I am delighted that you have chosen to undertake your Apprenticeship Journey with Leeds Business School, an innovative and vibrant place to study.

Apprenticeships are a great way to study. As part of your apprenticeship, not only will you gain a degree awarded by Leeds Beckett University (the equivalent of a degree earned through traditional Higher Education routes), but you will also develop practical Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours that will make a real difference to your organisation.

All Apprenticeships at Leeds Beckett undergo a rigorous design and development process. We work closely with employers during the development phase so you can be assured that the content and learning are what employers want and the knowledge you acquire can be applied in your real-life work context.

Balancing the demands of work and study can often be challenging. This is something we recognise at Leeds Business School, and we will support you every step of the way.

Successful completion of a degree apprenticeship will enhance your CV, ensure that you are well-placed within a competitive jobs market and lay the foundation for a prosperous future career.

I hope you enjoy your Apprenticeship Journey with us, and I wish you every success in your work and study.

Helen Kennedy-Holleman

School Head of Degree Apprenticeships

Thank you for choosing Leeds Business School as your destination for the Apprenticeship Journey. Our institution is a lively and innovative place to pursue your studies. We offer excellent facilities that provide practical and real-life learning experiences. By participating in our apprenticeship programmes, you will earn a CMI-accredited degree from Leeds Beckett University. This will enhance your CV and lay a strong foundation for your career.

We are dedicated to providing our apprentices with excellent support and a customised higher education experience to help them succeed. Our programme delivery is tailored to meet the specific requirements of employers and aims to develop apprenticeship skills, behaviours, and expert knowledge that can be easily applied in real-life work settings. We work closely with wellbeing advisors and employers to ensure that your wellbeing and academic experience are our top priority.

You are embarking on an exciting Apprenticeship Journey with us. I am confident that you will thrive in your work and studies, and I wish you every success.

Best wishes

Dr Niki Kyriakidou

Course Director

Welcome to Leeds Business School! You are joining a diverse, inclusive and vibrant community dedicated to student experience, to education, to impactful research and to developing all of its members to their utmost potential.

On behalf of all our staff I would like to say how proud we are to have you with us, and how excited we are to engage with you throughout every stage of your learning journey.

Leeds Business School is an active choice, a choice to participate, to experience, to grow and to contribute - in an inspiring and digitally connected environment.

Our mission is to bring you closer to business, to industry and to the professions - through the way we teach, the flexibility of our offer, the courses we champion and the business leaders we showcase. It's about being work-ready and life-ready, with the enthusiasm, the competitive edge and the practical tools to thrive.

We are an International Business School with a significant number of international students and staff with drive towards sustainability and a mission to make a difference. The Leeds Business School plays an effective role in supporting small businesses, local economies and student entrepreneurship; we work closely with our suppliers and other anchor institutions to maximise our impact in the region; our focus is on creating an educational environment that supports and enables inclusive learning and creates opportunities for progression.

Welcome to business co-creation, not just business education. Welcome to Leeds Business School.

Professor George Lodorfos, Dean of School

Leeds Beckett Students' Union (LBSU) is led by students for students! Their mission is to make your uni life better! Your Student Officer Team is elected by you to lead the Students' Union into the academic year. They represent all Leeds Beckett students and campaign for the changes you want to see in the university and beyond. They do this by representing your interests, giving you the chance to socialise and meet new people, hosting CV-boosting opportunities, and providing advice and support when you need it most. Shape your own experience by submitting your thoughts through your Course Rep, or if you'd like to influence the Students' Union's policy stance on particular issues or share ideas for improving the student experience across the University, submit your ideas on the Have Your Say platform, which is designed to make change happen! Below you'll find information on a few of their services but if you've any questions, please feel free to get in touch.

Silas Ozoya, your Academic Experience Officer, also wanted to say a few words to introduce himself: "Hey There! I'm Silas, your Academic Experience Officer. It's my job to ensure your academic experience at Leeds Beckett is the best it can be! We're a friendly and open-minded bunch at LBSU, so don't hesitate to get in touch with us! I'm looking forward to meeting you very soon!"

Contact LBSU at:

Email: lbsu-welcome@leedsbeckett.ac.uk

Phone: 0113 812 8400

Website: www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk

1. Following the lifting of all pandemic restrictions and advice from the Department for Education, we currently anticipate that no social distancing measures will be in place on campus during the 2023/24 academic year, enabling a normal on-campus experience. Our aim is to ensure that our students experience Leeds Beckett University, our courses, campuses, facilities and services to the fullest extent possible, while maintaining an environment where students and staff feel safe.
2. In all cases, the health and safety of students and staff is our priority and we will continue to follow guidance from the UK Health Security Agency, the Department for Education and all other recognised government agencies (such as the Office for Students) in full and keep matters under close review at all times. The advice and restrictions may change before and/or during the academic year, either nationally or in response to local conditions and rates of infection and include the need for social distancing measures and other restrictions. Our flexible delivery model allows us to revert to a blended and/or remote delivery model if this becomes necessary. In a worst case scenario it is possible our campuses may need to close.
3. In the event that delivery is restricted as a consequence of pandemic restrictions, we will keep you informed of planned changes as they arise, to ensure you are provided with accurate information.
4. We will provide general COVID-19 updates to our University community here and more specific updates will be provided by your School.

Your apprenticeship provides a great opportunity to gain valuable skills and knowledge, at work and at the University, to ensure you are fully competent in your chosen field and enable you to progress in your career.

Successful apprenticeships are built on strong relationships between the apprentice, their employer and the University, in particular the course team. These colleagues are there to support you on your learning journey and you will work closely with them to make sure you get the most out of this exciting experience. Full attendance is mandatory so you must keep your employer and course team fully informed about any matters relating to your attendance, support you might need, concerns you have and any other challenges you come across. We need this information to help keep you on track to complete your apprenticeship successfully and so we can remain compliant with government rules for delivering apprenticeships.

On-the-job training refers to the activities that you undertake during your working role. It is training for the sole purpose of enabling you to perform the work for which you have been employed. Through your on-the-job activities you will have opportunities to apply the learning that you gain through your off-the-job learning, particularly your on-campus days. Your course team will indicate activities that can be classed as on-the-job training, and this will also be reflected in your training plan.

All apprentices spend a significant part of their working time undertaking 'off-the-job' training. If you started your apprenticeship in the academic year 2021/22 or earlier you are required to spend at least 20% of your working time 'off-the-job'. If you started your apprenticeship from academic year 2022/23 onwards you are required to spend at least 6 hours per week of your working time 'off-the-job'.

This time is typically spent in University but it may also include learning activities in your workplace, but outside your normal day-to-day tasks.

You are expected to undertake off-the-job learning throughout the whole year including during university holiday periods when you don't have timetabled activities. Your course team will provide further advice about what is expected.

You will need to keep track of this off-the-job learning through our Aptem system which includes an activity log. If you need further guidance or training on using Aptem, contact your course team or the Apprenticeship Team (apprenticeships@leedsbeckett.ac.uk).

Your training plan is a personalised formal document which provides details of your apprenticeship requirements, including both the on- and off-the-job training that you will undertake. It forms part of the apprenticeship agreement which you, your employer and the University should have agreed signed off before the start of your apprenticeship.

Our University was inspected by Ofsted in November 2022 and was given a rating of good for overall effectiveness and also for each of the thematic areas specified in their Education Inspection Framework (EIF):

1. Quality of education
2. Behaviour and attitudes
3. Personal development
4. Leadership and management

Dr Niki Kyriakidou

N.Kyriakidou@leedsbeckett.ac.uk

0113 812 0000

Dr Niki Kyriakidou

N.Kyriakidou@leedsbeckett.ac.uk

0113 812 0000

Your workplace mentor will support you in the workplace by, for example, helping to identify relevant learning opportunities and helping you succeed in these. More details of your workplace mentor and other support options will be listed in your training plan.

Clare Newton

BusinessDA@leedsbeckett.ac.uk

0113 8127530

Current course rep information can be access in your cohort's community group in My Beckett.

Apprentices in the Business School are supported by a team of Academic Librarians.

The contact details of other key services, such as The Student Advice Team, Disability Advice, Student Wellbeing, the Library, Money Advice, Careers, Students' Union Advice Service and Students' Union Student Voice Team can be found on the Students web page.

In addition:

Apprenticeship Assessors - these colleagues are a key contact for you; they will coordinate and complete progress review meetings with you and provide on-going support.

Apprenticeship Team - these colleagues support apprentices, employers and other university staff with the recruitment, application and on-boarding processes; they also ensure apprenticeships run smoothly and are compliant with government rules.

Please see your training plan for contact details.

Academic and administrative staff at our University use your student email address to contact you. It is important that you check this account regularly. You can forward emails from your student email address to a preferred personal email address, however, quarantine and spam filters needed by our University mean that emails sent from external email addresses may be delayed, blocked or deleted. It is therefore important that your student email address is the only email address that you use to contact University staff. Information on how to access your student email address can be found on the Library Student IT Support page (http://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/it_support/office365/outlook)

Please make sure that you inform your Course Administration team whenever you change your address and contact details. It is important that you also update your records yourself. You can do this via the My Account/Update my Data tab on MyBeckett. This will ensure we can always contact you in an emergency, and that you receive any important University communications that we may need to send you.

We will inform you of class activities and course notifications, including any cancellations. Most communication will take place by e-mail. Module specific communications will be sent through My Beckett.

For each module, the Module Handbook will include the preferred method of communicating general information about that module to you.

MS Teams is part of the Office 365 suite used by staff, students and apprentices for communication and collaboration:

• Access via MyBeckett on University devices as well as on personal mobiles via a free downloadable app.
• Participate in online meetings and video conferencing in groups or one-to-one.
• Work on shared content, ideas, projects and online learning.
• Utilise breakout rooms to create more dynamic sessions

Further information is available on the Library's MS Teams FAQ web page.

The University’s standard term dates are available on our Academic Calendars web page for information.

You will be able to access your timetable through Aptem.

Taught sessions will normally be scheduled and included in your timetable. This will include on-campus sessions that you should attend. Depending on your apprenticeship, this may also include scheduled online teaching and learning sessions that you need to take part in. Module information will be made available online by the school for enrolled apprentices. Timetables will also be made available via:

1. The Student Portal (MyBeckett)
2. The Leeds Beckett app

You should discuss any difficulties relating to your engagement with timetabled sessions with your Course Director.

School Forums, where students and apprentices raise feedback on their academic experience, are scheduled into all students’ and apprentices' timetables. Any apprentice can attend but only Course Reps are expected to be in attendance.

The CMDA aims to develop the leadership and management potential of apprentices by enabling them to:

- Demonstrate their knowledge, understanding and skills of business and management from both an academic and a practical perspective.

- Be confident in applying their learning in complex, dynamic and globally competitive business environments.

- Think analytically and creatively about business problems and apply investigative and research skills to the design and implementation of effective solutions in real organisational contexts.

- Make an effective contribution to managing projects and delivering performance improvements in an organisation.

- Be effective in the application of communication, engagement and inter-personal skills in an organisation.

- Be effective as an individual and a team player in an organisation.

- Understand the nature of ethical and social responsibility choices and issues in business.

- Be self-confident and take responsibility for further learning and personal development to support career development.

As an apprentice you will be working towards achievement of the required knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) for your specific apprenticeship. However, through achieving the apprenticeship KSBs you will also meet the requirements of a Leeds Beckett qualification, normally an honours or Masters degree. These qualifications have defined Course Learning Outcomes which are statements about what you will be able to do at the end of the qualification. The Course Learning Outcomes of your qualification have been provided below for information.

In addition to the apprenticeship Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs), you will meet the following learning outcomes for the BA (Hons) Business Management Practice.

During your apprenticeship you will develop Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) that have been identified by employers and subject experts across the country as being essential in ensuring you are fully competent in your specialised role. These KSBs are built into the modules you will study as part of the apprenticeship and will be developed through a range of learning activities at work and at University.

In order to pass the apprenticeship, you need to demonstrate competence in the following KSBs which are required in the CMDA Standard:

Assessment at L6 - coursework and presentations

All Apprentices are required to complete an End Point Assessment (EPA) before they can successfully pass the apprenticeship. Course teams will support and prepare you for your EPA throughout the apprenticeship. Before an Apprentice can attempt the EPA they must satisfy a number of criteria, which are referred to as Gateway Requirements. Once they have met the Gateway requirements, the Apprentice undertakes the EPA which is designed to test/confirm the Apprentice's KSBs and their overall competency.

EPAs will be conducted by an outside organisation (EPAO) or by someone within the University who has not been involved in the delivery of the apprenticeship.

The Apprenticeship grade will normally be based on the EPA, for example, if you achieve a Pass in the EPA you will be awarded a Pass in the Apprenticeship.

There are a wide range of EPA requirements across all of the apprenticeships and therefore the details below provide more information about your specific EPA. You are advised to contact your Course Director with any questions relating to the EPA.

To be successful on your apprenticeship you must pass the End-Point Assessment (EPA) which is an holistic assessment of your KSBs and overall professional competence. Before you can attempt the EPA, you must satisfy the following "Gateway" requirements:

• Submit a portfolio of evidence of how you meet the KSBs across the CMDA standard
• Provide a copy of your Project report
• Provide evidence of achievement of the BA (Hons) Business Management Practice
• Provide evidence of your achievement of Level 2 Maths and English

This is a non-integrated EPA - EPA assessment is in addition to the assessments required to be awarded the BA (hons) Business Management Practice. The EPA for this apprenticeship consists of the following assessments:

It is important that you understand your EPA, what it involves, how you will be prepared for it and how it will be conducted. EPA discussions will be an important part of your TPR meetings so please raise any questions or concerns with your DA Assessors during those meetings.

Coursework submission deadlines can be found on MyBeckett or in individual Module Handbooks.

Disabled students requiring adjustments to assessments/examinations should contact Disability Advice as soon as possible. We can only guarantee that adjustments can be put in place if students have contacted us by the following deadlines:

Semester 1 - 10th November 2023

Semester 2 - 8th March 2024

Contact us:

Email: disabilityadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk

Tel: 0113 812 5831

Website: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/disability-advice/

It is important for your progression and achievement that you submit all work for all assignments in a timely manner. It is also important that you keep copies of all work submitted until after you have graduated. You should also keep any receipts confirming the submission of assignments. In the event of your submitted work being lost you may be required to produce a copy of the work and submission receipt. If you are unable to do so, your work will not be marked.

It is important to note that submitting all assignments is a requirement of your course. Should you experience extenuating circumstances which prevent you from submitting on time please make yourself aware of the Mitigation and Extenuating Circumstances process. Without any form of extenuating circumstances, standard penalties apply for late submission of assessed work.

Full details of the penalties for late submission of course work are available in section 3 of the Academic Regulations at https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/our-university/public-information/academic-regulations/. Please check the penalties that apply to this course as some Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body requirements may mean that different penalties apply.

As a part-time student, any late submissions will have marks deducted in accordance with the below

• 1 to 2 days late: 5 marks will be deducted from the mark achieved.
• 3 to 10 days late: a further 5 marks will be deducted from the mark achieved by the apprentice for each two days on which the work remains unsubmitted (i.e. 5 marks for days 3-4; 5-6; 7- 8; 9-10).
• Should these penalties bring the final mark below 40% for Levels 4-6, then the work will normally be capped at the threshold pass mark.
• 11 days late: a mark of zero will normally be recorded.

If you have been recommended 'flexibility around deadlines' as a reasonable adjustment in a Reasonable Adjustment Plan, your Course Administrator will be able to advise you of the process.

You may be required to submit your written work via Turnitin; further information on Turnitin is available here: http://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/mybeckett/turnitin

Assessed work will normally be returned with appropriate feedback within four weeks of your submission. Each Module Handbook will provide you with specific guidelines on how and when you will receive feedback on your assessments.

Results from module assessments and decisions on progression to the next level of study (e.g., from Level 4 to Level 5 of an undergraduate degree) or awards (if you are in the final level) are available on the Results Online system: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/exams-assessments-and-awards/results-online/.

Results will appear in Results Online within five working days of the date of the Progression and Award Board meeting (the meeting where your end of level outcome will be decided) or the Module Board meeting (the meeting where modular outcomes are decided).

If you are unsure about when you might receive your results or have queries relating to your results, you should contact your Course Administrator.

The University recognises that, from time to time, apprentices may encounter issues which may prevent them from being able to submit or take assessment. Where this is the case, apprentices may be able to submit their 'extenuating circumstances' for consideration. Please see the Mitigation and Extenuating Circumstances web page for further information.

If you have not passed a module at the first attempt you will be eligible for re-assessment. See your Module Handbook for details of the relevant re-assessment process (e.g., whether it is coursework, an examination, a presentation or other form of assessment/when it will take place/what the deadline is). You are advised to contact your Course Director or Course Administrator for any necessary clarification.

Details about our Appeals process can be found on the appeals web page.

Academic integrity means intellectual honesty and is part of good academic practice. Further information can be found on our academic integrity web page.

As part of the apprenticeship, a wide range of off-the-job (OTJ) and on-the-job activities will be undertaken both at work and at the university. Off-the-job learning is defined as activity which is undertaken outside of the normal day-to-day working tasks required for your job and links to the Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours you need to pass the apprenticeship. This can include training delivered in the workplace.

At least 20% of an apprentices paid working hours must be spent doing off-the-job activities. These must carefully and regularly be logged (a minimum of every 4 weeks) and submitted to the university as they will be used in tri-partite reviews (guidance will be provided on this).

Apprentices will attend the university as directed on the delivery schedule. The statements below show the breakdown of core study/ training time at each level between scheduled activities and independent study. Apprentices may choose to spend additional time on training/study outside of these hours, but they are not required to complete the apprenticeship and therefore must not be included in the off-the-job learning log.

The off- and on-the-job learning activities work together and collectively enable apprentices to develop the KSBs that are required to successfully complete the End-Point-Assessment (EPA) (please see below) and determine competency as a Chartered Manager. The employer and school Degree Apprenticeships (DA) team will offer support and guidance throughout the apprenticeship, providing apprentices with the necessary learning opportunities and helping to make the connections between the different activities and the Apprenticeship Standard.

Examples of on-the-job learning:

Tasks undertaken in the workplace as part of the employer's commitment to the apprenticeship, providing an apprentice with time and space to practice their new KSBs developed through the formal aspects of the apprenticeship. (Competent and capable in the workplace against job descriptions and roles)

Examples of off-the-job learning:

• Lectures & tutorial sessions (development of KSBs)
• Work-based simulations, role play and/or case studies (development of SBs)

• Online learning and in-house product training (development of KSs)
• study & assignment report writing (development of KSs)
• Client meetings & site visits (development of SBs)
• Shadowing (development of KSs)
• Mentoring activity (development of SBs)
• Employer directed new knowledge & skills achievement (development of KSBs)

Through your apprenticeship journey to becoming a competent practitioner you will be provided with a range of opportunities to develop your confidence and resilience, to recognise the value of diversity and inclusivity in society, and in your profession, and to prepare you for further learning/ training/ employment following your apprenticeship.

Module leaders' moderate discussions and facilitate conversations around issues of change and tolerance. Any concerns with apprentice behaviour based on safeguarding, British Values and PREVENT are flagged up for further discussion with Course Director, Line manager/Mentor and Apprentice Officer at the sponsoring organisation. Attendance data/progress of apprentices are discussed with employers to highlight any who are not engaging with the apprenticeship using a RAG system. Staff are trained regularly through university eLearning modules on expectations of PREVENT and safeguarding, how they can raise concerns with apprentices and flag with relevant senior member of staff.

Apprentices are encouraged to explore all the extra-curricular opportunities available to them as an apprentice at Leeds Beckett including membership of the Student Union, societies, Athletic Union, and sports clubs. Apprentices also have access to a wide range of events, seminars, webinars, podcasts, and conferences which are advertised on the LBU (Leeds Becket University) website and promoted via email

At tripartite reviews and interactions with module leaders, apprentices can discuss any concerns which may affect their progress on the apprenticeship, these are then escalated to the DA course team to discuss a best approach which range from action planning, requesting an extension or applying for mitigation.

Learning and teaching activities that embed these values are within the Investigative Consultancy Project, the Performance Improvement Project, and the Organisational Impact project - the online tutorials, the learning sets and the open debate and discussions on ensuring British Values and personal development are embedded, along with the assessment methods ensuring the apprentice can evidence behaviours of agility, professionalism, adaptability and striving to achieve their best

Modules with an * are elective and may vary depending upon delivery to your cohort.

The learning hours listed above are required for apprentices without any prior learning to gain the necessary KSBs and successfully pass the End Point Assessment (see below) and the apprenticeship itself. As part of your on-boarding onto the apprenticeship your prior learning was assessed and taken into account when confirming the hours you need to complete - please refer to your Commitment Statement/ Training Plan for information on this.

We are committed to providing a safe environment for our degree apprentices. We work with employers to ensure that you have a safe learning experience as set out in 'Keeping Our Apprentices Safe'. This includes information on how to identify and report concerns and access support covering safeguarding, wellbeing, online safety, the Prevent Duty (preventing individuals from being drawn into terrorism) and British Values.

In our University there is no place for bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct which includes sexual violence. We encourage any member of our community who has experienced any of these forms of unacceptable behaviour to use our Support, Report, Respect tool to access advice and raise concerns, which can be done anonymously.

Not sure who to contact? Speak to Student Advice: 0113 812 3000 or email studentadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk. They will listen and assess your concerns, offer information and advice, and refer to specialist support as required.

An understanding of British values is embedded in the apprenticeship curriculum.

British values are defined as:

1. Democracy
2. The rule of law
3. Individual liberty
4. Mutual respect and tolerance

In line with these values, we will foster a culture where values, opinions and beliefs can be shared in the knowledge that they will be respected.

British Values are embedded at integral points in the apprenticeship delivery commencing with sessions for introduction to the apprenticeship, where an apprentice develops an understanding and awareness of all British Values. Apprentices are encouraged to practice democratic values which are demonstrated through the election of Apprenticeship Representatives. In seminars, we encourage participation from all apprentices irrespective of their background or stance, promoting respect within the classroom and further reinforce this in the workplace. This also has impact on workplace behaviours with respect to equality, diversity and safeguarding during their apprenticeship and reinforced via interactions with employers and apprentices during TPR. Leadership modules enhance apprentice's knowledge on behavioural aspects of management practice that is evidenced in the workplace these are also relevant to the CMDA standard and are practiced whilst developing work-based skills.

All Modules map and embed British Values notably these modules explicitly.

Level 6

• Organisational Improvement Project
• Business Risk Analysis

Examples of how it is embedded

• Recognition and respect for the democratic process (macro- and micro- issues, external key drivers, scientific investigations)
• Individual liberty (consumer behaviour, stakeholders, organisation)
• Recognition and respect for the democratic process (decision-making, research)
• Respect and tolerance of others (marketing mix performance reviews, primary data collection)
• Respect for the rule of law (ethics research ethics, fair and impartial confidentiality)

Additionally, the university and your employer will ensure that you have a safe learning experience and are supported in terms of your wellbeing, online safety and understanding of the Prevent Duty (preventing individuals from being drawn into terrorism). You will have the opportunity raise any concerns to your employer or the academic team informally and formally.

The University does understand that from time to time there is good reason why you cannot attend a class, and in this instance you must contact your School office and employer to let them know. Depending upon the reasons why you are unable to attend, and how long this might be for, arrangements will be put in place to ensure you can catch up on your missed learning. The School and your employer will work together to support you with this.

Our most important aim is to support your studies, but we are also required to report attendance to various external bodies such as the Student Loan Company, the Home Office and the Apprenticeship funding body, the Education and Skills Finding Agency (ESFA).

You must notify your Course Administrator if you are absent (for example for an interview, emergency unforeseen circumstances, or for compassionate leave). If you are going to apply for mitigation you will need to provide written evidence of the reason for your absence.

Please note that if your apprenticeship carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional apprenticeship-specific absence reporting requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.

You are advised to review your commitment statement or training plan to ensure you are clear on who to contact in your employment organisation and University if you will be absent.

If you are unable to study because of illness for more than 14 consecutive days (including weekends), you must provide us with a Fit Note.

You can send a digital copy of your Fit Note to your Course Administrator, and then send the original by post.

If you are absent through illness on the day of an examination or assignment deadline and you intend to apply for mitigation, you must also provide us with details as possible. Your submission for mitigation may be made online and the circumstances surrounding it may be self-certified unless your period of absence is prolonged. Generally, all absences of 2 weeks or more will require the submission of verifiable documentary evidence.

For more information on 'fit to sit' and mitigation please visit our Mitigation web page.

Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific absence reporting requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.

Campus-based apprentices who suspect they may have, or have been diagnosed as having a serious infectious disease such as coronavirus, Mumps, TB, measles, meningitis or chicken pox should not attend campus. For notifiable diseases, students should notify their Course Director or Course Administrator as soon as possible giving information regarding which groups of students or apprentices (and/or colleagues and clients on placements) you have been in contact with and when. For some diseases, such as TB and meningitis, your doctor and our Student Wellbeing Team have a responsibility to notify the West Yorkshire Public Health Protection Team who may also wish to speak to you (or your family) to determine if others require screening or medication. You should follow advice given by the hospital or your GP about when it is safe to return to University. Further information is available on the Student Wellbeing web page.

For guidance on what to do if you have symptoms of Covid-19 (coronavirus), please visit our Covid-19 web page.

You are advised to review your Commitment Statement to ensure you are clear on who to contact in your employment organisation and University if you will be absent due to illness.

You must let your Apprenticeship Assessor know immediately if your employment status changes. This includes, for example:

1. Redundancy
2. Change in job role
3. Change in employer
4. Change in contracted hours
5. Parental leave
6. Other break in learning

Chartered Management Institute

Successful apprentices will become Chartered Managers and have the option to continue their CMI (Chartered Management Institute) Membership (CMgr MCMI) and / or apply as a member of the Institute for Leadership & Management or other relevant professional body.

Following successful completion of the apprenticeship, graduates will have developed the following skills.

Organisational Performance;

• Operational Strategy
• Project Management
• Business Finance
• Sales and Marketing
• Digital business & new technologies

Interpersonal excellence;

• Communication
• Leading People
• Managing People
• Developing Collaborative Relationships

Personal Effectiveness

• Awareness of self and others
• Management of Self
• Decision Making

You will have opportunities to gain recognition during your time at Leeds Beckett University for the extra activities you do in addition to your studies, including volunteering, student societies, playing in our University sports teams and being a Course Representative.

By joining a society with Leeds Beckett Students' Union, you can make new friends, have fun, try something new and enhance your CV - societies provide a great opportunity to learn new skills and improve your existing ones. It can be difficult to get to know new people at university but don't worry, everyone is in the same boat! Our Leeds Beckett Students' Union believe that joining a student-led society is the best way to meet new people and make lifelong friends. There are so many societies out there - from course-based to hobby-based to religious to political and campaigning. Whether you're just starting out at Leeds Beckett or working on your last year of study, it is never too late to find the right society for you - or start one yourself!

Course-based societies are a great way to meet people on your course, expand your networks and celebrate your achievements together such as end of year Society Balls. If you have a great idea for a society, we can help you get it up and running. There are resources and support available for all societies - including funding to help make your society goals a reality. For more information on starting your own society, visit: leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/societies/create.

There are three Graduate Attributes for Leeds Beckett University and these are tailored to suit your course. The three attributes you should achieve by the end of the course are for you to be digitally literate, have a global outlook and for you to be enterprising. Learning about these attributes and being assessed on them as part of your modules will provide you with capabilities which are essential for your future career and wider life as you move on from your studies here. You will be formally assessed on all the attributes in some of your modules at each academic level in each year of your course. For more information on graduate attributes please visit https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/academic-skills-and-advice/graduate-attributes/. Information on your assessment is included in your Module Handbooks.

As an employed apprentice you will have on-going work-related activities presented to you from within your own workplace, to which you will be able to apply the learning gained at the university. Staff at the workplace and the university will help you make those connections.

The knowledge, skills and behaviours you develop as part of your apprenticeship are highly transferable and increase your employability significantly, they have been designed to ensure not only your professional competency but also your long-term earnings potential, greater security and the capability to progress in the workplace.

• Improved efficiency and competence in your current job role.
• A portfolio of evidence showcasing continuing professional development and achievements that are timely and relevant.
• Enhanced knowledge, skills and behaviours provide opportunity for career progression inside your organisation.
• You will have the opportunity to continue their learning journey by enrolling on the Senior Leader Apprenticeship.

If you have a question or a problem relating to your apprenticeship, your Course Administrator is there to help you. Course Administrators work closely with academic staff and can make referrals to teaching staff or to specialist professional services as appropriate. They can give you a confirmation of attendance letter, and a transcript. You may also like to contact your Course Rep or the Students' Union Advice team for additional support with apprenticeship-related questions.

Your Academic Advisor will be an academic member of staff who teaches you on your apprenticeship. Your Course Director will make sure that you are given the contact details of your Academic Advisor at the beginning of each year, usually in your apprenticeship induction. Further details on the role of your Academic Advisor are available on the Academic Advisor web page.

If you need support, but you're not sure where to go, your Student Advice Team are here to help. The team are an essential part of your Student Support Network and are dedicated to ensuring you can access the advice and support you need, when you need it most.

Student Advice can also help in the practical elements of university. The team will produce your first campus card and assist you in replacing your campus card if needed throughout your time at Leeds Beckett. They can provide Confirmation of Enrolment and Bank Letters for our current students and full or partial transcripts for our graduates and fully enrolled students.

If you need help with more complex queries or concerns, our trained Student Life Advisers offer 1-1 appointments, providing a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space to talk about your circumstances and identify support that you can access both within and outside of the university.

To contact the team, or to arrange an appointment, visit The Student Advice webpage for full details.

The Student Voice & Insight team at LBSU works alongside the elected Academic Experience Officer to effectively represent students' and apprentices' academic interests.

We provide support, training and ongoing development to over 1,000 Course Representatives, Postgraduate Research Reps, Student Community Leaders and Global Majority Student Ambassadors who represent you whilst you study at Leeds Beckett; and facilitate the collection of student and apprentice feedback on your academic experience.

Unsure who your Course Rep is? Maybe you're interested in becoming a Course Rep or have feedback about your academic experience? Get in touch at:

- Email: studentvoice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
- Telephone: 0113 812 8400
- Website: leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/your-voice

You can find information and resources online through the Support and Opportunities tabs in MyBeckett. In the Support tab, you can find details of a range of services that provide academic and personal support. These include Student Advice, Library Services, the Students' Union, Student Money, Disability Advice, Student Wellbeing, Student Immigration Advice and Compliance and Accommodation. There is also an A-Z of Support Services, and access to online appointments/registration.

In the Opportunities tab, you can explore the options you have for jobs, work placements, volunteering, and a wide range of other opportunities. For example, you can find out here how to get help with your CV, prepare for an interview, get a part-time job or a voluntary role, take part in an international project, or join societies closer to home.

If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or a specific learning difference, we believe this should never be a barrier to studying at our University.

Please get in touch with us as soon as possible so we can ensure everything is in place before your apprenticeship starts.

What should I do next?

Register with us

• We will ask you to provide evidence of your disability, usually from a health professional or educational psychologist. Don't worry if you haven't got any, we can support you with this.

• Usually, we will arrange an appointment with your Disability Adviser to discuss any adjustments you might need and support you in applying for Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA).

• We will work with you to ensure any adjustments you need are available so you can fully participate on your apprenticeship.

Please watch this short video about how the Disability Advice Team can work with you.

Disabled students and apprentices can also access the Disability Resource Areas in each library and the support provided by the Library Learning Support Officer. More information is available on the Library website.

What is Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)?

DSA is government funding to help with the cost of any additional support you might need while studying, such as: one-to-one support, specialist equipment (including useful software) and travel. For more information visit our website.

Contact Us:

Email: disabilityadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk

Tel: 0113 812 5831

Website: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/disability-advice/

The Library

The Library offers 24/7 support for your studies. You can access thousands of resources via MyBeckett or the Library website which also provides full details of all our services.

Library Academic Support

The Library Academic Support Team can help you develop your academic skills such as critical thinking, academic writing and analysing data, and research skills such as how to find, use and evaluate information for your studies. The team liaises with your lecturers to provide the information resources you need for your subject and to arrange academic skills sessions to support you in your studies.

The team maintains a number of websites and modules to support your learning:

• In your Subject guide, you'll find a variety of information resources which have been selected as a good starting point for research in that area. These are available on the Skills and Subject Support web page or via My Beckett.
• On the Skills for Learning website, you'll find online resources covering topics such as essay writing, research and time management, English Language and academic English plus information to help you reference and avoid plagiarism, alongside details of workshops that are designed to help you succeed in your assessments. The Skills for Learning website can be found on the Library website or via My Beckett.
• LBU Study Smart is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to the key skills and services you'll need to study successfully at Leeds Beckett. There are also additional modules you can take as you move through your course to help you transition between study levels. The Academic Integrity Tutorial is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to academic integrity at LBU and will help you develop the skills you need to attain good academic practice, including avoiding plagiarism and academic referencing.
• The Academic Integrity Tutorial is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to academic integrity at LBU and will help you develop the skills you need to attain good academic practice, including avoiding plagiarism and academic referencing.

Library and Student IT Advice Service

The Library and Student IT Advice Service team can answer your queries on borrowing, finding information, passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA) ,Office 365, online meetings, saving your work, MyBeckett and more:

• online (including 24/7 chat) via the Contact Us web page
• by phone - 0113 812 1000 (24/7 IT support)
• face-to-face in either of our Libraries, check Library opening times for details of when staff are available

They also have a wide range of short tutorials available on the Library's YouTube channel.

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi on the University campus is provided by eduroam, a secure wireless network, which also allows you Wi-Fi access if you visit other universities. To connect:

1. Select eduroam from available Wi-Fi
2. Your login details are:

Username followed by @leedsbeckett: e.g. c1234567@leedsbeckett.ac.uk

Password: your normal university password

*Android Users: Select under Phase 2 Authentication - MS-CHAPv2

Help is available on the Library's Wi-Fi web page.

Microsoft Office 365

You are provided with free access to Office 365 and the latest version of Office can be downloaded from the IT tab in MyBeckett or from office.com. All apprentices who are registered for a qualification at Leeds Beckett University are eligible and you can use the subscription for the duration of your apprenticeship. For instructions and more information, please see the Office 365 support page.

OneDrive

OneDrive Leeds Beckett is your individual file storage with 1TB of storage space. With OneDrive you can access and share your files across your devices. This is accessible on University PCs and off-campus through Office 365 portal. See the Saving your Work pages on the Library website for more information.

Leeds Beckett RemoteApp

The Leeds Beckett RemoteApp gives you access to a range of specialist software for your course on your personal devices. See the RemoteApp page on the Library website for more information.

Media Equipment - free loans

You can borrow high-end Media Equipment for free. Browse, reserve and collect equipment ranging from GoPros to Remote Presenters from the ground floor of the Shelia Silver and Headingley Libraries. Further information is available on the Media Equipment web page.

University life can have its ups and downs, and occasionally you may find yourself in need of advice. That's where we come in. Here at the SU we have a free advice service that is here just for you, the students and apprentices at Leeds Beckett University.

The Advice Service at LBSU is a confidential, non-judgmental service run by professional advisers.

The service is independent from the University, so if you are having any problems with your apprenticeship you can talk confidentially with us - although we do work with the University to find the best solutions, we would only contact them with your permission. We can advise on a range of topics including all aspects of the University Regulations and Procedures, housing issues and finance issues. We can guide you through any processes or procedures.

We're here to help you with any questions or problems you might have while you are studying at Leeds Beckett.

Get more information at www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/advice.

MyBeckett, the portal and virtual learning environment provides:

• access to your modules and timetables;

• your reading lists and email account;

• your personal storage area on our University IT servers;

• information on where to look for academic or personal support (Support tab);

• information on opportunities such as jobs, careers, part-time work, placements and volunteering (Opportunities tab)

• access to Library and student IT advice

Further information and support for using MyBeckett can be found on the MyBeckett Support Pages.

The physical learning environment of the university has benefited from substantial and ongoing investment, including the creation of the Rose Bowl building at the city campus. As the home of the business school the Rose Bowl provides enviable teaching facilities including state of the art lecture and tutorial rooms which are well supported by contemporary technology including WiFi, SmartBoards and in room audio support. In addition to the primary teaching facilities, the provision of breakout and social learning spaces (some with IT facilities provided) gives apprentices flexible space to work independently or in groups. This is complemented by an AV loans facility provisioned within the library, which includes laptops. Learning support for staff, students and apprentices is provided by the university's Learning Support Services (LSS), which offer a unified library, computing, reprographic, media and educational development service.

Resources required to support students learning on this course will include facilities such as those described above, in particular:

• large lecture theatres to accommodate shared core modules;
• teaching rooms with smartboards to accommodate use of online sources in seminars;
• break out rooms with adequate access to ICT for group activities;
• a VLE to support student timetables, group announcements and module content;
• access to textbooks, online databases, academic journal articles, and websites as specified in the individual module approval templates;
• MS Teams and related software will be used to facilitate online study.

We are committed to working in partnership with you and the Students' Union to provide you with an inclusive, safe and engaging learning environment which is conducive to study for all our students, apprentices and our staff. An important element of your time studying with us is your engagement in developing your learning. Your engagement and attendance on your apprenticeship enables you to further your learning and supports your achievement, apprenticeship completion and aspirations for the future. There is an expectation that apprentices will attend, engage in their learning and submit on time for assessment. We provide support for you to maximise your time studying with us and to develop your learning, skills and abilities to support you in your chosen career path.

We seek active participation by all our apprentices in the continuous enhancement of our apprenticeships and through our monitoring, annual review and enhancement processes. These are formal processes used by our University for assuring the academic standards and quality of your apprenticeship and its continuous improvement. These processes utilise your feedback, External Examiners' reports, feedback from staff and others, data relating to apprentice outcomes on the apprenticeship and apprentice surveys to reflect on areas of good practice and areas for further enhancement. We invite all apprentices to participate in a range of opportunities to provide us with feedback on your apprenticeship and modules. This may include discussions with staff, focus groups, and meetings (e.g. with Course Representatives or with staff) and formalised student and apprentice surveys e.g. mid module reviews, end of module evaluations and specific apprenticeship or other surveys such as the Student Barometer, National Student Survey and Graduate Outcomes Survey. We utilise the outcomes of these surveys to benchmark our apprenticeships nationally and to inform annual apprenticeship enhancements.

Informal feedback is also welcome at any time either via your Academic Advisor or module tutor or via your Course Representative. Our partnership with you enables us together to make the most of your learning experience with us and to enhance the quality and reputation of your apprenticeship. You can find out what actions have been taken in response to your feedback through your Course Representative, the Students' Union, your tutors or through the Library.

Course Representatives (Reps) at undergraduate and postgraduate taught levels are student and apprentice volunteers who represent you in formal and informal meetings with the University, and follow up on actions that have occurred because of student and apprentice feedback. You can become a Course Rep, volunteering to represent the views of your peers in order to improve apprentices' academic experience.

In the first few weeks of your time at Leeds Beckett, your Course Director will facilitate an opportunity to appoint Course Reps on your apprenticeship.

LBSU provides support, training and ongoing development for Course Reps and supports their engagement in enhancement activities throughout the academic year.

Being a Course Rep provides you with an opportunity to enhance your own learning and the development of relevant professional and employability skills alongside your studies. As a Course Rep you would play an important role in:

• Acting as a point of contact and advocate for apprentices on your apprenticeship and in supporting their active engagement.
• Gathering feedback from apprentices on your apprenticeship to inform enhancements to the quality of your apprenticeship and the apprentice experience.
• Facilitating good communication between apprentices and staff on the apprenticeship.
• Working with the Course Director, members of the course team and the Students' Union to enhance your apprenticeship.
• Facilitating and engaging in meetings about your apprenticeship; and
• Being an ambassador for your apprenticeship.

Further information about being a Course Representative is available at:

• The Students web pages
• Leeds Beckett Students' Union
• The University Academic Regulations

We invite all apprentices to participate in a range of opportunities to provide us with feedback on your apprenticeship and modules. This may include discussions with staff, focus groups, and meetings (e.g. with Course Representatives or with staff) and formalised student and apprentice surveys e.g. mid module reviews, end of module evaluations and specific apprenticeship or other surveys such as the Student Barometer, National Student Survey and Graduate Outcomes Survey.

We are committed to providing a high quality experience for all our students and apprentices. We welcome comments and compliments from apprentices, and find them valuable for on-going improvements to our provision. Comments and compliments about your apprenticeship can be raised with your Course Representative or directly with your Course Director or Academic Advisor.

If you have a specific complaint about an act or omission of our University, you may be able to make a complaint under the Student Complaints Procedure. In the first instance, you should raise the matter as soon as possible with the member of staff most directly concerned, or with the person who can best resolve it. If this does not resolve the matter, or if the complaint is too serious to be addressed in this way, then you should make a formal complaint in writing. Information about how to make a complaint, including the student complaints procedure and a complaints form, is available on the Students web pages.

In addition to the University processes listed above, as an Apprentice, you also have the right to make enquiries or raise concerns outside of the University. Full details of these options can be found in your training plan.

Key University regulations and policies can be accessed on the following web pages:

• Academic Regulations (including assessment regulations) are available on our Academic Regulations web page
• The Student Contract is available on our Student Regulations web page
• The Student Charter is available on our Academic Regulations web page (Section 20)

Other Student regulations and University policies, including Safety, Health and Wellbeing policies, are available on our Student Regulations web page

You should also familiarise yourself with our Zero Tolerance Report and Support web page regarding sexual harassment and assult.

There are no additional or non-standard regulations which relate to your apprenticeship

The External Examiner assures that you are assessed fairly in relation to other apprentices on the same apprenticeship and also that the standard of your own award is comparable to similar apprenticeships taken by apprentices in other higher education institutions within the UK. The External Examiner(s) provide an annual report for your apprenticeship. External Examiner reports are available on our External Examiner Reports web page, which is accessible via the Course Information link on the Students home page

Paul Lawrence

Senior Lecturer

University of Hertfordshire