Terms of Service

Hertford Regional College E-Learning Platform - Your rights, responsibilities, and our commitment to providing excellent educational services

Hertford Regional College

Document Version: 1.0

Effective Date: [Date]

1. Definitions and Interpretation
Key terms and their meanings

1.1 Definitions

"College" or "HRC"

Organization

means Hertford Regional College, a Further Education Corporation established under the Further and Higher Education Act 1992.

"Platform"

Technology

means the HRC e-learning digital platform, including all associated websites, mobile applications, and digital learning environments.

"Student" or "You"

User

means any person enrolled on a course delivered through the Platform, including full-time, part-time, apprenticeship, and adult education students.

"Course"

Education

means any educational programme, qualification, module, or learning activity delivered through the Platform, including but not limited to A Levels, GCSEs, BTEC qualifications, T Levels, Apprenticeship programmes, Access to Higher Education courses, Adult and Community Learning programmes, and Professional development courses.

1.2 Interpretation

References to statutes include any modification or re-enactment thereof
Headings are for convenience only and do not affect interpretation
Words in the singular include the plural and vice versa
References to persons include natural persons, companies, and other legal entities

2. Acceptance of Terms
Your agreement to these conditions

2.1 Agreement to Terms

By accessing or using the Platform, enrolling in any Course, or creating an account, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and all applicable College policies.

2.2 Legal Capacity

You confirm that you:

Are at least 16 years of age or have parental/guardian consent if under 18
Have the legal capacity to enter into this agreement
Will comply with all applicable laws and regulations

2.3 Parent/Guardian Consent

If you are under 18 years of age, your parent or legal guardian must review and agree to these Terms on your behalf.

3. Platform Access and Account Registration
Creating and maintaining your account

3.1 Account Creation

To access the Platform, you must create an account by providing:

Accurate and complete personal information
Valid contact details
Proof of identity and eligibility as required
Any additional documentation required for your chosen Course

3.2 Account Security

You are responsible for:

Maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials
All activities that occur under your account
Immediately notifying the College of any unauthorised access
Using only your assigned account (account sharing is prohibited)

3.3 Account Verification

The College reserves the right to verify your identity and eligibility at any time and may suspend access pending verification.

4. Student Rights and Responsibilities
What you can expect and what we expect from you

4.1 Student Rights

As a student at HRC, you have the right to:

Receive high-quality education and training appropriate to your Course
Be treated fairly, with dignity and respect, free from discrimination
Access reasonable adjustments for disabilities or learning difficulties
Receive clear information about your Course, assessment methods, and progression requirements
Access student support services, including pastoral care and academic guidance
Raise concerns or complaints through established procedures
Access your personal data held by the College
Withdraw from your Course subject to the procedures outlined in Section 12

4.2 Student Responsibilities

You agree to:

Attend all scheduled sessions and participate actively in your learning
Complete all assignments and assessments to the required standard and by specified deadlines
Maintain academic integrity and honesty in all work
Treat all members of the College community with respect and courtesy
Comply with the College's policies on equality, diversity, and inclusion
Take responsibility for your own learning and seek help when needed
Maintain professional standards appropriate to your chosen field of study
Report any safeguarding concerns immediately
Use College resources responsibly and appropriately

4.3 Apprenticeship Students

Additional responsibilities for apprenticeship students include:

Maintaining employment with an approved employer throughout the programme
Achieving the required 20% off-the-job training
Participating in tripartite reviews with employer and training provider
Completing End Point Assessment when eligible

5. Course Enrollment and Delivery
How courses are enrolled and delivered

5.1 Course Enrollment

Enrollment in any Course is subject to:

Meeting published entry requirements
Availability of places
Payment of applicable fees (where required)
Completion of enrollment procedures
Acceptance by the College

5.2 Course Information

The College will provide clear information about:

Course content, structure, and learning outcomes
Assessment methods and requirements
Duration and time commitment
Entry requirements and progression routes
Fees and payment terms (where applicable)

5.3 Course Delivery Methods

Courses may be delivered through:

Online learning modules and resources
Live virtual classrooms and webinars
Blended learning combining online and face-to-face elements
Practical workshops and laboratory sessions
Work-based learning and placements

5.4 Course Changes

The College reserves the right to:

Make reasonable changes to Course content, structure, or delivery methods
Cancel Courses with insufficient enrollment
Substitute teaching staff when necessary
Modify timetables with reasonable notice

Students will be notified of significant changes with at least 30 days' notice where possible.

6. Assessment, Certification and Academic Standards
How your learning is assessed and certified

6.1 Assessment Methods

Assessment may include:

Written examinations and tests
Coursework and assignments
Practical assessments and demonstrations
Portfolio-based evidence
Peer and self-assessment
Employer assessment (for apprenticeships)

6.2 Assessment Standards

All assessments will:

Be conducted fairly and consistently
Meet awarding body requirements where applicable
Be subject to internal quality assurance procedures
Comply with reasonable adjustment provisions

6.3 Results and Certification

Results will be communicated within published timescales
Certificates will be issued upon successful completion of requirements
Transcripts and records will be maintained in accordance with regulatory requirements
Appeals procedures are available for disputed results

6.4 Academic Standards

The College maintains academic standards through:

Regular curriculum review and updating
Staff development and training programmes
External quality assurance processes
Student feedback and evaluation systems

7. Academic Integrity and Misconduct
Standards of academic honesty

7.1 Academic Integrity

Students must:

Submit only their own original work
Properly cite and reference all sources
Not engage in plagiarism, collusion, or cheating
Maintain honesty in all academic activities

7.2 Academic Misconduct

The following constitute academic misconduct:

Plagiarism or unauthorised collaboration
Cheating in examinations or assessments
Falsification of data or information
Impersonation of another person
Unauthorised use of artificial intelligence tools (where prohibited)
Breach of examination regulations

7.3 Consequences

Academic misconduct may result in:

Requirement to resubmit work
Reduction in marks or grades
Failure of the assessment or Course
Suspension or exclusion from the College
Withdrawal of qualifications already awarded

7.4 Appeals Process

Students may appeal academic misconduct decisions through the College's formal appeals procedure.

8. Intellectual Property Rights
Usage rights and restrictions

8.1 College Content

All educational content, materials, and resources provided through the Platform are owned by or licensed to the College and are protected by intellectual property laws.

8.2 Student Use Rights

Students may:

Access and use Course materials for educational purposes only
Download and print materials for personal study
Share materials with study groups as part of collaborative learning

Students may not:

Reproduce, distribute, or sell Course materials commercially
Upload materials to public websites or social media without permission
Remove copyright notices or attribution
Use materials beyond the duration of enrollment

8.3 Student Work

Students retain ownership of their original work while granting the College a non-exclusive licence to:

Use work for educational and quality assurance purposes
Include exemplar work in future teaching materials (with student consent)
Showcase outstanding work in College publications and marketing

8.4 Third-Party Content

Some Course materials may be licensed from third parties and subject to additional restrictions.

20. Contact Information
How to reach us for support and assistance

20.1 General Enquiries

Hertford Regional College

[College Address]

[City, Postcode]

[Phone Number]

[General Email]

20.2 Specific Contacts

Student Services:

studentservices@hrc.ac.uk

Data Protection Officer:

dpo@hrc.ac.uk

Safeguarding Team:

safeguarding@hrc.ac.uk

24/7 Helpline: [Emergency Contact]

Complaints and Appeals:

complaints@hrc.ac.uk

20.3 Regulatory Bodies

Office for Students (OfS):

www.officeforstudents.org.uk

Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA):

www.gov.uk/government/organisations/education-and-skills-funding-agency

Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA):

www.oiahe.org.uk

Information Commissioner's Office (ICO):

www.ico.org.uk

Version:

1.0

Approved by:

[Senior Management Team]

Approval Date:

[Date]

Next Review:

[Annual Review Date]

This document is available in alternative formats upon request. Please contact Student Services for assistance.

Important Legal Notice

These Terms of Service constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Hertford Regional College. This document contains 20 comprehensive sections covering all aspects of your relationship with the College. If you have any questions or concerns about these terms, please contact our Student Services team before using the Platform. By continuing to use our services, you acknowledge that you understand and agree to be bound by these terms.