Statement of Obligations and Responsibilities
of the Vocational Education Institution
1. About this Statement
1.1 This Statement by the Vocational Education Institution is to confirm that the
Institution is committed to meet the requirements to offer Vocational
Qualifications in Dubai. The obligations and responsibilities stated in this
document relates to offering Vocational Qualifications.
1.2 This Statement must be signed by the authorised key contact person to confirm
and declare that he/ she is aware of and will adhere to the full implementation
of this Statement. It is a commitment by the Institution and holds valid as long
as the Vocational Qualifications are being offered even if the authorised person
signing this Statement is replaced.
1.3 The responsibility for implementing and maintaining the commitments in this
Statement will be assigned to the KHDA approved head of the institution.
1.4 The obligations and responsibilities outlined in this Statement includes
legislation and regulation, governance and management, premises, physical and
financial resources, staffing, vocational qualifications, awarding body, quality
assurance, certification of learners, RPL, learner support, partnering with others,
marketing and advertising, data protection and information sharing.
1.5 Continuing compliance with this statement is confirmed through ongoing
monitoring activities and visits carried out by the External Quality Assurer
(EQA) and KHDA. Non-compliance with any parts of this Statement may lead to
formal violation of the conditions for approval of the Vocational Education
Institution or Vocational Qualifications.
2. Obligations and Responsibilities of the Vocational Institution
2.1 Legislation and Regulation
2.1.1. The Institution commits to comply with all the legislations in force in the United
Arab Emirates and in the Emirate of Dubai.
2.1.2. The Institution commits to adhere to the policies, procedures, guidance,
standards, regulations and terms and conditions of KHDA for offering
Vocational Qualifications.
2.1.3. The Institution agrees that KHDA would conduct regular, spot, planned and
unscheduled audits to ensure that regulations are being implemented.
2.1.4. The Institution understands that KHDA will conduct approval visit to ensure
that the Institution meets all the requirements for the issuance of Permit.
2.1.5. The Institution commits not to modify the details of the License or Permit
without obtaining the relevant approval from KHDA.
2.1.6. The Institution commits to provide KHDA access to its premises, staff, Learners
and the records at all times.
2.1.7. The Institution agrees that the terms specified in this Statement will be referred
to where there is any compliance issues or disagreement relating to the role and
responsibilities of the Vocational Education Institution
2.1.8. The Institution will comply with current and any additional requirements from
KHDA as updated and amended from time to time and as outlined in KHDA
website.
Statement of bligations and esponsibilities of the Vocational Education Institution continued 2

2.1.9. The Institution agrees to update its institution profile immediately should any • Human Resources Policy
changes occur to the information held on it. • Inclusive Education Policy
• Learner and Credits Transfer Policy
2.1.10. The Institution accepts that whilst KHDA have a regulatory responsibility to
• Learner Certification Policy
protect the interests of learner, the learners are admitted and registered by the
• Learner Registration Policy
Institution and not KHDA and any services the learners receive, or fees they pay,
• Learner Support Policy
are the responsibility of Institution.
• Physical Resources and Information Technology Policy
2.1.11. The Institution understands and accepts that KHDA has the right to notify the • Programme Withdrawal Policy
Awarding Body and other entities as necessary such as Licensing Authorities of • Quality Assurance Policy
any issues with the institution including the withdrawal of qualification approval • Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy
or status of the Institution’s Permit. • Refund and Compensation Policy

2.1.12. The Institution commits to obtain approval from KHDA for any satellite centre • Special Considerations and Reasonable Adjustments Policy

in Dubai to be established by the Vocational Education Institution to offer any of • Staff Malpractice and Maladministration Policy

the approved or new vocational qualifications. • Staff Professional Development Policy

Each policy will address the purpose of the policy, scope, procedures, roles and
2.1.13. The Institution commits to notify KHDA for any satellite centre to be
responsibilities, review and renewal and must be signed by the Head of the
established by the Vocational Education Institution outside Dubai.
Institution.
2.1.14. The Institution will publish and maintain the following policies:

• Academic Honesty Policy 2.2 Governance and Management

• Access to Fair Assessment Policy
2.2.1. The Institution will have a clear and concise governance structure to enable it
• Admissions Policy
to fully execute its activities as Vocational Education Institution.
• Appeals and Grievances/Complaints Policy
• Assessment Policy 2.2.2. The Institution will dedicate appropriately qualified management with the
• Attendance Policy authority and responsibility for the delivery of the vocational qualifications.
• Conflict of Interest Policy
2.2.3. The Institution will identify, manage and mitigate conflicts of interest which
• Data Protection Policy
may arise at individual and institutional level.
• Equal Opportunities Policy
• Health and Safety and Risk Assessment Policy
Statement of bligations and esponsibilities of the Vocational Education Institution continued

2.2.4. The head of Institution will: b) has dedicated and sufficient space designated for educational/ training
purposes and meets administrative, operational and Vocational
a) be responsible for the implementation of this Statement;
Qualifications needs at all relevant levels;
b) be accountable to KHDA in relation to all activities undertaken by the
c) has appropriate access to learners, staff and visitors including people of
Institution related to the Vocational Qualifications;
determination.
c) ensure compliance with the published KHDA regulations and Awarding
2.3.3. The Institution commits to conduct the Vocational Activity in the premises
Body requirements in order to deliver and assess the Vocational
approved by KHDA. The Institution will seek KHDA approval to conduct any
Qualifications;
Vocational Activities outside the approved premises.
d) be authorised to take all academic and administrative decisions relating
to the Vocational Education Institution. 2.3.4. The Institution will not use its premises for any other activities than its
authorised purpose.

2.3 Premises, Physical and Financial Resources 2.3.5. The Institution commits to allocate the necessary financial, technical and
physical resources required to support the delivery and assessment of the
2.3.1. The Institution commits to provide suitable premises within:
Vocational Qualifications.
a government organisation
2.3.6. The Institution commits to maintain and upgrade the physical resources to
a private organisation ensure their suitability, currency and sufficiency.
✔ a commercial building
2.3.7. The Institution commits to use appropriate and sufficient signs and signage
an independent building to help promote efficient training environment.
an educational institution
2.3.8. The Institution will ensure that signs and signage are considered in all health
a non-governmental organisation and safety arrangement of the premises. The Institution will ensure that these
2.3.2. The Institution commits to ensure that the premises: signs and signage include directories for easy navigation, schedules of
activities, and clear designation of classrooms, workshops and support areas.
a) satisfies the relevant conditions and rules adopted by KHDA, and the
technical, engineering, health, environmental, and planning conditions and
requirements adopted by the Concerned Entities;
Statement of bligations and esponsibilities of the Vocational Education Institution continued

2.4 Staffing e) deliver the approved Vocational Qualifications to the standards specified
by KHDA and relevant Awarding Bodies;
2.4.1 The Institution commits to recruit, train and allocate sufficient full time
qualified staff to deliver and assess the Vocational Qualifications and provide f) abide by all actions directed by KHDA in event of withdrawal of the

support to the learners. approval for the Vocational Qualifications;

g) renew the KHDA approval for each Vocational Qualification before its
2.4.2 The Institution commits to:
expiry date;
a) obtain KHDA approval for the appointment of their professional and
h) not to modify any part of the Vocational Qualification without obtaining
administrative cadres including the head of the institution and part time
the relevant approval from the Awarding Body and KHDA;
staff;
2.5.2. The Institution commits not to offer, advertise, or deliver any Vocational
b) ensure that trainers, assessors and internal verifiers obtain KHDA permit
Qualifications on the basis of franchising or partnership arrangement with
including part time staff
higher education institutions;
c) ensure the continued development of its teaching, assessment and
quality assurance staff; 2.5.3. The Institution commits not to offer, advertise, or deliver any Vocational
Qualification as part of a higher education programme leading to graduate or
d) create records and files for its full and part time staff and retain them for
postgraduate qualifications;
a minimum period of three years following the end of service date.
2.5.4. The Institution commits not to franchise any of the approved Vocational
2.5 Vocational Qualifications Qualifications to any other institutions or centres in Dubai.

2.5.1. The Institution commits to:

2.6 Awarding Body
a) obtain KHDA approval for each qualification to be offered by the
2.6.1. The Institution understands that the Awarding Body must:
Institution;
b) obtain the required approvals from the Awarding Bodies; a) be a recognised and approved awarding body in the country of origin;

c) obtain approval from the Concerned Entities for offering specific b) be recognised and approved by KHDA;

Vocational Activities (e.g.: Approval from DHA for medical field related
programmes, etc.);
d) meet the standards for offering the Vocational Qualifications as specified
by KHDA and the Awarding Bodies;
c) have an approved regulator in the country of origin;
d) agree to sign the ICO agreement with KHDA;
e) be responsible for the quality assurance of their qualifications;
f) be responsible for certification of their qualifications;
Statement of bligations and esponsibilities of the Vocational Education Institution continued

g) maintain a register of learners and graduates for their qualifications. e) forward the Awarding Body EQA reports to TVETQA@khda.gov.ae after

h) be an academic or professional or specialist educational organisations. each EQA visit;

2.6.2. The Institution understands that the Awarding Body must not: f) notify KHDA of any changes in the conditions or status of the Awarding
Body approval;
a) have any conflicts of interest issues such as delivering training or owning
g) obtain certificates for successful Learners from the Awarding Body;
training organisations;
h) maintain approval status from the Awarding Body.
b) have any legal or regulatory issues in the country of origin or any other
country;
2.7 Quality Assurance
c) be a university, a college or a training organisation;

d) be a self-approved awarding body; 2.7.1. The Institution understands that:

2.6.3. The Institution understands that the awarding body may be: a) the quality assurance is the responsibility of the highest authority in the
Institution.
a) an industry association
b) the quality assurance is an ongoing process that it is embedded in all
b) a professional body
aspects of the delivery, assessment and certification of the Vocational
c) a designated awarding organisation Qualifications.
d) a commercial organisation c) the quality assurance should be free of any conflict of interest,
e) a chamber of commerce and industry particularly among the Learners, Trainers, Assessors and Internal

f) a designated governmental or non-governmental organisation Verifiers.

g) a United Nation organisation d) all recommendations and actions identified by the quality assurance
process are implemented within the appropriate timeframe.
2.6.4. The Institution commits to:
2.7.2. The Institution commits to:
a) register Learners with the relevant Awarding Body;
a) appoint a quality nominee responsible for the development,
b) adhere to the conditions of approval from the Awarding Body;
implementation and review of the quality assurance system;
c) adhere to the quality assurance requirements from the Awarding Body;
b) provide necessary training for the trainers, assessors and internal
d) notify KHDA of any External Quality Assurance (EQA) visits from the
verifiers on conducting the required quality assurance activities;
Awarding Body by sending an email to TVETQA@khda.gov.ae ahead of
time;
Statement of bligations and esponsibilities of the Vocational Education Institution continued

c) establish a fit for purpose internal and external quality assurance system b) issue transcripts detailing the achievements of the learners at regular
for all its vocational qualifications; intervals;

d) ensure meeting all the requirements of the qualification specifications, c) distribute, without delay, certificates to all learners who completed the
processes and procedures which support its quality assurance activities; Vocational Qualification requirements successfully;

e) ensure that its internal quality assurance is conducted by appropriately d) keep copies of Learners’ certificate for indefinite period of time;
qualified and experienced staff; e) issue replacement certificates to Learners for valid reasons.
f) take all reasonable steps to prevent the occurrence of any malpractice
2.8.3. The Institution commits not to issue Vocational Certificates to Learners
and maladministration;
unless they fulfil the requirements prescribed for awarding these certificates;
g) ensure that all assessors are competent to deliver and assess the units of
2.8.4. The Institution commits not to issue or distribute to the learner any
the Vocational Qualifications;
certificate that has not been approved by KHDA;
h) implement all action points identified by the internal and external
verification processes; 2.8.5. The Institution commits not to change or tamper with any of the content or
the details of the certificates of the Awarding Body.
i) publish up to date external quality assurance reports relating to the
approved Vocational Qualifications;
2.9 Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
j) hold regular review meetings to evaluate the quality assurance system
within the Institution; 2.9.1. The Institution commits not to undertake any RPL without prior approval
k) retain records of assessment and internal verification for a minimum from KHDA and the Awarding Body.
period of five years following certification of the Learner. 2.9.2. The Institution understand that any RPL activities can only be conducted by a
KHDA approved RPL officer.
2.8 Certifications of Learners
2.9.3. The Institution understands that any RPL activities can only be undertaken
2.8.1. The Institution understands that the learner certificates will be awarded only against their approved Vocational Qualifications.
by the awarding body unless the institution is authorised by KHDA to issue
2.9.4. The Institution understands that the RPL process will lead to an exemption of
their own certificates.
part or more of an outcome and will not lead to assignment of grades.
2.8.2. The Institution commits to
2.9.5. The Institution understands that Learners cannot be RPL for more than one
a) obtain KHDA attestation for all certificates before distributing them to third of the total size of a Vocational Qualification.
Learners;
Statement of bligations and esponsibilities of the Vocational Education Institution continued
2.9.6. The Institution commits to maintain all evidences of RPL process for a
minimum period of three years following certification of the Learner.
2.10 Learner Support
2.10.1. The head of the institution commits to develop and implement learner
protection commitment incorporating:
• an assessment of the range of risks to the continuation of study for
Institutions’ learners,
• the risk mitigation measures that the Institution has in place,
• the arrangements for supporting learners in the event that the
Institution is no longer able to preserve continuation of study.
2.10.2. The Institution commits to:
a) register the Learners in accordance with the relevant Awarding Body and
KHDA conditions and procedures;
b) create records and files for the learners and retain them for a period of
five years following completion or withdrawal of the Learner;
c) ensure and preserve the rights of the Learners in accordance with UAE
legislations;
d) support Learners’ development and provide access to faculty and
ongoing tutorial;
e) ensure that the Learner records and details of achievements are
complete, accurate, up to date, securely stored and available for auditing
and external quality assurance purposes;
f) ensures that the information, advice and guidance about qualification
procedures and practices are provided to the Learners;
g) provide sufficient guidance and counselling about work opportunities and
meaningful employment;
h) support Learners’ development in areas, such as soft skills, behaviour,
work ethics and productivity;
i) provide opportunities for Learners to be involved in extra curricula
activities;
j) ensure equal opportunities to all Learners including people of
determination to access learning, assessment, complaints and appeals;
k) provide Learners with opportunities to make suggestions, complaint and
appeal decisions concerning their progression;
l) provide learners with opportunities to withdraw, change the programme,
obtain compensation or refund with reasons;
m) ensure the admission policy and the entry requirements are fully and
fairly implemented.
2.11 Marketing and Advertising
2.11.1. The Institution commits to obtain, in advance, KHDA approval for advertising
the Vocational Qualifications after they are added to the permit.
Advertisements include website, social-media channels and any other
marketing materials. KHDA advertising and marketing guidelines can be
accessed through KHDA website.
2.11.2. The Institution commits not to advertise the Vocational Education Institution,
its activities, or the Vocational Qualifications it delivers in a misleading
manner or in a manner that contradicts the terms of its Permit.
2.11.3. The Institution commits not to advertise any programme that has not been
approved by KHDA including higher education programmes or partnership.
Statement of bligations and esponsibilities of the Vocational Education Institution continued
2.11.4. The Institution commits to use in their advertisements the correct
qualification titles as approved to offer by KHDA.
2.11.5. The Institution commits not to undertake any activity or advertising that
could bring the name of KHDA into disrepute.
2.11.6. The Institution commits not to undertake any marketing events including
direct promotion for students in schools without prior approval from KHDA.
2.11.7. The Institution commits not to promise or advertise access to higher
education programme through Learners’ completion of the Vocational
Qualification.
2.11.8. The Institution commits not to advertise any third-party platform, software,
satellite, programme or associate them with the Vocational Qualification
being delivered. The institution also commits to ensure that no third-party
will be allowed to use their name in such advertising.
2.12 Partnering with Others
2.12.1. The Institution commits to declare any partnership with any organisation in
relationship to the offering of the Vocational Qualifications.
2.12.2. The Institution commits to obtain approval from KHDA for any partnership
with any other organisations relevant to utilising resources for offering the
Vocational Qualifications.
2.12.3. The Institution commits not to have any partnership with higher education
institution to offer pathways to learners to complete their higher education.
2.12.4. The Institution commits not to franchise any part of their programme to
other educational/ training institution.
2.12.5. The Institution commits not to deliver any part of their programmes with any
third party including online platform, software, satellite, programme or
associate them with the Vocational Qualification being delivered.
2.13 Data Protection and Information Sharing
2.13.1. The Institution commits to:
a) provide KHDA, upon request or periodically, with the data and
information related to the Vocational Qualifications, the registered
learners and any other relevant data;
b) comply with the requirements of data protection and personal data
legislations in United Arab Emirates and in the Emirate of Dubai;
c) deliver the Vocational Qualifications in accordance with the UAE laws
including any relevant safeguarding, copyright, and data protection laws;
d) ensure that the Learners are informed that their personal data may be
provided to the Awarding Body and KHDA for the purpose of awarding
qualifications, statistical and development purposes;
e) maintain accurate records of the Learners personal data, registration and
achievements;
f) not disclose confidential information obtained from the Learners unless
required to do so by law.
2.13.2. The Institution understands that the personal data of the Learners must be
processed in accordance with data protection legislations.
2.13.3. The head of the institution commits to advise any person involved in
administering, teaching or completing assessments that where malpractice is
suspected, or alleged, personal data about them will be provided to the
Awarding Body whose assessments of their qualifications are involved.
Statement of bligations and esponsibilities of the Vocational Education Institution continued

Personal data about them may also be shared with KHDA in accordance with 3. Glossary of Terms
the relevant malpractice policies and procedures.
Resolution:

2.14 Institution Website Executive Council Resolution No. (30) of 2021 Regulating Vocational Education in the
Emirate of Dubai.
2.14.1 The Institution commits to maintain a public website that includes
information on the Institution, its portfolio of programmes and services. KHDA:
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority in Dubai.
2.14.2 The content of the Institution website must be sufficient for all stakeholders,
Government Entity:
particularly prospective Learners and their families.
Any of the government departments; public agencies and corporations; councils;
2.14.3 The Institution commits to develop and update the website for the Institution authorities, including the authorities supervising Special Development Zones and free
on a regular basis. The institution will provide the following minimum zones, such as the Dubai International Financial Centre; or other public entities affiliated
information on the website: to the government of Dubai.
a) the details of the Vocational Qualifications offered by the Institution, the Licensing Authority:
dates on which these qualifications are offered, admission requirements; The Government Entity legally authorised to issue Licences to those conducting any of
a) details related to the delivery of the Vocational Qualifications (mode of the vocational activities, based on whether or not they aim to generate profit.
delivery, language of Instruction, mode of instruction, fees, scholarships
Concerned Entity:
and sponsorship (if any);
The Government Entity which is responsible, under the legislation in force in the
b) details related to the Awarding Body and their quality Assurance reports; Emirate, for supervising an activity to which the Vocational Qualification is relevant; and
c) student services and facilities; whose approval is required prior to issuing the Permit.
d) contact information and location; Vocational Education:
e) any other details relevant to the Vocational Activities. A specialised educational system that aims to equip individuals with certain vocational
and technical knowledge and skills, or to develop their technological and technical
capabilities to practice a particular profession, trade, or occupation.

Vocational Qualification:
A description of the outcome of Vocational Education which comprises a set of
theoretical, applied, and practical modules and courses of various levels; requires a
Statement of bligations and esponsibilities of the Vocational Education Institution continued
particular number of credit hours; and is delivered using various learning modalities,
such as distance learning and smart learning. The credit-bearing vocational
qualifications are:
• accredited/ regulated by recongnised accreditation/ regulatory entity
• levelled based on a recognised qualifications framework
• awarded by recognised national or international certification organisation
• delivered by an appropriately licensed institution
• learners are assessed to ensure meeting outcomes of the qualification
• all aspects relating to delivery and assessment are quality assured
• learners are certified on the basis of successful completion of the qualification
• not higher education degrees
Vocational Certificate:
A document issued by a Vocational Education Institution or an Awarding Body to a
Learner upon successfully completing the requirements for obtaining a Vocational
Qualification.
Vocational Education Institution:
An independent institution, or an institution affiliated to an Educational Institution,
which is authorised by KHDA, in accordance with the provisions of the Resolution, to
deliver a Vocational Qualification and to conduct the assessments required for obtaining
that qualification; or to only conduct the examinations required for awarding the
Vocational Qualification.
Educational Institution:
This includes universities, colleges, institutes, schools, and similar institutions which are
authorised by KHDA or the competent entity in the UAE to conduct educational
activities in accordance with the legislation in force.
Awarding Body:
An entity conducting the activity of designing and developing Vocational Qualifications,
conducting the examinations required for obtaining these qualifications, awarding
Vocational Certificates, or ensuring the quality of delivered Vocational Qualifications;
and which is issued with a Permit where it conducts its activities within the Emirate of
Dubai, or with an approval where it conducts its activities outside of the Emirate.
Employer:
An Establishment which is licensed to conduct an Economic Activity in the Emirate of
Dubai in accordance with the legislation in force, and which is authorised by the KHDA
to conduct Vocational Apprenticeship Programmes in accordance with the provisions of
the Resolution.
Vocational Apprenticeship Programme:
A specialised Vocational Qualification delivered by an Employer to teach a Learner a
trade or profession within a specified period during which the Learner commits to work
under the management and supervision of the Employer in return for a wage or
remuneration determined prior to enrolment in this programme.
License:
A document issued by a Licensing Authority to a Vocational Education Institution in
accordance with the legislation applicable to that Licensing Authority.
Permit:
A document issued by KHDA, in accordance with the provisions of the Resolution,
authorising a Vocational Education Institution to conduct vocational activities.
Attestation:
Recognition by KHDA of a Vocational Certificate issued by a Vocational Education
Institution or an Awarding Body.
Learner:
A person who is registered with a Vocational Education Institution or who is enrolled in
Signature and Declaration
a Vocational Apprenticeship Programme to take a qualification and to be assessed as I hereby declare that:
part of that qualification. • I understand the legal responsibilities to adhere and comply with the
Statement of bligations and esponsibilities of the Vocational Education
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Institution
RPL is an assessment method that considers whether a learner is able to demonstrate
• I am authorised to sign and submit this Statement on behalf of the
that they meet the assessment requirements for a unit through knowledge,
institution
understanding or skills that they already possess (and can evidence), which do not
require further development through a course of learning. The purpose of RPL is to ame of of the key contact person
recognise a learner’s previous learning or experience rather than allowing exceptional
entry to, or exemption from, a programme of study.
ole
Assessor:
The person who is a subject matter or topic expert who is responsible for making
assessment decisions about learner work, providing constructive feedback to learners Signature of the key contact person Date
and participating in the quality assurance activities and processes.

Internal Verifier:
The person who is responsible for quality assurance of a qualification(s). The key
responsibilities include sampling of assessment decisions to ensure qualification
requirements have been met, and to ensure fairness, accuracy and consistency of
assessment. The Internal Verifier may act as an Assessor but cannot internally verify
their own assessment decisions.