Africa Dynamic Development Group (ADG) Development and Review of Learning Material Policy
Effective Date: 3 November 2025
1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all learning materials developed and used by Africa Dynamic Development Group (ADG) are of high quality, current, accurate, and aligned with the requirements of the relevant QCTO or SETA qualifications. This policy establishes a formal process for the development, review, approval, and version control of all training content.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all learning materials used by ADG for its training programmes, including both online and in-person delivery. This includes, but is not limited to, facilitator guides, learner workbooks, slide presentations, e-learning modules, formative assessments, and summative assessments. This policy is binding upon all staff involved in the creation, review, and approval of these materials.
3. Definitions
- Learning Materials: Any content, physical or digital, developed by ADG to facilitate learning and assessment.
- Subject Matter Expert (SME): An individual with deep knowledge and practical experience in a specific subject area.
- Version Control: The process of managing and tracking changes to documents to ensure that only the current, approved version is in use.
4. Policy Statement
ADG is committed to providing learners with learning materials that are relevant, engaging, and of the highest standard. We will ensure all our materials are systematically developed, regularly reviewed, and rigorously controlled to guarantee they meet the outcomes of registered qualifications and support effective learning.
5. Development of New Learning Materials
The development of new learning materials will follow a structured process to ensure quality and alignment:
- Needs Analysis & Design: The Training Manager, in consultation with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), will analyze the qualification requirements and design a comprehensive material development plan.
- Content Creation: A development team, which may include the Training Manager, SMEs, facilitators, and external instructional designers, will create the draft materials. All materials must adhere to the ADG branding guide and standard templates.
- Internal Review: The draft materials will be reviewed by the ADG Directors to check for accuracy, relevance, quality, and alignment with the development plan.
- Final Approval: Once all feedback has been incorporated, the final version of the learning materials will be formally approved for use by the Managing Director, Frans de Beer.
- Implementation & Versioning: Upon approval, the materials are assigned an initial version number (e.g., v1.0) and logged in the Document Control Register before being released to learners or loaded onto the LMS.
6. Review and Update of Existing Materials
Learning materials are dynamic and must be kept current. A review will be triggered by one of the following events:
- Scheduled Review: All learning materials will undergo a formal review at least once every 3 years.
- Regulatory Change: An immediate review will be conducted if the QCTO, CETA, or any other relevant body updates a unit standard, qualification, or best-practice guideline.
- Performance-Based Review: A review will be triggered if learner performance data indicates an issue (e.g., a consistent failure rate of over 30% in a module) or if negative feedback is received from learners or assessors.
7. Document and Version Control
To maintain integrity and prevent the use of outdated information, ADG will enforce strict version control:
- Document Control Register: The Training Manager will maintain a central Document Control Register. This register will log every learning material, its current version number, the date of the last change, a summary of the change, and the name of the person who approved it.
- Material Identification: Every learning material, whether digital or physical, must clearly display its current revision number (e.g., “v2.1”) on its cover page, footer, or in the file name.
- Access Control: Only approved, current versions of materials will be made available to learners and facilitators. All previous versions will be archived securely.
8. Responsibilities
- Managing Director: Has the final authority for approving all new learning materials and is ultimately accountable for the quality of content.
- Training Manager: Is responsible for coordinating the development and review process, maintaining the Document Control Register, and ensuring all materials comply with this policy.
- Development Team (SMEs, Facilitators): Are responsible for creating accurate, high-quality content and participating actively in review processes.
- Directors: Are responsible for conducting the internal review of draft materials to ensure they meet ADG’s quality standards.
9. Contact Information
For questions regarding this policy or the content of our learning materials, please contact:
Ilse van Niekerk
Training Manager
Africa Dynamic Development Group (Pty) Ltd
Email: Ilse.vanniekerk@adss.co.za
National Call Centre: +27 (0)87 550 1007