This Privacy Policy applies to www.purplebeard.co.uk (hereafter, "us", "we", or "Purplebeard"). We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting personally identifiable information you may provide us through our Website. We have adopted this privacy policy to explain what information may be collected on our Website, how we use this information, and under what circumstances we may disclose the information to third parties.
We collect information in two ways: directly from your input and through automated technologies.
We collect personal information directly from you when you interact with our Website, for instance, when you sign up for our newsletters, fill our forms, or send us queries. The types of information we may collect include your name, email address, phone number, and any communication you exchange with us.
As you navigate through our Website, we may use automatic data collection technologies (including cookies) to collect certain information about your equipment, browsing actions, and patterns.
We may use your information in the following ways:
We do not sell, rent or lease your personal information to third parties. However, we may share your personal data in the following situations:
You can also request to access, correct or delete any personal information that you have provided us.
We reserve the right to amend this privacy policy at any time without prior notice.
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us by email at contact@purplebeard.co.uk, or by mail at Number 7, Television House, 269 Field End Road, Ruislip, HA4, 9LS.
At Purple Beard we are committed to the highest standards of openness, honesty, and accountability.
If you ever have a concern about wrongdoing, malpractice, or safeguarding within our organisation, you have the right to speak up safely and confidentially.
We encourage all employees, associates, apprentices, learners, and partners — including those working remotely or in hybrid arrangements — to raise concerns without fear of reprisal.
You can report your concern in confidence by contacting:
Safeguarding form Safeguarding Disclosure Form.
If your concern relates to the Chief Executive Officer, senior leadership, or you feel unable to report internally, you may contact one of the independent external bodies below.
| Organisation | Type of Concern | Contact Details |
|---|---|---|
| Department for Education (DfE) | Apprenticeship provision |
customer.complaints@education.gov.uk Customer Service Team, DfE, Cheylesmore House, Quinton Road, Coventry CV1 2WT |
| Ofsted | Safeguarding or welfare |
whistleblowing@ofsted.gov.uk 0300 123 3155 |
| Department for Education (DfE) | Skills Bootcamp delivery | Submit a “Whistleblowing” form via the DfE Contact Form — mark clearly “Skills Bootcamps” |
| NSPCC Whistleblowing Advice Line | Child protection / safeguarding concerns |
help@nspcc.org.uk 0800 028 0285 |
| Action Fraud | Fraud or financial malpractice | 0300 123 2040 |
This statement summarises Purple Beard’s Whistleblowing Policy and Procedure (V5 – October 2025).
A full copy of the policy is available upon request from the HR team or during staff and learner induction.
The Complaints and Appeals Policy and Procedure aims to provide a fair and efficient process for addressing and resolving complaints, appeals, and grievances.
It reflects our commitment to rectifying any mistakes, learning from them, and implementing necessary changes to enhance our services.
This policy also recognizes the importance of treating all complaints and appeals with respect and consideration at every stage, and outlines the procedures for mediation, if required. In cases involving safeguarding or prevent strategy, relevant policies will be invoked. Confidentiality of information shared during the process is maintained, except when it is essential to advance the complaint or ensure the safety of individuals.
This policy applies to all learners, employers, and staff members associated with Purple Beard Ltd. It covers complaints, appeals, and grievances related to coursework marking and grading, other students, course tutors, non-academic staff, and unfair treatment at the place of apprenticeship (workplace). For complaints regarding unfair coursework marking and grading, relevant awarding bodies' academic appeals policies and procedures may be referred to. However, certain issues, such as services outside our control, criminal offenses, and matters dealt with under other procedures like disciplinary procedures, are excluded from the complaints process.
Purple Beard treats all appeals, complaints, and grievances with utmost importance, respect, and sensitivity. Information provided by the individuals making an appeal, complaint, or grievance is kept confidential within the company on a "need to know" basis, unless it is necessary for addressing the complaint or safeguarding purposes. The involved parties are informed and provided with a right of reply as part of this policy. However, exceptional circumstances may require information sharing without prior notification, such as situations posing a risk of harm. If a learner is under 18 years old, Purple Beard reserves the right to contact their parent or guardian, unless it poses a safeguarding risk.
Purple Beard Ltd aims to address complaints promptly and fairly. The Complaints Policy and Procedures are designed to:
Complaints can be made by learners (apprentices and boot campers), employers, and staff members.
Complaints can be made regarding unfair coursework marking and grading, complaints against other students, course tutors, non-academic staff (management), and unfair treatment at the place of apprenticeship (workplace). Relevant awarding bodies' academic appeals policies and procedures may apply to complaints about unfair coursework marking and grading.
The following issues are excluded from the complaint procedures:
If a complaint is found to be malicious, appropriate action may be taken against the complainant.
Possible outcomes of complaints include:
The complaint process involves three stages.
Confidential records of all complaints will be maintained, including the number and types of issues without disclosing individuals' names or specific courses. Regular monitoring and review of these records will occur within the quality assurance framework.
Staff involved in implementing this policy and its procedures will receive appropriate training and support. Support will be provided to staff who are the subject of a complaint, recognizing the potential stress associated with the process. Staff affiliated with a recognized trade union may seek guidance from their representative during the complaint investigation.
For guidance on the interpretation of this policy and procedures, all individuals involved in the investigation, resolution, or recording of complaints should refer to the Complaints Procedure.
Discuss the issue with the appropriate person verbally, outlining the nature of your concern, and aim to resolve it informally. Complaints should be resolved quickly, preferably within a maximum of 5 working days. It is encouraged to submit all complaints in writing using The Complaints Form for record purposes.
If the complaint cannot be resolved at Stage 1, notify a senior member of staff (Skills Coach or Trainer) within 5 days, and a meeting will be arranged. Following the meeting, a written outcome and proposed actions will be provided.
At this stage, the complaint should be submitted in writing along with any supporting evidence.
A response will be provided within 5 working days after the meeting, with a maximum of 10 days if meeting outcomes need consideration. The outcome and proposed actions will be communicated.
If not satisfied with the Stage 2 response, the decision can be appealed to the final committee, which includes an independent person. Appeals can be sent to admin@purplebeard.co.uk.
The appellant may be accompanied by someone, and evidence from Stage 2 will be reconsidered.
The complaint should be submitted in writing if not previously done so.
The outcome will be communicated in writing within 15 working days. The decision at this stage will be final. All complaint records will be stored securely to ensure confidentiality and an auditable trail.
If not satisfied with the outcome, individuals can contact the relevant stakeholders, DFE, or the specific awarding body.
Learners have the right to appeal any assessment decision at any stage of the process. The appeals procedure is available to all learners.
Appeals against the decision should be made within 10 working days by seeking clarification from the relevant teaching staff. Clarification can be requested verbally or in writing. Every effort will be made to resolve the situation at this stage.
Notify the Quality Assurance (QA) department of the intention to appeal in writing. The QA will reassess the work and provide written feedback within 20 working days from receiving the appeal intention. Every effort will be made to resolve the situation at this stage.
Complete the Appeals Form online. A meeting will be arranged within 10 working days, involving the relevant teaching staff from Stage 1, QA from Stage 2, and an independent staff member. The outcome will be communicated by letter within 20 working days. Every effort will be made to resolve the situation at this stage, and the assessment decision will be final.
If the complaint remains unresolved within the given timescales, individuals should contact the relevant awarding body, which will have its own Complaints and Appeals Procedures.
For appeals, contact admin@purplebeard.co.uk.
This policy must be reviewed and approved annually AS A MINIMUM or when legislative or policy amendments dictate.
Last updated October 2025, authorized by Dimple Khagram.