ATU-CPAC Governance Manual

Arab Trainers Union Council for Professional Accreditation and Certification
Version 1/2026
Effective Date: 1 June 2026
Controlled Governance Document

Document Control

Document Title: ATU-CPAC Governance Manual

Owner: Arab Trainers Union Council for Professional Accreditation and Certification

Issuing Authority: Arab Trainers Union

Approval Authority: ATU Board of Directors

Implementation Authority: ATU-CPAC Governing Council

Review Cycle: Annually, or earlier where required by ATU Board decision, legal change, partner requirement, quality assurance finding, major risk, or operational need.
Controlled Status: This manual is a controlled governance document. Uncontrolled copies must not be used for official decision-making.

Purpose of the Manual

This Governance Manual establishes the governance, operational, decision-making, accountability, risk management, compliance, and quality assurance framework for the Arab Trainers Union Council for Professional Accreditation and Certification, referred to as ATU-CPAC.

The manual is designed to ensure that ATU-CPAC operates with transparency, accountability, impartiality, documented authority, evidence-based decisions, professional integrity, and effective oversight under the institutional authority of the Arab Trainers Union.

It provides the foundational framework for:

Governing professional accreditation and certification activities.
Regulating assessed training certificates and professional credentials.
Developing and maintaining ATU-CPAC standards.
Managing provider accreditation, professional certification, assessment, quality assurance, registries, and verification.
Defining roles and responsibilities across ATU, ATU-CPAC, committees, officers, providers, assessors, quality assurers, and partners.
Protecting the credibility of ATU-issued credentials.
Ensuring compliance with ATU bylaws, Board decisions, approved standards, partner agreements, applicable laws, and professional ethics.

Institutional Status and Legal Relationship

ATU-CPAC is a specialized council operating within the organizational, legal, administrative, and governance structure of the Arab Trainers Union.

ATU-CPAC is not an independent certificate-issuing body and does not operate as a separate legal person unless the ATU Board of Directors expressly decides otherwise in accordance with applicable laws and approvals.

All certificates, professional certifications, assessed training certificates, accreditation certificates, approval letters, verification letters, digital badges, registry confirmations, and related credentials governed by ATU-CPAC shall be issued in the name and under the authority of the Arab Trainers Union.

ATU-CPAC’s role is regulatory, governance-based, quality-assurance based, supervisory, developmental, monitoring, and compliance-oriented.

Governance Principles

ATU-CPAC shall be governed according to the following principles:

4.1 Legality

All activities shall operate within the authority of the Arab Trainers Union, ATU bylaws, Board decisions, approved policies, applicable laws, and signed partner agreements.

4.2 Accountability

Every decision shall have a responsible body, documented evidence, approved criteria, and a clear record of authority.

4.3 Impartiality

Accreditation, certification, assessment, appeals, complaints, and quality assurance decisions shall be free from bias, personal interest, improper influence, or conflict of interest.

4.4 Transparency

Requirements, processes, standards, fees, validity periods, renewal conditions, suspension rules, appeals procedures, and verification methods shall be published or made available to relevant stakeholders.

4.5 Evidence-Based Decision-Making

Decisions shall be based on documented evidence, approved standards, review reports, assessment records, audit findings, quality assurance outcomes, and professional judgment.

4.6 Confidentiality and Data Protection

Personal data, assessment materials, provider records, candidate evidence, committee deliberations, complaints, appeals, investigation records, and partner information shall be protected.

4.7 Professional Integrity

ATU-CPAC shall protect the reputation of the Arab Trainers Union and the credibility of ATU-issued credentials.

4.8 Continuous Improvement

Policies, standards, procedures, assessment systems, quality assurance processes, and registry controls shall be reviewed and improved based on evidence, stakeholder feedback, audit findings, risk analysis, and performance monitoring.

Scope of Governance

This manual applies to all ATU-CPAC activities, including:

Provider accreditation.
Approved provider status.
Accredited provider status.
Premier accredited provider status.
Authorized assessment centers.
Accredited training programs.
Accredited professional programs.
Authorized delivery partners.
Professional certification schemes.
Assessed training programs.
Assessment standards.
Internal quality assurance.
External quality assurance.
Professional ethics and conduct.
Digital verification and registry systems.
Partner compliance.
Complaints and appeals.
Suspension, withdrawal, limitation, revocation, and reinstatement.
Recognition, endorsement, equivalence, and mutual recognition arrangements.
Transitional review of existing ATU accredited centers and certified trainers.

Organizational Structure

ATU-CPAC shall operate through the following governance and operational structure:

6.1 Arab Trainers Union Board of Directors

The ATU Board of Directors retains ultimate authority and oversight over ATU-CPAC.

6.2 ATU President

The ATU President provides institutional leadership, signs official documents where authorized, issues appointment letters, signs agreements on behalf of ATU according to ATU bylaws, and shall approve urgent measures where required.

6.3 Secretary General

The Secretary General coordinates implementation, prepares nominations where applicable, supports governance execution, supervises administrative coordination, and may act as an authorized signatory where delegated.

6.4 ATU-CPAC Governing Council

The Governing Council provides strategic supervision, policy direction, standards approval, committee formation, quality assurance oversight, impartiality monitoring, and performance review.

6.5 Chairperson of ATU-CPAC

The Chairperson leads the Governing Council, chairs meetings, ensures proper governance practice, escalates major matters to ATU leadership, and monitors implementation of Council decisions.

6.6 Executive Director and Council Secretary

Where appointed, the Executive Director and Council Secretary manage day-to-day coordination, prepares agendas, maintains records, follows up decisions, coordinates committees, and manages operational reporting.

6.7 Specialized Committees

ATU-CPAC may establish permanent and ad hoc committees to support standards, accreditation, certification, assessment, quality assurance, ethics, appeals, compliance, digital verification, partner recognition, and sector-specific work.

6.8 Technical Experts and Sector Committees

ATU-CPAC may appoint experts, assessors, quality assurers, sector specialists, employers, academics, and professional practitioners to support technical review and sector relevance.

ATU Board Reserved Authorities

The following matters remain reserved to the ATU Board of Directors or require Board approval or ratification where applicable:

Establishment, restructuring, merger, or dissolution of ATU-CPAC.
Approval of major governance policies.
Ratification of major ATU-CPAC standards where required.
Approval of the annual budget.
Appointment of ATU-CPAC Governing Council members.
Approval of major strategic partnerships.
Approval of major recognition or mutual recognition arrangements.
Approval of matters with significant legal, financial, strategic, or reputational impact.
Approval of changes affecting ATU authority, certificate issuance, name, seal, logo, or legal position.
Any matter reserved under ATU bylaws, Board decisions, or applicable procedures.

ATU-CPAC Governing Council

8.1 Composition

The ATU-CPAC Governing Council shall consist of eleven members appointed according to ATU procedures.

8.2 Appointment

Members are nominated by the Secretary General, approved by more than 50% of the ATU Board of Directors, and appointed by official letter issued by the ATU President.

8.3 Membership Criteria

Members should demonstrate:

Professional expertise.
Integrity and ethical conduct.
Independence of judgment.
Knowledge of accreditation, certification, assessment, quality assurance, governance, or professional standards.
Commitment to ATU’s mission.
Ability to support impartial and evidence-based decisions.

8.4 Responsibilities

The Governing Council shall:

Approve ATU-CPAC operating plans.
Approve standards, procedures, and quality assurance frameworks within delegated authority.
Establish committees and approve their terms of reference.
Monitor accreditation, certification, assessment, registry, and partner compliance activities.
Review risk, performance, complaints, appeals, and quality assurance reports.
Ensure impartiality and conflict-of-interest controls.
Recommend major policies and decisions to the ATU Board where required.
Protect the credibility of ATU-issued credentials.

8.5 Meetings

The Governing Council should meet at least quarterly and may meet more frequently during the first year of implementation or where urgent matters arise.

8.6 Records

Minutes shall document attendees, declarations of interest, agenda items, evidence reviewed, decisions, responsible persons, deadlines, and follow-up actions.

Committee Structure

ATU-CPAC shall operate through the following recommended committee structure.

9.1 Standards and Frameworks Committee

Responsible for developing, reviewing, and updating provider accreditation standards, professional certification standards, assessment standards, assessed training program standards, IQA standards, EQA standards, ethics standards, registry standards, and partner compliance standards.

9.2 Provider Accreditation Committee

Responsible for reviewing applications, evidence, audit reports, compliance findings, renewal reports, corrective action plans, and recommendations related to providers, centers, training programs, professional programs, and delivery partners.

9.3 Certification and Assessment Committee

Responsible for professional certification schemes, certification requirements, examination specifications, assignments, rubrics, assessment decisions, assessment security, assessor approval, and certification award recommendations.

9.4 Quality Assurance and Compliance Committee

Responsible for IQA, EQA, monitoring visits, audits, sampling, corrective action, compliance risk, annual reviews, and quality assurance reporting.

9.5 Ethics, Impartiality, and Professional Conduct Committee

Responsible for ethics declarations, conflicts of interest, professional misconduct, misuse of titles, confidentiality breaches, impartiality risks, and conduct investigations.

9.6 Complaints and Appeals Committee

Responsible for reviewing complaints and first-stage appeals according to approved procedures, evidence requirements, timelines, and impartiality rules.

9.7 Digital Verification and Registry Committee

Responsible for registry accuracy, certificate numbering, QR-code verification, digital badges, public verification rules, record status, data access, and registry correction.

9.8 Finance, Audit, and Resource Oversight Committee

Responsible for budget monitoring, fee schedules, financial controls, procurement oversight, resource adequacy, financial risk, and internal financial reporting under ATU procedures.

9.9 Partner Recognition and Compliance Committee

Responsible for partner arrangements, endorsement conditions, mutual recognition, quality assurance agreements, partner brand use, partner reporting, and compliance with partner rules.

9.10 Sector Committees

Sector committees may be created for professional areas such as education, training, management, consulting, artificial intelligence, technology, finance, public administration, vocational education, leadership, human resources, and other approved sectors.

Delegation of Authority

ATU-CPAC shall operate under a documented Delegation of Authority Matrix approved through ATU procedures.

10.1 Delegable Functions

Delegated functions shall include:

Application screening.
Technical review.
Audit coordination.
Report preparation.
Registry administration.
Certificate data review.
Quality assurance coordination.
Committee coordination.
Drafting standards and procedures.
Supporting complaints and appeals.

10.2 Non-Delegable or Restricted Functions

No person or committee may bind ATU legally, financially, or contractually unless expressly authorized in writing.

The following require higher-level approval:

Legal agreements.
Major financial commitments.
Official certificates and credentials.
Major partnership arrangements.
Suspension or revocation decisions with major reputational impact.
Public statements affecting ATU or ATU-CPAC status.
Use of partner names or logos.
Amendments to major governance policies.

10.3 Authorized Signatories

Authorized signatories for ATU-CPAC-related matters are the ATU President and the Secretary General, according to ATU bylaws, approved templates, Board decisions, and delegated authority.

All agreements creating legal or institutional obligations shall be signed in the name of the Arab Trainers Union by the authorized signatory.

Decision-Making Framework

ATU-CPAC decisions shall follow a structured decision-making process:

Application, issue, or proposal is received.
Eligibility and completeness are checked.
Evidence is reviewed against approved criteria.
Risk and conflict-of-interest checks are completed.
Technical review, audit, assessment, or committee review is conducted.
Findings are documented.
Recommendation is made by the competent committee or officer.
Decision is approved by the delegated authority.
ATU issuance or formal confirmation is completed where applicable.
Registry status is updated.
Applicant or stakeholder is notified.
Appeal rights are communicated where relevant.
Records are retained.

Conflict of Interest and Impartiality

All members, officers, committee members, assessors, auditors, reviewers, quality assurers, consultants, and experts shall declare any actual, potential, or perceived conflict of interest.

Conflicts may include:

Financial interest.
Employment relationship.
Family or personal relationship.
Previous consultancy.
Direct competition.
Provider ownership or affiliation.
Prior involvement in assessment preparation.
Personal bias or dispute.
Partner-related interest.

Where a conflict exists, the person shall not participate in the relevant decision, review, assessment, audit, complaint, appeal, or recommendation unless the conflict is formally reviewed and managed.

Policy Framework

ATU-CPAC shall maintain a structured policy framework.

13.1 Level 1: Governance Documents

Includes Board resolution, governance manual, delegation matrix, quality assurance manual, and core governance policies.

13.2 Level 2: Standards

Includes:

Provider Accreditation Standards.
Professional Certification Standards.
Assessment Standards.
Assessed Training Program Standards.
Internal Quality Assurance Standards.
External Quality Assurance Standards.
Ethics and Professional Conduct Standards.
Digital Verification and Registry Standards.
Partner Compliance Standards.

13.3 Level 3: Procedures

Includes application review, audit, certification assessment, IQA, EQA, complaints, appeals, registry updates, suspension, renewal, and partner compliance procedures.

13.4 Level 4: Forms and Records

Includes applications, declarations, review checklists, audit reports, assessment reports, committee minutes, registry forms, corrective action plans, appeal forms, complaint forms, and decision notices.

Core Governance Policies

ATU-CPAC shall maintain the following core policies:

Governance and Delegation of Authority Policy.
Conflict of Interest and Impartiality Policy.
Provider Accreditation Policy.
Professional Certification Policy.
Assessment and Examination Policy.
Assessed Training Program Approval Policy.
Trainer, Assessor, IQA, and EQA Approval Policy.
Internal Quality Assurance Policy.
External Quality Assurance Policy.
Complaints and Appeals Policy.
Malpractice and Maladministration Policy.
Ethics and Professional Conduct Policy.
Suspension, Withdrawal, Revocation, and Reinstatement Policy.
Digital Registry and Verification Policy.
Data Protection and Confidentiality Policy.
Records Retention Policy.
Partner Compliance and Recognition Policy.
Financial Oversight and Fee Policy.
Communications, Branding, and Public Claims Policy.
Risk Management Policy.
Stakeholder Engagement Policy.
Continuous Improvement and CAPA Policy.

Provider Accreditation Governance

Provider accreditation shall be governed through approved standards and procedures.

15.1 Provider Categories

ATU-CPAC may govern the following categories:

Approved Provider.
Accredited Provider.
Premier Accredited Provider.
Authorized Assessment Center.
Accredited Training Program.
Accredited Professional Program.
Authorized Delivery Partner.

15.2 Provider Review Areas

Provider applications shall be reviewed against:

Legal and institutional status.
Governance and leadership.
Training capacity.
Quality assurance system.
Trainer and assessor competence.
Curriculum and program controls.
Assessment arrangements.
Learner support.
Records and data protection.
Facilities and digital delivery capacity.
Marketing and public information accuracy.
Complaints and appeals arrangements.
Financial and operational sustainability.
Compliance with ATU-CPAC standards.
Compliance with partner requirements where applicable.

15.3 Provider Decisions

Provider decisions may include:

Approved.
Approved with conditions.
Deferred pending evidence.
Rejected.
Suspended.
Withdrawn.
Revoked.
Reinstated.
Renewed.
Reclassified.

Professional Certification Governance

Professional certification shall be based on approved competency standards and evidence of professional competence.

16.1 Certification Requirements

Professional certification schemes may include:

Education requirements.
Professional experience.
Approved training.
Knowledge examination.
Practical assessment.
Assignment or project.
Portfolio of evidence.
Professional interview.
Ethics declaration.
Continuing professional development.
Renewal or recertification.

16.2 Certification Levels

ATU-CPAC may regulate certification levels such as:

Foundation.
Associate.
Professional.
Advanced.
Executive.
Expert.
Fellow.

16.3 Certification Decision Controls

Certification decisions shall be based on:

Verified eligibility.
Assessment evidence.
Assessment results.
IQA confirmation.
EQA review where required.
Ethics and conduct compliance.
Payment of approved fees where applicable.
Approval by delegated authority.
Registry entry confirmation.

Assessment Governance

Assessment shall be valid, reliable, fair, secure, transparent, and appropriate to the certification or assessed training purpose.

17.1 Assessment Methods

Assessment methods may include:

Written examinations.
Online supervised examinations.
Assignments.
Practical tasks.
Case studies.
Projects.
Portfolios.
Observations.
Presentations.
Interviews.
Workplace evidence.
Reflective reports.

17.2 Assessment Controls

All assessments shall be governed by:

Approved assessment specifications.
Learning outcomes and assessment criteria.
Marking rubrics.
Assessor guidance.
Candidate instructions.
Identity verification.
Academic integrity controls.
Version control.
Secure storage.
Reasonable adjustment procedures.
Result moderation.
IQA and EQA sampling.
Appeals procedure.

Quality Assurance Governance

ATU-CPAC shall operate an integrated quality assurance system covering internal quality assurance and external quality assurance.

18.1 Internal Quality Assurance

IQA shall ensure that assessment and accreditation decisions are consistent, fair, evidence-based, and compliant with approved standards.

IQA may include:

Sampling of assessment decisions.
Review of assessor feedback.
Review of rubrics and assessment instruments.
Verification of learner evidence.
Monitoring of provider compliance.
Review of trainer and assessor competence.
Corrective action tracking.
Standardization meetings.

18.2 External Quality Assurance

EQA shall provide independent review of provider compliance, assessment quality, registry accuracy, and adherence to ATU-CPAC requirements.

EQA may include:

External sampling.
Provider visits.
Remote audits.
Review of assessment evidence.
Review of IQA records.
Review of complaints and appeals.
Review of certificate claims.
Corrective action verification.
Annual compliance reporting.

Registry and Digital Verification Governance

ATU-CPAC shall maintain public and internal registries for verification and accountability.

19.1 Registry Categories

Registries may include:

Accredited providers.
Approved providers.
Authorized assessment centers.
Accredited programs.
Certified professionals.
Approved trainers.
Approved assessors.
Approved IQAs and EQAs.
Issued certificates.
Suspended, expired, withdrawn, revoked, or limited credentials where legally permissible.
Partner-recognized or jointly branded credentials.

19.2 Registry Fields

Registry entries may include:

Name.
Credential title.
Credential level.
Certificate number.
Issue date.
Expiry date.
Status.
Scope or specialization.
Country.
Verification method.
Conditions or limitations where applicable.

19.3 Verification Controls

Verification shall confirm authenticity, status, validity, scope, and expiry. QR codes, digital badges, registry links, and verification letters shall be controlled to prevent misuse.

Financial Governance and Oversight

ATU-CPAC shall operate within the financial structure of the Arab Trainers Union.

20.1 Financial Status

ATU-CPAC shall not maintain independent financial authority unless expressly approved by ATU. Its revenues and expenses shall be managed under ATU financial procedures, with a dedicated accounting code where approved.

20.2 Budgeting

An annual ATU-CPAC budget shall be prepared and submitted for approval through ATU procedures.

The budget may include:

Staffing and administration.
Committee operations.
Digital registry systems.
Quality assurance visits.
Standards development.
Audits and reviews.
Communications.
Partner compliance costs.
Legal and professional advisory costs.
Training and capacity building.

20.3 Fees

Approved fees may include:

Provider application fees.
Accreditation fees.
Renewal fees.
Professional certification fees.
Examination fees.
Retake fees.
Registry and verification fees.
Appeals fees where approved.
Recognition or equivalence fees.
Partner-related service fees.

20.4 Financial Controls

Financial controls shall include:

Approved fee schedule.
Receipt records.
Segregation of duties.
Documented approvals.
Budget monitoring.
Procurement controls.
Expense authorization.
Reconciliation.
Financial reporting.
Audit trail.

Risk Management Framework

ATU-CPAC shall maintain a risk management system to identify, assess, treat, monitor, and report risks.

21.1 Risk Categories

Risk categories include:

Governance risk.
Legal and regulatory risk.
Financial risk.
Reputational risk.
Certificate integrity risk.
Assessment security risk.
Data protection risk.
Partner compliance risk.
Provider non-compliance risk.
Conflict-of-interest risk.
Operational continuity risk.
Digital registry risk.
Fraud and malpractice risk.
Quality assurance failure risk.

21.2 Risk Assessment

Risks shall be assessed using likelihood and impact ratings.

Rating	Likelihood	Impact
1	Rare	Minor
2	Unlikely	Moderate
3	Possible	Significant
4	Likely	Major
5	Almost Certain	Severe

Risk score = Likelihood × Impact.

21.3 Risk Treatment

Risk responses shall include:

Avoid.
Reduce.
Transfer.
Accept.
Escalate.
Monitor.

21.4 Risk Register

ATU-CPAC shall maintain a risk register including:

Risk description.
Risk owner.
Cause.
Consequence.
Likelihood.
Impact.
Risk score.
Existing controls.
Required actions.
Deadline.
Residual risk.
Status.
Escalation requirement.

21.5 Urgent Measures

Where urgent action is needed to protect public trust, certificate integrity, ATU reputation, data protection, registry accuracy, assessment security, or partner obligations, urgent temporary measures may be approved by the President or Secretary General according to delegated authority and reported to the Governing Council and ATU Board where appropriate.

Urgent measures may include temporary suspension of registry listing, suspension of certificate issuance, restriction on use of marks, provider freeze, investigation, correction notice, or referral to the ATU Board.

Compliance Framework

ATU-CPAC shall maintain a compliance register covering:

ATU bylaws.
ATU Board decisions.
ATU-CPAC establishment resolution.
Approved ATU-CPAC standards.
Jordanian laws applicable to ATU operations.
Data protection requirements.
Financial procedures.
Tax or accounting requirements where applicable.
Partner agreements.
Brand guidelines.
Accreditation and certification requirements.
Sector-specific legal limitations.
Document attestation procedures.
Records retention requirements.

22.1 Regulated Sectors

ATU-CPAC credentials shall not be represented as governmental licenses, statutory professional registrations, academic degrees, or regulated-sector authorizations unless expressly recognized by the competent authority.

22.2 Compliance Monitoring

Compliance shall be monitored through:

Compliance register review.
Regulatory watch notices.
Internal audit.
External quality assurance.
Partner compliance review.
Corrective action plans.
Management review.
Board reporting.

Data Protection and Confidentiality

ATU-CPAC shall protect all personal data, confidential records, assessment materials, credential data, provider documents, learner evidence, committee minutes, complaints, appeals, and investigation records.

23.1 Data Protection Controls

Controls shall include:

Lawful collection.
Purpose limitation.
Data minimization.
Accuracy.
Secure storage.
Access control.
Retention periods.
Secure disposal.
Breach reporting.
Data subject rights management.
Consent management where required.
Data sharing controls.
Processor and partner controls.

23.2 Confidentiality Obligations

All members, staff, experts, assessors, IQAs, EQAs, committee members, providers, and partners shall maintain confidentiality and sign declarations where required.

Complaints and Appeals

ATU-CPAC shall operate transparent complaints and appeals procedures.

24.1 Complaints

Complaints may relate to service quality, conduct, provider behavior, assessment process, public claims, registry error, malpractice, or administrative handling.

24.2 Appeals

Appeals may relate to accreditation decisions, certification decisions, assessment outcomes, suspension, withdrawal, revocation, or other formal decisions.

24.3 Appeals Timeline

Appeals should be submitted within 15 days from notification of the decision unless an approved procedure states otherwise.

24.4 Appeal Stages

The appeal process shall include:

First-stage review by the ATU-CPAC Appeals and Complaints Committee.
Final appeal to a Final Appeals Panel appointed by the ATU Board or to ATU Board members uninvolved in the original decision.

24.5 Decision Records

All complaints and appeals shall be documented, investigated impartially, resolved within defined timelines, and used for quality improvement.

Suspension, Withdrawal, Revocation, and Reinstatement

ATU-CPAC may recommend or impose actions within delegated authority where evidence shows breach of standards, malpractice, misrepresentation, failure to comply, non-payment, assessment irregularity, conflict of interest, data breach, unauthorized certificate issuance, misuse of ATU name or marks, or reputational harm.

25.1 Possible Actions

Actions may include:

Warning.
Corrective action plan.
Increased monitoring.
Conditions.
Limitation of scope.
Suspension.
Withdrawal.
Revocation.
Registry update.
Public correction notice.
Referral to ATU Board.
Legal action where required.

25.2 Reinstatement

Reinstatement may be considered where the cause has been corrected, evidence has been verified, quality assurance requirements are met, and approval is granted by the competent authority.

Partner Governance and Compliance

ATU-CPAC may administer and quality assure credentials, programs, recognition arrangements, endorsements, joint branding, delivery partnerships, and partner-related activities under ATU authority.

26.1 Partner Controls

Partner arrangements shall be governed by:

Written agreement.
Approved scope.
Brand rules.
Quality assurance requirements.
Assessment rules.
Certificate wording.
Public claims approval.
Data sharing requirements.
Reporting obligations.
Renewal and termination conditions.

26.2 Use of Partner Names and Logos

No partner name, logo, seal, approval number, recognition statement, endorsement statement, or joint issuance statement may be used unless authorized in writing and consistent with the relevant agreement.

Communications, Branding, and Public Claims

ATU-CPAC shall ensure that all public information is accurate, clear, approved, and not misleading.

27.1 Public Information Controls

Public information shall clearly state:

ATU-CPAC is a specialized council within the Arab Trainers Union.
ATU is the issuing authority for ATU credentials.
ATU-CPAC regulates, reviews, assures, monitors, and verifies.
Accreditation or certification does not replace governmental licensing unless recognized by the competent authority.
Verification is available through approved ATU or ATU-CPAC systems.
Partner claims are limited to approved agreements.

27.2 Controlled Use of Identity

Use of ATU name, ATU-CPAC name, logo, seal, certificates, digital badges, QR codes, and registry marks shall be controlled through approved branding and identity procedures.

Stakeholder Engagement

ATU-CPAC shall engage stakeholders to improve relevance, credibility, and public trust.

28.1 Stakeholders

Stakeholders include:

ATU Board of Directors.
ATU members.
Accredited providers.
Approved centers.
Certified professionals.
Candidates and learners.
Trainers and assessors.
IQAs and EQAs.
Employers.
Professional bodies.
Sector experts.
Arab and international partners.
Governmental or competent authorities where applicable.
The public.

28.2 Engagement Methods

Engagement may include:

Public consultation on standards.
Provider forums.
Sector committees.
Employer advisory panels.
Candidate surveys.
Professional community feedback.
Partner review meetings.
Complaints and appeals analysis.
Registry verification feedback.
Annual stakeholder report.

Performance Monitoring

ATU-CPAC shall monitor performance through key performance indicators, dashboards, reports, and management review.

29.1 Suggested KPIs

KPIs shall include:

Number of provider applications received.
Percentage of applications reviewed on time.
Number of providers approved, accredited, renewed, suspended, or withdrawn.
Number of professional certifications issued.
Assessment pass rates.
Assessment appeal rates.
IQA sampling completion rate.
EQA findings closure rate.
Number of registry verifications.
Registry error rate.
Complaint resolution time.
Appeal resolution time.
Corrective action closure rate.
Partner compliance findings.
Standards reviewed or developed.
Stakeholder satisfaction.
Data protection incidents.
Financial performance against budget.

29.2 Reporting

ATU-CPAC shall submit periodic reports to the Governing Council and ATU Board, including:

Accreditation activities.
Certification activities.
Assessed training certificates.
Registry and verification performance.
Quality assurance activities.
Complaints and appeals.
Suspensions, withdrawals, and revocations.
Partner compliance.
Financial performance.
Risk and corrective action.
Strategic development.

Internal Audit and Continuous Improvement

ATU-CPAC shall conduct internal audits to verify compliance with approved policies, standards, procedures, and records requirements.

30.1 Audit Areas

Audits shall cover:

Governance records.
Delegation authority.
Accreditation files.
Certification files.
Assessment records.
IQA and EQA records.
Registry accuracy.
Data protection.
Complaints and appeals.
Financial controls.
Partner compliance.
Public information and claims.

30.2 CAPA Workflow

Corrective and preventive action shall follow this workflow:

Identify nonconformity or improvement opportunity.
Record it in the CAPA log.
Assign owner and deadline.
Analyze root cause.
Approve corrective action.
Implement action.
Verify effectiveness.
Close action.
Update risk register, procedure, or standard where needed.

31. Annual Governance Calendar

Month	Governance Activity
January	Confirm annual operating plan and update committee membership
February	Review compliance register and regulatory watch list
March	Review provider accreditation activity and registry accuracy
April	Conduct first internal audit cycle
May	Review certification schemes and assessment controls
June	Management review and ATU-CPAC anniversary implementation report
July	Update standards, forms, and controlled documents
August	Review partner compliance and recognition arrangements
September	Review financial performance and next-year budget needs
October	Conduct second internal audit or compliance review
November	Review risk register, complaints, appeals, and CAPA
December	Annual governance report to ATU leadership

First-Year Implementation Priorities

During the first year of ATU-CPAC implementation, priority shall be given to:

Approving the Governance Manual.
Approving the Quality Assurance Manual.
Approving the Delegation of Authority Matrix.
Establishing the Governing Council and committees.
Issuing core standards and procedures.
Creating provider accreditation forms.
Creating professional certification forms.
Creating assessed training program approval forms.
Establishing the registry and digital verification system.
Reviewing existing ATU accredited centers.
Reviewing existing ATU certified trainers.
Communicating transition requirements.
Implementing IQA and EQA procedures.
Establishing complaints and appeals procedures.
Preparing the first-year implementation report.

Records Management

ATU-CPAC shall maintain complete, accurate, secure, and retrievable records.

33.1 Required Records

Records include:

Board approvals.
Governing Council minutes.
Committee terms of reference.
Committee minutes.
Conflict-of-interest declarations.
Application forms.
Review checklists.
Audit reports.
Assessment evidence.
IQA reports.
EQA reports.
Decision notices.
Certificate data.
Registry entries.
Complaints and appeals.
Investigation records.
CAPA records.
Risk registers.
Financial records.
Partner compliance records.
Data protection records.

33.2 Retention

Retention periods shall be defined by ATU policy, legal requirements, partner requirements, and operational needs. Records shall not be destroyed unless authorized.

Governance Review

This manual shall be reviewed:

Annually.
After major legal or regulatory changes.
After ATU Board decisions affecting ATU-CPAC.
After major audit findings.
After serious complaints or appeals.
After partner requirement changes.
After major operational changes.
Where required to protect ATU reputation or certificate integrity.

Recommended changes shall be reviewed by the ATU-CPAC Governing Council and submitted for ATU approval where required.

Approval and Adoption Statement

This Governance Manual is adopted as the official governance framework for ATU-CPAC operations under the authority of the Arab Trainers Union.

ATU-CPAC shall implement this manual in coordination with ATU leadership, approved committees, providers, partners, assessors, quality assurers, and stakeholders.

All ATU-CPAC operations shall remain subject to ATU bylaws, ATU Board decisions, approved policies, applicable laws, signed partner agreements, and the institutional authority of the Arab Trainers Union.

Appendix A: Delegation Matrix

Function	Prepared By	Reviewed By	Approved By	Final Authority
Standards draft	Standards Committee	Governing Council	ATU-CPAC / ATU Board where required	ATU
Provider application review	Accreditation Team	Provider Accreditation Committee	Delegated authority	ATU
Provider accreditation certificate	ATU-CPAC recommendation	Governing Council where required	Authorized signatory	ATU
Professional certification decision	Certification Team	Certification Committee / IQA	Delegated authority	ATU
Certificate signing	Certificate Office	ATU-CPAC verification	President / Secretary General	ATU
Registry entry	Registry Officer	Registry Committee	Delegated authority	ATU-CPAC under ATU
Suspension recommendation	Relevant Committee	Governing Council	President / Secretary General / ATU Board where required	ATU
Appeal decision	Appeals Committee	Final Appeals Panel where required	ATU authority	ATU
Partnership agreement	Partner Committee	ATU leadership	ATU President	ATU

Appendix B: Risk Register Template

Risk	Category	Owner	Likelihood	Impact	Score	Controls	Action	Deadline	Status
Misuse of ATU certificate title	Certificate integrity	Registry Committee	3	5	15	Verification and public claims policy	Investigate and correct	30 days	Open
Provider assessment malpractice	Assessment	QA Committee	3	5	15	IQA/EQA sampling	Audit provider	15 days	Open
Registry data error	Digital verification	Registry Officer	2	4	8	Dual review	Correct record	7 days	Open
Partner logo misuse	Partner compliance	Partner Committee	2	5	10	Brand approval process	Issue correction notice	10 days	Open

Appendix C: Minimum Committee Terms of Reference

Each ATU-CPAC committee shall have approved terms of reference covering:

Committee name.
Purpose.
Authority.
Membership.
Chairperson.
Secretary.
Meeting frequency.
Quorum.
Decision-making rules.
Conflict-of-interest rules.
Reporting line.
Records required.
Confidentiality obligations.
Review cycle.

Appendix D: Minimum Annual Reports

ATU-CPAC shall prepare the following reports:

Quarterly governance report.
Quarterly risk and compliance report.
Provider accreditation report.
Professional certification report.
Assessment and quality assurance report.
Registry and verification report.
Complaints and appeals report.
Partner compliance report.
Financial performance report.
Annual ATU-CPAC implementation and performance report.

Appendix E: Core Policy Register

Policy	Owner	Review Frequency
Governance and Delegation Policy	Governing Council	Annual
Conflict of Interest Policy	Ethics Committee	Annual
Provider Accreditation Policy	Provider Accreditation Committee	Annual
Professional Certification Policy	Certification Committee	Annual
Assessment Policy	Certification and Assessment Committee	Annual
IQA Policy	QA Committee	Annual
EQA Policy	QA Committee	Annual
Complaints and Appeals Policy	Appeals Committee	Annual
Registry and Verification Policy	Registry Committee	Annual
Data Protection Policy	Compliance Officer	Annual
Partner Compliance Policy	Partner Committee	Annual
Financial Oversight Policy	Finance Committee	Annual
Risk Management Policy	Governing Council	Annual
Records Retention Policy	Council Secretary	Annual

Final Governance Statement

ATU-CPAC exists to protect professional trust, strengthen the credibility of ATU-issued credentials, promote quality assurance, regulate professional accreditation and certification, and provide transparent verification across Arab professional sectors.

Its effectiveness depends on disciplined governance, clear authority, strong documentation, fair assessment, impartial review, secure registries, ethical conduct, and continuous improvement under the institutional authority of the Arab Trainers Union.