How do I reserve a place on a course?
Please fill out a booking form and return to the fax no. +44 (0) 20 7808 5397 or email ripa.training@capita.co.uk, alternatively you can place an order through this website on the individual course pages.
How long are your open courses?
The shortest courses run for 1 or 2 weeks and the longest course runs for a total of 11 weeks.
What is your approach to training?
There are a number of key features common to RIPA International courses and significant to the ethos, delivery and style of our training. Our primary focus is to deliver highly practical, transferable learning to our participants: this transfer is actively encouraged through group discussions, exercises and individual or (for groups attending from the same organisation) team-based action plans.
Our approach follows these core principles:
- Learner-centred, reflecting the four common learning styles (theorist, reflector, activist, and pragmatist)
- In order that all four learning styles are effectively catered for on a daily basis, RIPA ensures that wherever possible, an adequate mix of underlying principles assessment, case study analysis (incorporating practical, active exercises) and group discussion takes place throughout all our courses
- Key inputs from expert practitioners in the relevant subject area
- Field visits in London and the outer regions to relevant organisations to see first-hand the practical implementation of policies, procedures and management systems 'on the ground.'
How can I get funding if I want to come on a course?
Many participants in RIPA International courses are sponsored by one of the international agencies their own government. The Ministry of Education in your own country should be able to tell you about international scholarships for which you may be eligible. In general, international agencies prefer to consider nominations for a course from an employer rather than individual applications.
There are also a considerable number of grant giving agencies and trusts which aid particular regions, countries or sectors. They are listed in “Study Abroad” published by UNESCO, 7 Place de Fontenoy, 75700 Paris, France or “The Grants Register” published by Macmillan, 4 Little Essex Street, London, WC2R 3LF. There may be a copy of these publications in a good library in your country to find out if they have aid programmes, which include training.
Does RIPA International offer tailored or in-country training?
Yes please ring 00 44 20 7808 5300 or email ripa.training@capita.co.uk and your country manager will be able to put together a solution for you. Please click on the link for more information about our Tailored Solutions including examples of Case studies.
What should I do if you don’t offer the course I am looking for?
Please ring on +44 (0)20 7808 5300 or email ripa.training@capita.co.uk and your country manager will be able to talk through how we can accommodate your needs.
Does RIPA provide accommodation?
RIPA has negotiated special discount rates with some local hotels and guest houses, if you require further details please contact your co-ordinator on +44 (0) 20 7808 5300, who will be able to send you a list of accommodation options.
Where will I stay in London?
RIPA has negotiated special rates with some local hotels and guest houses, if you require further details please contact your co-ordinator on +44 (0) 20 7808 5300, who will be able to send you a list of accommodation options.
What happens if I become ill whilst attending a course?
Your co-ordinator will able to offer on advice of what to do in the event of you falling ill. We recommend that you arrange travel insurance in your home country to cover any medical costs that may be incurred during your stay in the UK
What happens if I need to cancel my reservation?
All cancellations must be in writing and may be made at any time and fees paid carried forward to another course subject to the following:
- For cancellations received more than eight weeks before the start of the course we will refund 100% of the course fees.
- For cancellations received within four to eight weeks before the start of the course we will refund 80% of the course fee.
- For cancellations received within four weeks of the start of the course we will refund 50% of the course fee.
- For cancellations received within two weeks of the start, or if a delegate fails to attend the course, the full fee will be charged.
Booking Terms and Conditions
Can I transfer to another course if I don’t like my course?
It is usually possible to transfer to another programme or a later course, so please call us and we will advise you. But please note that only one transfer is permitted. You will also need to contact your sponsors.
What happens if I need to fly home before the course has ended?
If you need to fly home in an emergency your coordinator will assist you with your preparation.
Although we encourage delegates to attend for the full duration of a course, if it is only possible for you to attend part of the course we may be able to accommodate this and you should contact your country manager to discuss your requirements.
Will I receive a certificate at the end of the course?
Certificates are awarded to those delegates with full attendance and punctuality
Who will be my teacher/learning facilitator?
Your programme will have a Director of Studies who will oversee your learning throughout the duration of your stay. In addition, you will receive instruction on a daily basis from various visiting speakers who are renowned experts in the field of study .
Will I get any breaks during the day?
The time-table for each day is as follows:
Each day is constructed as follows:
09.30 - Session 1
11.00 - Break - coffee and tea available
11.15 - Session 2
12.30 - Lunch
13.45 - Session 3
15.15 - Break - coffee and tea available
15.30 - Session 4
16.30 - Private study/tutorials
17.30 – Close
Can I combine courses?
Yes, in fact RIPA International offers a discount for those that choose to study on more than one course at a time. Some possible course combinations for 2008 are as follows:
Recruitment, Selection and Assessment Centres
3rd - 14th March
Enhancing Public Service Delivery through the Private Sector
4th - 29th August
Financial Management Practices
7th April - 2nd May
In addition, we do have longer combination programmes designed to encompass as full a suite of dedicated and complementary programmes as possible. For 2008 these include:
Human Resource Development - 11 weeks
Building Effective Judicial Management Systems - 5 weeks
Project and Programme Management: The Complete Project Management Cycle - 4 Weeks
Please call your country manager on +44 (0) 20 7808 5300 for more details.
How can I pay the course fee?
You are able to view the payment terms and conditions on the website by clicking on the link or in the back of our latest directory.
Can I pay my course fees in dollars or euros?
Payment must be made in GBP (sterling), however some delegates choose to bring dollars or other currencies and make use of the banks and currency exchange facilities near to our headquarters. However please be advised that exchange rates do vary and there may be charges or commission for changing currency.
Does RIPA International provide lunch?
A Welcome Lunch will be provided for every course participant. For the remainder of the course, provided payment of your fees has been received, delegates will be issued luncheon vouchers for use in local food outlets (which will be pointed out to you by your course coordinator.) Eating out in London will cost a approximately £5 per meal. Light refreshments of tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided for each day of every course.
If you intend to stay in self-catering accommodation, a modest weekly grocery shop will cost between £50 - £80.
Example weekly budgets
We advise that you allocate £300 to cover your travel from/to the airport, purchase of sundries, warm clothing, excess baggage etc. in addition to your weekly budget. Please see examples below:
|
|
Moderate
|
Comfortable |
|
Accommodation
|
£210 (self catering) |
£600 (3 star hotel) |
|
Food
|
£80 (eat at home) |
£350 (restaurants) |
|
Transport
|
£30 (Oyster Card Scheme) |
£105 (taxis @ £15 per day) |
|
Total
|
£320 |
£1055 |
* Please note these are approximate rates to give you an idea of weekly costs. However, all costs depend on the standard of your accommodation and living costs during your stay. *
What can I do in the evenings/at weekends?
While visiting London we encourage delegates to take full advantage of their free time in the evenings and at weekends. With one of the most cosmopolitan and exciting cities in the world on our doorstep, any trip to RIPA International offers the chance to visit world famous museums and art galleries, see a spectacular West End show, go shopping at one of the many markets or more expensive department stores, or get a sky-high view of London on the millennium wheel.
Whats on in London
London Eye
Restaurant Guide
Where is RIPA International Headquarters?
RIPA International’s Headquarters are within walking distance of Buckingham Palace, The Houses and Parliament and the Millennium Wheel right in the heart of London.
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How can I give feedback on the course content and RIPA’s service?
You will be asked to complete weekly evaluation forms throughout the duration of your stay in the UK, and also asked to give a verbal feedback at the end of the course. You can also give feedback through the website.
How do I take course information home with me?
You will be provided with an electronic and papercopy of all course handouts.
Can I bring my children with me?
We do not have childcare facilities at RIPA International, and therefore do not recommend that your children accompany you.
Do I need to bring anything with me to RIPA?
We recommend that you bring smart-casual comfortable clothes, a coat and an umbrella. A course photograph will be taken during your stay here, for which many participants like to wear either a suit or their national dress. Delegates also like to wear smart clothes when going on visits.
What will the weather be like during my stay?
The British climate can be very unpredictable, but here's a rough guide of the weather you can expect throughout the year:
Spring (March - May): Quite unpredictable with a good mixture of sun, rain and cloud. Average temperatures range between 6°C and 15°C. Take a jacket when you go out.
Summer (June - August): Generally sunny with the occasional rainstorm. Temperatures average around 14°C and rarely go above 25°C.
Autumn (September - November): Similar to spring, however it's not unknown for summer to run well into September or for November to be uncharacteristically cold. So be prepared.
Winter (December - February): Temperatures range between 0 - 7°C, averaging 4°C and it's normally mild but damp. It rarely freezes or snows in London, but we would recommend you take a hat and gloves when going out. Warm clothing, umbrellas and waterproof jackets are advisable during these colder periods.