Course accreditation and levels

We are often asked what level a course is taught at. It’s a good question for CPD courses (Continuous Professional Development).

Reference to a "Level" is drawn from the numbered educational levels according to Ofqual's Regulated Qualification Framework (RQF) which operates in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Scotland has its own educational levels in place, called the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).

Each of our courses offers a post-qualification training which requires theoretical evaluation, self-reflection, and interpretation of how to apply the course concepts or models in mental health settings such as clinical practice or multi-disciplinary teams in organisations. The Grove is setting its own CPD courses at a training level in line with industry-wide language for evaluating the academic level of the course.

Typically our courses range from Level 5 to Level 7 as an indicator of the equivalent level in the RQF. We say this because typically a qualified practitioner will have trained to a minimum equivalent of Level 4 or 5. Those who have trained for 5 years or who have successfully completed a dissertation will usually have trained to a higher Level than that. The Grove’s learners come from a diverse set of backgrounds and work settings, so we give this information as an indication of the academic level relevant to our courses.

Please see the specific details in the description of each course.

Our guidance to anyone researching CPD courses is to ask any training provider to provide the Ofqual qualification number (which looks like this 601/8674/4) if the course description states a "Level". If the training provider cannot give this information for their course, then the course is unlikely to be allocated an official Level by Ofqual. In our view, any other course provider should state that their course is taught “at a level equivalent to Level x but is not a qualification regulated by Ofqual”. This wording is implemented by The Grove for clarity.

The Grove’s courses are not regulated by Ofqual.

However, we are proud that all major professional bodies in the UK recognise our courses for CPD, such as BACP, UKCP, COSRT, NCIP, AHPP, ACC, BPS, and others. Many organisations such as NHS trusts and Relate centres have funded multiple learners to train with The Grove. They tell us that The Grove is seen as a trusted partner because of the relevant content, quality of training, and appropriate fees charged.