Terms and Conditions.

Last updated: March 2, 2026.
Governing law: Scots law

These Terms & Conditions are written in plain English and are intended to be legally binding. They set out the basis on which SQMC Limited, trading as Scottish Quality Management Centre and commonly referred to as SQMC, provides training, consultancy, digital learning, and related products and services.

These Terms apply unless otherwise stated in writing and should be read alongside any course-specific information, proposals, or offer-specific terms published by SQMC.

1. Definitions

• SQMC / we / us / our means SQMC Limited, trading as Scottish Quality Management Centre.
• Client means the organisation or individual making a booking or purchase.
• Delegate means any individual attending training.
• Public Course means a scheduled open-enrolment course.
• Private / In-House Course means training delivered exclusively for one client.
• E-learning means on-demand or blended online learning provided via third-party platforms.
• Services includes training, consultancy, e-learning, and related activities.
• Products includes physical and digital goods such as manuals, books, files, and subscriptions.
• Consumer means an individual acting for purposes wholly or mainly outside their trade, business or profession.

2. Scope and Order of Precedence

These Terms apply to all SQMC Services and Products unless expressly varied in writing.

Where applicable:

1. Offer-specific or promotional terms apply in addition to these Terms.
2. Course-specific joining instructions apply after these Terms.
3. In the event of conflict, offer-specific terms take precedence.

3. Bookings, Contracts and Authority

A contract is formed when SQMC issues written confirmation or an invoice following a booking or order.

The person making the booking confirms that they have authority to bind the Client and all Delegates to these Terms.

SQMC reserves the right to refuse or cancel bookings at its discretion.

4. Fees, Deposits and Payment

4.1 Fees

All fees are stated exclusive of VAT unless stated otherwise.

4.2 Deposits

A deposit of 20% of the course fee is payable at the time of booking for Public Courses. This deposit secures the place and covers administrative costs and commitment of resources. The deposit is non-refundable except where SQMC cancels the course.

For Private / In-House Courses, a 40% non-refundable deposit of the agreed fee is payable to secure dates and resources.

Bookings are not guaranteed until the applicable deposit is received.

4.3 Payment of Balance

The remaining balance is payable by the course start date unless alternative written arrangements have been agreed (for example, purchase order terms or instalment plans).

SQMC reserves the right to:

• refuse access to training where fees remain unpaid;
• withhold certificates, results, or completion confirmation until full payment is received;
• suspend access to e-learning or online materials where instalment payments are overdue;
• charge statutory interest and recovery costs in line with the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998.

5. Public Training Courses

5.1 Cancellations, Transfers and Substitutions

(a) Cancellations by the Client

Where a Client cancels a Public Course booking:

• The 20% deposit is non-refundable.
• Cancellations made more than 21 days before the course start date incur no further charge.
• Cancellations made within 21 days of the course start date require payment of the full course fee.
• Non-attendance is treated as cancellation.

All cancellation notices must be made in writing (email is acceptable) and will take effect from the date received by SQMC.

(b) Transfers

A Client may request to move a confirmed booking to an alternative course date, subject to availability.

• A transfer may be made up to 21 days before the course start date at no additional charge.
• Only one transfer is permitted per original booking.
• Transfers cannot be made within 21 days of the course start date. Within that period, the booking may either proceed as planned, a substitute delegate may attend, or the booking may be cancelled in accordance with clause 5.1(a).

All transfer requests must be made in writing.

(c) Delegate Substitutions

Delegate substitutions are permitted at no additional charge, provided that:

• SQMC is notified in writing prior to the course start date; and
• The substitute delegate satisfies any applicable course prerequisites.

5.2 Consumer Cooling-Off Rights

Where a Consumer books a course online or at a distance, they may have a statutory 14-day cooling-off period under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013.

If the course is due to begin within the 14-day cooling-off period, the Consumer expressly agrees that the Services may begin within that period and acknowledges that cancellation rights may be affected once performance has commenced.

Where cancellation is validly exercised within the cooling-off period, SQMC may retain an amount proportionate to the Services already supplied.

6. Private / In-House Training

Dates are provisionally reserved and only confirmed upon receipt of the 40% deposit.

Where the Client cancels or postpones confirmed dates:

• The 40% deposit is retained where cancellation occurs more than 21 days before the delivery date.
• If cancellation or postponement occurs within 21 days of the delivery date, the full remaining balance shall remain payable in full.

Postponement of confirmed dates is treated as cancellation of the original dates unless otherwise agreed in writing.

SQMC may additionally charge for reasonable preparatory work already undertaken and for any non-recoverable expenses incurred.

7. Consultancy Services

Consultancy services are provided on a best-endeavours basis and do not guarantee certification, regulatory approval, audit outcomes, or specific commercial results.

The Client remains responsible for implementation of recommendations and for ensuring ongoing compliance with applicable standards, legislation, and certification requirements.

Consultancy advice is based on information provided by the Client at the time of engagement. SQMC is not liable for inaccuracies, omissions, or outcomes arising from incomplete, inaccurate, or misleading information supplied by the Client.

Where consultancy services are cancelled or postponed with less than 14 days’ notice, SQMC reserves the right to charge for time committed, work already undertaken, and any non-recoverable expenses incurred.

8. E-Learning and Online Platforms

8.1 Access Period

Access to e-learning courses, including courses delivered via third-party platforms such as LearnWorlds, is granted for a period of 12 months from the date of activation, unless otherwise stated in writing.

Access is personal to the Delegate and may not be shared.

8.2 Platform Delivery

E-learning content is delivered via third-party platforms and service providers. Continued access is subject to the operation and availability of those platforms and to compliance with their terms of use.

SQMC does not guarantee indefinite or lifetime access to e-learning content. In the event that a third-party platform changes, ceases to operate, or access cannot reasonably be maintained, SQMC reserves the right to modify, suspend, or withdraw access without refund.

8.3 Suspension and Termination

SQMC may suspend or terminate access where:

• payment remains outstanding;
• instalment arrangements are not maintained;
• login details are shared;
• there is misuse of materials or breach of these Terms.

No refund shall be due where access is suspended or terminated due to breach of these Terms.

9. Licensed Standards, Third-Party Delivery and Agency Arrangements

9.1 Licensed Standards

Where training requires access to licensed standards (e.g. ISO standards), SQMC may create accounts for Delegates with authorised third-party standards providers in order to enable lawful access. Such access is subject to the third party’s own terms and conditions.

SQMC is not responsible for the availability, content changes, pricing, or service interruptions of third-party standards providers.

9.2 CQI / IRCA Certified Courses

For CQI and/or IRCA Certified Courses, SQMC may be required to share Delegate details with the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI), IRCA, examination bodies, or accreditation partners in order to:

• register Delegates for examinations;
• verify attendance and assessment results;
• issue certificates;
• update professional records.

By booking such courses, Clients and Delegates consent to this data sharing where necessary for certification or examination purposes.

9.3 Third-Party Delivered Services (Reseller Model)

From time to time, SQMC may offer or resell training courses, digital learning, or related services delivered wholly or partly by third-party providers.

Where this applies:

• The third-party provider’s terms and conditions may also apply;
• Delivery, content, certification, platform access, and scheduling may be governed by the third party;
• Refunds, cancellations, and access rights may be subject to the third party’s policies;
• SQMC shall not be liable for acts, omissions, service interruptions, or changes made by the third-party provider.

Details of any applicable third-party terms will be made available at the time of booking.

9.4 Agency Arrangements

In some circumstances, SQMC may act solely as a booking agent or introducer for training or services delivered entirely by third-party providers.

Where SQMC acts as agent only:

• The contract for delivery of the training or service is between the Client and the third-party provider;
• The third-party provider’s terms and conditions apply;
• SQMC does not accept responsibility or liability for the delivery, content, quality, cancellation, or outcomes of the third-party service.

SQMC’s responsibility in such cases is limited to arranging the booking as agreed.

9.5 Partner and Collaborative Delivery

SQMC may deliver training in partnership with colleges, agencies, funding bodies, or other organisations.

Unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing:

• The contractual relationship for training delivered by SQMC remains between the Client and SQMC Limited;
• Partner organisations are not responsible for the content, delivery, assessment, or certification of SQMC training;
• Any representations made by third-party partners do not vary or override these Terms.

Where SQMC delivers training on behalf of another organisation and the contractual relationship is between the Client and that organisation, SQMC acts solely as delivery provider. In such circumstances, SQMC’s liability is limited to the proper delivery of the agreed training services and does not extend to matters relating to funding, administration, certification, or contractual obligations of the other organisation.

10. Products and Digital Goods

10.1 Physical Products

Risk passes on delivery. Returns are accepted only where goods are faulty.

10.2 Digital Products and Subscriptions

Digital products (including downloadable documents, templates, and software access) are non-refundable once access has been granted, content has been downloaded, or performance has begun, except where required by law.

Where a Consumer purchases digital content online, they acknowledge that access may be provided immediately and that statutory cancellation rights may be affected once supply has commenced.

Where subscription services are offered, the applicable term, renewal structure, and cancellation procedure will be clearly stated at the point of purchase. Subscriptions will renew only in accordance with those stated terms.

SQMC reserves the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue digital products or subscription services, provided reasonable notice is given where practicable.

11. Course Delivery and Changes

SQMC reserves the right to:

• change tutors, venues, formats, or dates;
• deliver courses virtually where necessary;
• cancel courses due to low numbers or circumstances beyond our control.

Where SQMC cancels a course, SQMC’s liability shall be limited to a refund or credit of fees paid. SQMC is not liable for any additional costs or consequential losses incurred by the Client or Delegate.

12. Delegate Responsibilities and Conduct

Delegates must attend fully, behave professionally, and meet technical requirements for virtual delivery.

SQMC may remove a Delegate for disruptive or inappropriate behaviour without refund.

13. Certification, Assessment and Professional Registration

Training supports competence development but does not guarantee:

• certification by a certification body;
• professional registration (e.g. IRCA, CQI);
• audit outcomes.

14. Intellectual Property

All materials remain the intellectual property of SQMC or its licensors. Materials may not be copied, recorded, shared, or reused without written consent.

15. Data Protection and Privacy

SQMC complies with the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Personal data is processed to:

• administer bookings and learning;
• provide access to third-party platforms;
• meet legal, accreditation, and certification requirements;
• register Delegates with examination or accreditation bodies where applicable.

Further details are set out in SQMC’s Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

16. Cybersecurity and Data Sharing

Clients acknowledge that delivery of training and standards access requires data sharing with third-party providers and accreditation bodies. SQMC takes reasonable measures to protect data but is not responsible for third-party security failures outside its control.

17. Liability and Force Majeure

SQMC excludes liability for indirect or consequential loss. Total liability is limited to fees paid for the relevant Service, except where liability cannot be excluded by law.

Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, or any other liability which cannot lawfully be excluded.

SQMC is not liable for delay or failure due to events beyond reasonable control.

18. Complaints

Complaints should be raised promptly in writing. SQMC will investigate fairly and proportionately.

19. Special Offers and Promotions

Promotional terms apply only where explicitly stated and in addition to these General Terms. Offers may be amended or withdrawn at any time.

20. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by Scots law and subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Scottish courts.

21. Changes to These Terms

The version of these Terms in force at the time of booking or purchase shall apply. SQMC may update these Terms periodically.

Train Now, Transition Free – Promotional Terms

Last updated: 16 February 2026

These Promotional Terms apply in addition to SQMC’s General Terms & Conditions. In the event of conflict, these Promotional Terms take precedence in relation to this specific offer.

1. Overview

The “Train Now, Transition Free” offer applies to eligible Public Auditor Courses for ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 booked on or after 6 February 2026.

2. Eligibility

• The Delegate must book and attend an eligible Public Auditor Course for ISO 9001:2015 or ISO 14001:2015.
• The booking must be made on or after 6 February 2026.
• All course fees must be paid in full.
• The Delegate must have successfully completed the original course.

Foundation courses are not eligible for this offer.

3. Scope of Offer

Eligible Delegates are entitled to one (1) free place on the relevant Public Virtual Classroom Transition Course for the updated version of the same standard.

The offer:

• Applies per standard trained;
• Is valid for Public Virtual Classroom Transition Courses only;
• Is non-transferable;
• Has no cash alternative;
• Cannot be exchanged for credit or refund.

4. Availability and Scheduling

Transition Courses will be scheduled at SQMC’s discretion following publication of the revised standard.

The free place is subject to availability and to a minimum number of delegates required for a course to proceed. SQMC reserves the right to reschedule, consolidate, or cancel Transition Courses where delegate numbers are commercially non-viable.

5. Time Limitation

The free Transition Course place must be used within the official transition period for the relevant standard and, in any event, within three (3) years of the standard’s publication date.

Delegates are responsible for booking onto an available course within the transition window.

6. Professional Recognition

The Transition Course provided under this offer is intended to support knowledge of updated standards.

If a Delegate requires an IRCA-registered or otherwise formally accredited transition course for professional registration purposes, additional requirements or fees may apply.

7. Publication of Revised Standards

The timing of publication of revised ISO standards is determined by ISO and is outside SQMC’s control. SQMC does not guarantee publication dates or transition timelines.

8. Amendments and Withdrawal

SQMC reserves the right to amend or withdraw this promotional offer for future bookings at any time. Bookings made while the offer is active will remain governed by the terms applicable at the time of booking.