent withdrawn plus 1 year
• Support and complaints records: 3 years from case closure

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data against unauthorised access, loss, alteration, or disclosure. These include encrypted data storage, access controls, regular security audits, and staff training. All third-party data processors are subject to data processing agreements.

Where personal data is transferred outside the UK/EEA, DC Global Academy ensures that appropriate safeguards are in place, including Standard Contractual Clauses or adequacy decisions, in compliance with UK GDPR Article 46.

This policy covers all information assets owned or managed by DC Global Academy, including student data, course materials, examination systems, financial records, and operational systems. It applies to all staff, contractors, instructors, and third-party service providers.

All information assets are classified as: Public (freely available), Internal (staff only), Confidential (restricted access), or Restricted (board/senior management only). Handling procedures differ by classification level.

• Access to systems and data is granted on a least-privilege basis — staff and instructors receive only the access necessary for their role.
• All system access requires individual authenticated credentials. Shared passwords are prohibited.
• Multi-factor authentication is required for all administrative systems and any system holding student personal data.
• Access is reviewed quarterly and immediately revoked upon termination of engagement.

• All suspected security incidents must be reported to the Compliance Officer within 24 hours of discovery.
• Personal data breaches affecting student or staff rights must be reported to the ICO within 72 hours where required by UK GDPR.
• A formal incident log is maintained. All incidents are investigated, and corrective actions are documented.
• DC Global Academy maintains a tested Business Continuity Plan covering critical system failures.

All third-party suppliers with access to DC Global Academy data are assessed for security compliance before engagement and are required to sign a Data Processing Agreement. Annual reviews are conducted for all active suppliers.

DC Global Academy is committed to safeguarding the welfare of all students, particularly those who may be vulnerable, including those under 18 or adults at risk. We have zero tolerance for abuse, exploitation, or harm of any kind.

This policy applies to all staff, instructors, contractors, and volunteers engaged by DC Global Academy in any capacity. It covers all learning environments including online platforms, live sessions, and in-person campus activities.

DC Global Academy has a designated Safeguarding Lead responsible for: receiving and recording all safeguarding concerns; ensuring appropriate referrals are made; liaising with relevant external agencies; and maintaining up-to-date safeguarding training for all staff.

• All staff and instructors are subject to identity verification and reference checks before engagement.
• Enhanced DBS checks are required for any role involving direct and regular contact with learners.
• All instructors complete safeguarding awareness training as part of onboarding.
• Any individual with a safeguarding disqualification will not be engaged in any capacity.

• Any concern about a student’s welfare must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• DC Global Academy staff are not expected to investigate concerns themselves — they must report and refer.
• If a student is believed to be in immediate danger, emergency services must be contacted without delay.
• All safeguarding concerns are recorded securely and handled confidentially.

For online learning, DC Global Academy operates a safe online environment policy. Live sessions are recorded, moderators are present, and students under 18 require parental consent. Inappropriate behaviour is reported and acted upon immediately.

DC Global Academy is committed to ensuring that all students, regardless of disability, learning difference, or access requirement, can fully participate in our programmes. We actively work to remove barriers to learning and ensure our digital platforms and content are accessible.

• Our learning portal is designed to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA guidelines.
• Course materials are available in accessible formats upon request — including larger text, audio descriptions, and captioned video.
• Screen reader compatibility is maintained across all key student-facing systems.
• Keyboard-only navigation is supported throughout the learning portal.

• Students with a disability or learning difference may request reasonable adjustments to examination conditions, submission deadlines, or course delivery.
• Requests should be made to the Student Support Team at compliance@dcglobalacademy.com at least 10 working days before the relevant activity.
• All requests are considered individually and responded to within 5 working days.
• Adjustments may include: extended examination time, alternative formats, additional support sessions, or adjusted submission windows.

DC Global Academy actively seeks feedback from disabled students and those with accessibility requirements. Annual accessibility audits are conducted and findings inform ongoing improvements to our platforms and content.

DC Global Academy is committed to creating an inclusive environment where every student, staff member, instructor, and partner is treated with dignity and respect. We actively promote equality of opportunity and celebrate the diversity of our global student community spanning 80+ countries.

DC Global Academy will not discriminate — directly or indirectly — on the basis of any protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010, including: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

• Recruitment of instructors and staff is based solely on merit, qualifications, and professional competence.
• All marketing materials and communications reflect the diversity of our student community.
• Course content is reviewed to ensure it is inclusive, culturally sensitive, and free from bias.
• Scholarship and financial support programmes actively target underrepresented groups.
• Complaints of discrimination are investigated promptly, independently, and with full confidentiality.

DC Global Academy embeds EDI principles in programme development. All instructors are briefed on inclusive teaching practices. Course materials are reviewed for cultural sensitivity, and examples used in teaching reflect diverse contexts and perspectives.

Anonymised equality data is collected and analysed annually to identify and address any disparities in student outcomes, enrolment, or experience. Findings are reported to the Academic Standards Board and used to drive improvement.

This statement is made pursuant to Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015. DC Global Education Group Ltd is committed to ensuring that modern slavery and human trafficking have no place in our business or supply chains.

DC Global Academy provides professional education and certification services globally. Our supply chain primarily consists of technology providers, marketing platforms, payment processors, and educational content partners. We are a UK-registered business operating from Heathrow, London.

• Our Anti-Corruption Policy, Code of Conduct, and Supplier Code of Practice explicitly prohibit any form of forced labour, human trafficking, or exploitation.
• All staff and contractors complete mandatory training covering modern slavery awareness.
• Our recruitment processes verify the right to work and do not use unlicensed labour providers.

• We assess all new suppliers against modern slavery risk criteria before engagement.
• Contracts with suppliers include clauses requiring compliance with modern slavery legislation.
• We maintain a register of all significant suppliers and review their compliance annually.
• Any supplier found to be involved in modern slavery practices will have their engagement terminated immediately.

Any concerns relating to modern slavery in our operations or supply chain should be reported to the Compliance Officer at compliance@dcglobalacademy.com or via our anonymous reporting channel. All reports will be investigated and appropriate action taken.

DC Global Academy operates a strict zero-tolerance policy towards bribery, corruption, fraud, and all forms of unethical conduct. This applies to all staff, instructors, contractors, agents, and any individual acting on our behalf — in any jurisdiction.

• Bribery of any person — public official or private individual — to obtain or retain business or any other advantage.
• Facilitation payments of any kind, regardless of local custom or practice.
• Fraud, including examination fraud, certificate fraud, identity fraud, and financial fraud.
• Conflicts of interest that are not declared and managed in accordance with this policy.
• Any conduct designed to circumvent our academic or operational integrity standards.

Staff and instructors must not offer or accept gifts, hospitality, or benefits that could improperly influence their professional judgement or create an obligation. All gifts above £25 in value must be declared to the Compliance Officer. Gifts of cash or cash equivalents are prohibited in all circumstances.

All staff, instructors, and governors must declare any actual or potential conflict of interest at the earliest opportunity. Declarations are recorded and managed through our Conflict of Interest Register. Individuals with a declared conflict are excluded from relevant decisions.

• DC Global Academy maintains a protected whistleblowing channel for reporting suspected corruption, fraud, or ethical violations.
• Reports may be made anonymously. All reports are investigated independently of the subject of the report.
• No individual will suffer retaliation for making a good-faith report under this policy.
• Reports should be made to the Compliance Officer at compliance@dcglobalacademy.com or via our independent reporting line.

Breach of this policy constitutes a serious disciplinary matter. Depending on the nature and severity of the breach, consequences may include: immediate suspension, termination of engagement, civil recovery action, and referral to law enforcement or relevant regulatory authorities.

DC Global Academy is committed to handling all complaints fairly, promptly, and with full confidentiality. We view complaints as an opportunity to improve our services and take all concerns seriously regardless of their source.

• Quality or content of course materials
• Assessment or examination outcomes
• Certificate issuance or verification issues
• Student support or communication failures
• Payment, fees, or refund disputes
• Instructor conduct or behaviour
• Discrimination, harassment, or safeguarding concerns
• Any other aspect of DC Global Academy’s service

• Stage 1 — Informal Resolution: Contact the Student Support Team at compliance@dcglobalacademy.com or +44 20 8108 6701. Many concerns can be resolved informally within 5 working days.
• Stage 2 — Formal Complaint: If unresolved, submit a written complaint to compliance@dcglobalacademy.com marked ‘Formal Complaint’. Include your name, enrolment reference, and a clear description of the issue.
• Stage 3 — Academic Board Review: If you are dissatisfied with the Stage 2 response, you may request a review by the Academic Standards Board within 14 days of receiving the Stage 2 outcome.

• Stage 1: Acknowledgement within 2 working days; resolution within 5 working days
• Stage 2: Acknowledgement within 3 working days; full response within 15 working days
• Stage 3: Response within 20 working days

Where a complaint relates to an examination result or academic decision, a separate Academic Appeals process applies. Details are available from the Student Support Team.

Anonymous concerns may be raised via our reporting email. We will investigate where sufficient information is provided, though we may be limited in our ability to communicate outcomes where no contact details are given.

DC Global Academy’s refund policy is designed to be fair to students while reflecting the costs involved in preparing and delivering accreditation-grade professional education. This policy complies with the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 and the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

Students who enrol online have a statutory 14-day right to cancel their enrolment and receive a full refund — provided they have not accessed or started any course materials. This right begins from the date of enrolment confirmation.

• Before course access: 100% refund
• Within 7 days of first access: 50% refund
• 8–14 days after first access: No refund applicable (course delivery commitment fulfilled)
Refund Review TimelineAll refund requests submitted with supporting documentation will be reviewed within 5–10 working days. You will receive a written decision by email. Approved refunds are processed to the original payment method within 14 days of approval.

Where a student has enrolled on a 50/50 split payment plan, the refund above applies to the total course fee. Any outstanding balance that falls within the refund entitlement will be cancelled. Amounts already paid in excess of the refund entitlement are non-recoverable.

• Examination fees once a booking has been confirmed (unless the examination is cancelled by DC Global Academy)
• Administrative fees
• Certificate re-issue fees
• Course materials downloaded or accessed prior to cancellation

Submit your refund request in writing to refund@dcglobalacademy.com with your full name, enrolment reference, and reason for cancellation. Refunds are processed within 14 days of approval to the original payment method.

DC Global Academy is committed to academic honesty and the integrity of all qualifications we award. Every certificate issued by DC Global Academy represents a genuine achievement — assessed fairly, verified independently, and issued only upon confirmed pass in a proctored examination.

• Plagiarism: presenting someone else’s work or ideas as your own without proper attribution
• Collusion: working with another person to produce work that is submitted as individual work
• Impersonation: having someone else sit an examination or complete assessments on your behalf
• Fabrication: inventing data, results, or source references
• Exam misconduct: using prohibited materials, communicating with others during examination, or attempting to compromise the proctoring system
• Certificate fraud: misrepresenting the content, grade, or validity of a DC Global Academy certificate

• All assessments are designed to test applied knowledge that cannot be easily replicated by third parties.
• Examinations are proctored — either remotely via AI-assisted webcam monitoring or in-person at our Heathrow campus.
• Written submissions are checked using plagiarism detection software.
• All certificates contain unique verification IDs that employers can check online in real time.

• Allegations of academic misconduct are investigated by the Academic Standards Board, independent of the teaching team.
• Students are notified of the allegation and given a full opportunity to respond before any decision is made.
• Decisions are made on the balance of probabilities and are documented in writing.
• Students may appeal any decision within 14 days of notification.

• First proven offence: Immediate disqualification from the relevant assessment with no refund; formal warning recorded
• Serious offence / repeat offence: Termination of enrolment, cancellation of any issued certificates, and potential referral to relevant professional regulatory bodies
• Certificate fraud: Immediate cancellation of all affected certificates, removal from the verification database, and referral to appropriate authorities

All DC Global Academy certification programmes culminate in a formal proctored examination. Passing the examination is a mandatory requirement for certificate issuance. This policy sets out the rules, processes, and standards governing all examinations.

• Remote Proctored Examination: Conducted via our secure online platform with AI-assisted and/or human proctoring. Students must have a working webcam, microphone, and stable internet connection. The examination session is recorded.
• In-Person Examination: Conducted at DC Global Academy’s Heathrow campus. Students must present valid government-issued photo ID on the day.

• Examinations must be booked a minimum of 10 working days in advance via the Student Portal.
• Confirmation and access credentials are sent to the student’s registered email address 48 hours before the examination.
• Students are entitled to 3 free examination attempts per enrolled course.
• Additional attempts beyond 3 are available via examination voucher, available from the Student Support Team.

• Students must sit the examination alone in a quiet, private space (remote examinations).
• No unauthorised materials, notes, or external assistance is permitted.
• Electronic devices other than the examination device must be removed from view.
• Leaving the examination view of the webcam during a remote exam without approval will constitute a breach.
• Any attempt to disable, circumvent, or interfere with the proctoring system will be treated as academic misconduct.

• Examination results are typically available within 5 working days.
• Students achieving the pass mark will have their certificate generated automatically and available to download from the Student Portal.
• Certificates carry a unique verification ID and the student’s full name and course title.
• Students who do not pass are provided with their score and guidance on areas for further study before re-sitting.

Students who are unable to attend a booked examination due to genuine medical or personal emergency may apply to have their examination rescheduled without penalty, subject to provision of supporting documentation within 3 working days.

The DC Global Academy Learning Portal is provided exclusively to enrolled students for the purpose of accessing course materials, tracking progress, booking examinations, downloading certificates, and communicating with the academic and support teams.

• The Portal is for personal, educational use by the enrolled student only. Sharing access credentials is strictly prohibited.
• Course materials, videos, assessments, and documents within the Portal are the intellectual property of DC Global Academy and may not be downloaded, copied, shared, or redistributed without written consent.
• Students must not attempt to access areas of the Portal beyond their enrolled programmes.
• Any automated scraping, downloading, or systematic extraction of Portal content is prohibited.

• Students are responsible for maintaining the security of their login credentials.
• Any suspected unauthorised access must be reported immediately to the Student Support Team.
• Students must ensure their contact and payment details within the Portal are kept up to date.
• The Portal must not be used for any unlawful purpose or to transmit harmful, offensive, or infringing content.

DC Global Academy aims to maintain Portal availability 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Scheduled maintenance windows will be communicated in advance where possible. We do not guarantee uninterrupted access but will restore service as quickly as practicable following any outage.

• Course access is available from the date of first payment for the duration specified at enrolment (typically 12 months from first access).
• Access may be extended at DC Global Academy’s discretion on written request.
• On completion of the course and examination, certificate access remains available indefinitely via the Portal.

DC Global Academy’s fees are published on our website and programme pages. Fees are quoted in GBP (£) and are inclusive of all course materials, access to the Learning Portal, examination fees (up to 3 attempts), and certificate issuance where the pass standard is achieved.

• Full Payment: Immediate payment of the total course fee at the time of enrolment. An automatic discount of 5%–10% (depending on tier) is applied at checkout.
• Split Payment (50/50): 50% of the course fee is paid at enrolment; the remaining 50% is due within 1–3 months as selected at checkout.
• Bundle Packages: Students enrolling in two or more certification tiers simultaneously are eligible for bundle discounts of 15%, 20%, 25%, or 35% depending on the package.

Partial scholarships are available to qualifying students. Scholarships reduce the total course fee and cannot be combined with the full-payment discount. Scholarship eligibility is assessed on application. Awards are made at DC Global Academy’s sole discretion and are non-transferable.

Where a split payment instalment is not received by the agreed date, DC Global Academy reserves the right to: suspend Portal access until payment is received; and charge a £25 late payment administration fee after 7 days of non-payment.

DC Global Academy reserves the right to amend published fees. Students who have already enrolled will not be subject to fee increases for their enrolled programme. New fees apply only to new enrolments after the date of change.

All fees are quoted in GBP. Students outside the UK are responsible for any local taxes, duties, or currency conversion costs. DC Global Academy is not VAT registered; no VAT is applied to fees.

DC Global Academy operates an open admissions policy for Foundation and Professional level programmes. We believe professional education should be accessible to all motivated learners regardless of prior academic qualifications. Specialist, Master, and Executive Master programmes may have recommended prior experience or prerequisite courses.

• Applicants must be 18 years of age or over at the time of enrolment. Students aged 16–17 may enrol with written parental or guardian consent.
• There are no formal entry qualifications required for Foundation level programmes.
• Professional level: Recommended minimum of 1 year of relevant work experience.
• Specialist level: Completion of Foundation or Professional level in the same category, or demonstrated equivalent experience.
• Master and Executive Master levels: Minimum 3–5 years of relevant professional experience recommended.

• Complete the online enrolment form at dcglobalacademy.com/student-enrolment-form/
• Provide accurate personal and contact details — any false information may result in cancellation of enrolment without refund.
• Select your preferred course, tier, and payment option.
• On receipt of first payment, a confirmation email with Portal access credentials will be sent within 24 hours.
• Portal access is activated within 2 working hours of payment confirmation during business hours.

DC Global Academy welcomes students from all countries. All programmes are delivered in English. Students should have sufficient English language proficiency to engage with course materials, assessments, and examinations. Students requiring a study visa should be aware that DC Global Academy’s online programmes do not require a Student visa.

Students may request to defer their enrolment start by up to 3 months, subject to availability and written request within the first 14 days of enrolment. Course transfers to a different programme are permitted once per enrolment, subject to a £50 administration fee.

All DC Global Academy programmes are delivered on a fully self-paced basis. Students study at their own pace, at times that suit them, with no mandatory live attendance (except for optional live sessions and in-person examinations). There are no cohort deadlines or fixed submission dates for coursework.

• Standard course access runs for 12 months from the date of first login.
• Students may access course materials any number of times within their access period.
• Examinations must be completed within the access period.
• Extension requests may be submitted to the Student Support Team and are considered on a case-by-case basis.

• Students may contact the Student Support Team at any time during business hours (Mon–Fri 9AM–5PM GMT) with questions relating to course content, technical access, or progress.
• Live Q&A sessions are available for selected programmes — dates are published on the Portal.
• Students in difficulty are encouraged to engage early with the support team rather than waiting until deadlines are near.

• Foundation level: 4–8 hours per week recommended for completion in 6–8 weeks
• Professional level: 6–10 hours per week recommended for completion in 8–12 weeks
• Specialist level: 8–12 hours per week recommended for completion in 10–16 weeks
• Master level: 10–15 hours per week recommended for completion in 12–20 weeks
• Executive Master: 12–20 hours per week recommended for completion in 16–26 weeks

In a self-paced environment, students take primary responsibility for their own learning journey. DC Global Academy provides all materials, examinations, and support — but active engagement and regular study are essential for success and for meeting the examination standards required for certification.

DC Global Academy delivers all programmes through our online Learning Portal. Access requires a compatible device and a reliable internet connection. The following minimum requirements apply:

• Device: A desktop computer, laptop, or tablet with an up-to-date operating system (Windows 10+, macOS 11+, ChromeOS, or equivalent). Mobile phones are not recommended for course delivery or examinations.
• Browser: A current version of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Safari. Internet Explorer is not supported.
• Internet connection: A stable broadband connection with a minimum speed of 5 Mbps download is required. For remote proctored examinations, a minimum of 10 Mbps and an uninterrupted connection are required throughout the examination session.
• Webcam and microphone: Required for all remote proctored examinations. Students must ensure these are functioning correctly before booking an examination.
• Audio: Speakers or headphones are recommended for video-based course content.

DC Global Academy accepts no responsibility for any interruption to learning caused by a student’s device failure, internet outage, power failure, technical incompatibility, or any other technical issue that is outside of DC Global Academy’s direct control. Students are strongly advised to:

• Verify their device and internet connection meet the minimum requirements before enrolment.
• Test their setup by accessing the Learning Portal before commencing study.
• Ensure they have a reliable internet connection on the day of any booked examination. Examination fees will not be refunded due to connectivity issues on the student’s side.
• Contact their internet service provider or device manufacturer for any technical support relating to their own equipment.

All course materials, videos, assessments, workbooks, templates, and other content provided through the DC Global Academy Learning Portal are the exclusive intellectual property of DC Global Education Group Ltd or its licensed content partners. These materials are licensed to enrolled students for personal, non-commercial educational use only.

• Students may access, read, view, and study all course materials for personal learning purposes.
• Students may take personal notes based on the materials.
• Students may download materials expressly marked as downloadable within the Portal.
• Students may share their certificate of achievement for professional purposes.

• Sharing, redistributing, uploading, or publishing any course materials on any platform or to any third party.
• Creating derivative works based on our materials without written consent.
• Using course materials for commercial purposes including teaching, consulting, or training others.
• Posting screenshots, transcripts, or substantial extracts of course content on social media or other public platforms.
• Using course materials after the expiry of enrolment access, except for materials expressly licensed for retention.

• All DC Global Academy course content is reviewed at least annually by qualified industry practitioners.
• Content is designed to reflect current industry practice, employer expectations, and sector standards.
• Where a programme content area is significantly updated, enrolled students are notified and provided with access to the updated materials.
• Instructors are contractually required to notify DC Global Academy of material changes in their subject area that may require curriculum updates.

Students who believe course content is inaccurate, outdated, offensive, or otherwise unsuitable should submit a content complaint to compliance@dcglobalacademy.com. All content complaints are reviewed by the Academic Standards Board within 10 working days.

Some course materials may reference or cite third-party publications, tools, or platforms. Such references are for educational purposes only. DC Global Academy does not endorse any specific third-party product or service, and inclusion in course materials does not constitute a commercial partnership.