Satellite Centre
DAIS-POL-027
Satellite Centre Policy
Position on operation of satellite delivery sites and additional centre approval
Data and AI School of London | Account No. 11001657 | Version 1.0 | June 2026
| Policy Owner | Head of Centre (Ali Fraz Khan FHEA) |
| Approved By | Head of Centre |
| Date Effective | 24 June 2026 |
| Review Cycle | Annual |
| Next Review | 24 June 2027 |
| Related Documents | DAIS-POL-021 Subcontracting Policy, DAIS-POL-024 Online Learning, DAIS-BP-001 Business Plan |
| Legal Reference | NCFE Satellite Centre Policy |
1. Purpose
This policy sets out the position of the Data and AI School of London (DAIS) on the operation of satellite centres. A satellite centre, as defined by NCFE, is a subsidiary delivery site operating under the main centre's approval, typically at a different physical location but using the main centre's policies, procedures, and quality assurance arrangements. This policy is distinct from DAIS-POL-021 (Subcontracting Policy), which addresses the engagement of external organisations to deliver or assess on behalf of DAIS.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all current and future operations of DAIS in relation to delivery site arrangements. It applies whether or not DAIS currently operates any satellite centre, in order to provide a clear position to NCFE, learners, and the External Quality Assurer.
3. Current Position
At the time of this policy issue (June 2026), DAIS does not operate any satellite centres. All learning, teaching, assessment, and internal quality assurance is delivered through the main centre at 1 Quality Court, Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1HR, using a fully online delivery model via the Moodle Virtual Learning Environment.
Should DAIS in future wish to establish a satellite centre, the centre will not commence any such arrangement without first obtaining written approval from NCFE in accordance with the NCFE Satellite Centre Policy.
4. Conditions for Establishing a Satellite Centre
Where DAIS wishes to establish a satellite centre in the future, the centre will:
• Submit a written request to NCFE for prior approval, detailing the proposed location, scope of delivery, named staff, and quality assurance arrangements.
• Not commence any delivery or recruitment at the proposed satellite centre until NCFE has confirmed approval in writing.
• Notify NCFE within 5 working days of any significant change to the satellite centre arrangements, including changes of location, lead staff, or scope.
• Take full responsibility for the quality, compliance, and conduct of the satellite centre, including all matters of assessment, internal quality assurance, malpractice, and safeguarding.
• Ensure that all centre policies, including those in this suite (DAIS-POL-001 to DAIS-POL-027), apply equally to the satellite centre.
• Ensure that all staff at the satellite centre are appropriately qualified, DBS-cleared where required, inducted, and supervised.
• Apply the same internal quality assurance sampling strategy at the satellite centre as at the main centre.
• Maintain accurate records of staff, learners, and assessment evidence at each satellite centre and ensure these records are accessible during NCFE EQA reviews.
5. Quality Assurance of Satellite Centres
Where established, all satellite centres are subject to internal quality assurance by the centre's Lead IQA. Sampling at satellite centres is conducted in line with the Assessment and IQA Policy (DAIS-POL-016) and the Standardisation Schedule (DAIS-IQA-001). At minimum, the sampling rate at any satellite centre is no less than the sampling rate at the main centre, and may be increased where risk indicators require.
6. Audit and Inspection
All satellite centres are subject to the same NCFE External Quality Assurance, Annual Monitoring Review, and any other inspection process applied to the main centre. DAIS commits to facilitating EQA access to any satellite centre on request.
7. Distinction from Subcontracting
This policy applies specifically to satellite centres, which operate under the main centre's approval and quality framework. The engagement of external organisations to deliver or assess on behalf of DAIS as separate legal entities is addressed under DAIS-POL-021 (Subcontracting Policy). DAIS does not currently engage in either satellite centre arrangements or subcontracted delivery.
8. Communication of this Policy
This policy is made available to all staff at induction (DAIS-SD-002), published in the policy section of the DAIS website, and shared with NCFE and the External Quality Assurer as part of the centre approval document pack.
9. Monitoring and Review
This policy is reviewed annually by the Head of Centre. The review checks that the centre's position on satellite centres remains accurate (currently none operating) and that any changes during the year have been correctly notified to NCFE.