Learners should:

• Ensure they understand the regulations (Joint Service Publication (JSP) 898, Part 4, Chapter 3)
• Consult education/learning staff and line managers to discuss their personal development plan
• Plan ahead leaving at least five weeks between submitting a claim and needing to book a course
• Not commit payment contributions to providers until they receive a claim authorisation note
• Be prepared to provide evidence that the intended course is at least at national qualifications framework level 3 and that it direct benefits the Service unless claim is resettlement related during last two years of Service
• Ensure provider has approved provider status by checking the ELCAS website at www.enhancedlearningcredits.co.uk
• Not automatically assume that approved provider status means that the entire portfolio of a provider's courses meets the level 3 requirement
• Ensure the training is delivered by an approved ELC provider if using individual resettlement training costs (IRTC) grant with ELC to fund a level 3 or above nationally recognised qualification
• Consult their education, learning, training and/or resettlement adviser if they are unsure as to the best use of funding for resettlement training
• Never enrol on a course or commit themselves financially without having first obtained the necessary approval from their own Service and a claim authorisation note from ELCAS
• Never enrol on a course with a new provider awaiting approved status. Wait until this has been achieved. If it takes too long, look on the ELCAS website for an alternative provider
• Remember the scheme operates a strict 'three hits and you are out' policy. Think carefully before submitting a claim
• Inform ELCAS if last day in Service alters from that originally stated
• Complete and return the evaluation questionnaire on completion of study. If they do not and cannot provide evidence of course completion, future claims will be denied.

Education staff authorised to approve ELC claims should:

Ensure the learner fully understands the details of the scheme
• Ensure individuals are eligible to claim by seeing their 'acknowledgement of scheme membership'
• Before granting approval, ensure that claims meet the higher level learning criteria
• When in doubt seek proof, one useful source of information being www.accreditedqualifications.org.uk
• Not assume that approved provider status covers the entire range of a provider's courses
• Be aware of the rules permitting the use of ELC or SLC with IRTC to fund the same eligible learning activity in resettlement
• Where required advise Service leavers on the best use of available funding to pay towards learning activities where it meets the criteria of either the ELC or SLC schemes
• Advise individuals that the scheme is not retrospective and they should always allow sufficient time between submitting a claim, receiving a claim authorisation note, and committing themselves financially
• If in doubt seek the advice of headquarters education/learning staff
• Ensure the scheme works and that the regulations surrounding it are strictly observed because failure to do so will place the scheme at risk.