NOCN (National Open College Network) is an established National Awarding Body and is the central organisation for Open College Networks based across theUK. 

NOCN provides national qualifications and programmes in a wide range of subject areas and offers a local accreditation service through the regional OCNs that provide recognition of achievement through the award of credit. 

Open College Network East Midlands Region is one of the regional OCNs throughout the country that provide access to this service. 

OCNs were established to recognise learners’ achievement that might not otherwise be recognised. Working with organisations, OCNEMR provides an Accreditation and Quality Assurance service for NOCN qualifications, and units of NOCN qualifications in addition to locally devised units of assessment. Providers will identify which courses they wish to run from the range of national Qualifications, national Qualification units and local units. They have the flexibility to put together courses that meet the needs of individual learners and groups of learners. Qualification units can be awarded individually on achievement and can contribute to the achievement of a full qualification as more units are achieved over time.  

All organisations wishing to offer OCN provision are subject to a process of Centre Recognition which considers the quality assurance arrangements, resources and general functioning of an organisation. This process enables the OCN to makes a decision will be as to whether the organisation is able to deliver OCN provision to the standard required and which curriculum areas they are able to deliver.  

The Centre Recognition application requires the provider to agree that they will comply with a set of terms set as NOCN minimum requirements. In addition, the regional OCN will conduct an assessment to ascertain where weaknesses may occur and work with the provider to improve their systems and practice through a Continuous Improvement Plan. Organisations wishing to become providers will receive help and guidance on the requirements for NOCN Centre Recognition as well as advice on how they might meet the requirements.  

A series of introductory briefing sessions will be held to give some of the general information on the completion of the NOCN Centre Recognition application. Each potential new provider will be allocated a named Curriculum Development Manager who will provide further information, advice and guidance. 

The OCN reserves the right to decline to work with organisations. NOCN Centre Recognition is subject to constant review as part of ongoing quality assurance. The OCN may  withdraw or withhold Centre Recognition if it considers the provider is unable to ensure the security and integrity of the award of credit. 

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