CILIP | Seal of Recognition: Frequently Asked Questions

Seal of Recognition logo

CILIP Seal of Recognition: Frequently asked questions

What is the Seal of Recognition?

This is a new award from CILIP which recognises training and development activities in the library and information community. The Seal recognises high standards in the content and relevance of a range of training and development activities, and is awarded to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) providers who provide evidence of engagement with at least one element of CILIP’s Body of Professional Knowledge (BPK)

What is the difference between this and accreditation?

Accreditation is a rigorous and established process of regularly reviewing new and continuing programmes of Foundation, Bachelors and Masters degrees in library and information science subjects at UK universities. Programmes are reviewed using several criteria, but reviewers especially examine the relationship between the learning outcomes of the core content of the course and the specialist knowledge and skills listed in the Body of Professional knowledge (BPK). Successful programmes are accredited

The Seal of Recognition focusses on CPD activities offered by all types of training providers for the library and information studies sector. The content of the training activity is reviewed by the Accreditation Board for evidence that it shows engagement with at least one element of the BPK. Successful applicants are awarded the CILIP Seal of Recognition

Can any organisation apply?

Yes, all types and sizes of training organisation are eligible to apply for the Seal of Recognition for example, academic, vocational, commercial, not-for-profit organisations, or solo trainers. All appropriate formats of CPD event of any duration are included.

Is the Seal awarded automatically on application?

No – the Seal is a valuable award for the training provider. All applications are supported by an application form and sample documentation from the training event(s) organised by the applicant. All applications are reviewed by CILIP’s Accreditation Board, and the content of the CPD event is the focus of this review. Members of the Accreditation Board are experienced senior members of the profession drawn from a wide range of professional practice. They all have an in-depth understanding of the training and development needs of individuals and employers

Is the Seal awarded to the organisation or for the individual activity?

The review is based on the documentation for sample CPD activities provided by the organisation. If the application is successful, the Seal is awarded to the organisation for a maximum period of three years before re-application. Providers may then use the Seal for other relevant events which meet the criteria, subject to certain conditions and monitoring by CILIP to ensure consistency

Many organisations develop programmes to meet CPD needs in their sector and then invite professional trainers to deliver all or part of the content. These trainers can also apply for the Seal of Recognition, since the scheme is also open to solo trainers.

What are the fees?

There is a charge for the initial application to cover the assessment process, which is £100 for educational institutions and registered charities and £200 for other organisations. CILIP Branches and Groups are exempt from fees, but remain subject to assessment. Successful applicants are awarded the Seal for a maximum of three years. In years two and three an annual monitoring fee of 25% of the first year fee is payable.

We are a small organisation…

Many small training organisations have charitable status and will qualify for the reduced rate. For other small organisations it can be helpful to review the annual cost and benefits of this valuable promotional tool across the whole three year period, as described above.

What are the benefits for us as training providers?

The Seal of Recognition establishes standards for the content of ‘established’ training activities for the sector. This will attract attendees when choosing training and development activities
The scheme provides a practical and straightforward way of achieving recognition for training activities – enabling all types of training organisation to apply and participate
Successful applicants are awarded the Seal of Recognition certificate and are permitted to use the Seal logo on their promotional material – providing a very valuable promotional tool for the organisation

We organise many events. Do we have to send material about all of them with our application?

No. If successful, the Seal is awarded at the organisational level (see above). If you organise a number of CPD events we suggest that you send examples of teaching and learning material for a representative example from each type (e.g. a large training course and a small skills update), together with a copy of your overall programme. The focus of the assessment is on the content of the CPD activity - please note that the promotional brochure alone is usually not enough for an application.

Training is a major part of our business. Are applications confidential?

Yes, all applications for the Seal of Recognition are treated in strictest confidence by CILIP and the assessors. Applications and supporting documentation are retained in a securely locked area in the CILIP office, where they are only available for reference by the staff of the Qualifications and Professional Development Department.

Can I have more advice before submitting my application?

Yes, please contact us before sending your application so that we can answer any questions regarding material, discuss a timetable and arrange for your documentation to be reviewed. For more information contact the Qualifications and Professional Development Department at CILIP, or use our dedicated enquiry in-box: seal@cilip.org.uk

Updated: 06 May 2008