THE HOLISTIC GROOMING ACADEMY LTD
BEHAVIOUR GROOMING DIPLOMA
STUDENT ENROLMENT TERMS & CONDITIONS
Effective date: 08/10/26
These Terms & Conditions govern enrolment on the Behaviour Grooming Diploma provided by The Holistic Grooming Academy Ltd (hereafter referred to as ‘HGA’, ‘the Academy’, ‘we’, ‘us’ or ‘our’).
By enrolling on the Behaviour Grooming Diploma, students agree to comply with these Terms & Conditions, alongside the Academy’s applicable policies, including its Code of Conduct, Ethical Pledge, Assessment Policy and Complaints Procedure.
Students are encouraged to read this agreement carefully before registering and making payment.
These terms do not exclude or restrict any statutory rights available to students under applicable consumer protection legislation.
1. ABOUT THE DIPLOMA
The Behaviour Grooming Diploma is an advanced professional development programme designed to improve understanding and practical application of canine behaviour, emotional welfare and ethical grooming practices.
The programme incorporates the principles of the Applied Behaviour & Welfare Grooming Framework (ABWGF), developed by Stephanie Zikmann.
The diploma consists of:
- Twelve structured educational modules.
- Approximately 320 hours of guided and independent study.
- Approximately 40 hours allocated to final assessment.
- A total of 360 CPD learning hours.
- The programme combines theoretical learning, independent research, reflective exercises and practical assessments.
Successful graduates are eligible to receive the professional certification:
HGA Behaviour Grooming Specialist
This certification is awarded by The Holistic Grooming Academy and remains valid for two years, subject to the Academy’s certification requirements.
1.1 Professional recognition
The Holistic Grooming Academy is recognised as:
- A Supporting Member of the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC).
- An Approved CPD Provider through The CPD Group.
- A member of the Complementary Medical Association (CMA).
Students acknowledge that the Behaviour Grooming Diploma is an independently awarded professional certification and is not an Ofqual-regulated qualification.
Membership, approval or recognition of the Academy by an external organisation does not automatically constitute accreditation or endorsement of an individual student’s qualification by that organisation.
1.2 Scope of professional competence
The diploma is intended to develop professional knowledge and skills within the context of canine grooming and welfare.
Successful completion does not qualify graduates to practise as clinical animal behaviourists, veterinary surgeons or veterinary nurses.
Students must operate within their existing professional competence and seek appropriate veterinary or qualified behaviour professional involvement when necessary.
2. STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
The Behaviour Grooming Diploma is a predominantly self-directed learning programme.
Students are responsible for managing their study commitments, completing assessments and seeking appropriate support when required.
Before enrolling, students should ensure they possess:
- Sufficient English language proficiency to understand educational material and complete written assessments.
- Basic computer and internet literacy.
- The ability to undertake independent research.
- Appropriate time to complete the programme.
- Access to suitable dogs for practical learning and assessment activities.
- The ability to undertake practical activities safely, lawfully and ethically.
- Students must provide accurate information during enrolment and throughout their studies.
2.1 Equipment and resources
Students will require access to:
- A computer, laptop or suitable tablet.
- A reliable internet connection.
- Word-processing software.
- A suitable photographic or video-recording device.
- Relevant online learning platforms.
- Appropriate dogs and environments for practical assessments.
Some learning activities may involve external educational resources or third-party platforms.
Where a particular platform or resource is essential, students will be informed of this requirement.
2.2 Animal welfare
Students must prioritise the physical, emotional and psychological welfare of dogs involved in any learning or assessment activity.
No dog should be deliberately exposed to unnecessary fear, distress, pain or suffering for the purpose of completing an assessment.
Students must obtain appropriate permission before involving a dog belonging to another person.
Where a practical activity cannot be completed safely or ethically, students should contact the Academy to discuss an appropriate alternative.
3. ENROLMENT OPTIONS AND FEES
Students may enrol through one of the following options.
3.1 Full Diploma Enrolment
Students may purchase the complete Behaviour Grooming Diploma for:
£1,599 (or £1,698 with printed materials)
This provides access to the full twelve-module programme, associated digital learning materials and the final assessment, subject to the access arrangements outlined in this agreement.
The standard completion period is 24 months with access to 1-2-1 tutor support for 12 months.
3.2 Individual Module Enrolment
Students may alternatively enrol on individual modules at:
£127 per module (course material is only available via digital format)
There is one access module and twelve advanced modules in total.
Each purchased module provides a three-month completion period.
Students following the module-by-module route may take up to 39 months to complete all thirteen modules.
The final assessment is subject to the separate assessment access and fee arrangements disclosed at enrolment.
Purchasing individual modules does not automatically entitle students to the benefits, resources or access arrangements associated with full Diploma Enrolment.
3.3 Price changes
The Academy reserves the right to revise advertised prices for future enrolments.
Any price change will not retrospectively alter the agreed price of modules or services already purchased.
Where a student purchases modules individually, the price applicable to each future purchase will be the advertised price at the time of that transaction.
3.4 Payment obligations
Payment must be completed using the payment methods made available during registration.
Where a separate instalment agreement is offered, the full payment schedule, total cost and applicable conditions will be disclosed before purchase.
The Academy may temporarily suspend access to unpaid services where payment is overdue, provided appropriate notice has been given and any applicable statutory rights are respected.
Any recovery of outstanding payments will be conducted lawfully and proportionately.
The Academy will not impose arbitrary penalties or disproportionate charges for late payment.
4. COURSE DURATION AND ACCESS
4.1 Full Diploma Enrolment
Students enrolling on the complete diploma receive a standard access period of 24 months from their confirmed enrolment date.
This comprises:
- Up to 22 months for completion of the thirteen educational modules.
- A further two months allocated to the final assessment.
Students are responsible for organising their learning schedule to ensure they can complete the programme within the permitted timeframe.
4.2 Individual Module Enrolment
Students purchasing individual modules receive three months of access to each module from its activation date, unless otherwise stated before purchase.
The maximum standard period for completing all thirteen modules through individual purchases is 39 months.
4.3 Extensions
Students experiencing exceptional circumstances may submit a written request for an extension.
Requests will be considered individually, taking account of the student’s circumstances, academic progress and the Academy’s available resources.
Extensions are not automatically guaranteed.
Any extension fee or additional conditions must be communicated and agreed before the extension is granted.
Nothing in this section affects a student’s statutory rights where the Academy has failed to provide the contracted service.
4.4 Expiry of access
At the end of the agreed access period, students may lose access to course materials, assessment facilities and associated student-only resources.
Students are encouraged to retain their own permitted study notes and copies of completed work.
Course materials remain subject to the Academy’s intellectual property restrictions.
5. STUDENT SUPPORT
The Academy provides educational guidance intended to support independent learning.
Students are encouraged to seek clarification when they encounter difficulties understanding course content or assessment requirements.
Support arrangements may include:
- Written tutor guidance.
- Assessment feedback.
- Access to designated student discussion areas.
- Educational updates and supplementary learning resources.
The precise support services included with enrolment will be those advertised and confirmed at the point of purchase.
Unless expressly included in the purchased package, individual tuition, private mentoring and additional consultations are not guaranteed.
Students acknowledge that tutor support does not replace their responsibility to undertake independent study.
6. STUDENT LEARNING MATERIALS
The standard diploma includes digital learning materials.
Students may also purchase an optional printed learning pack.
6.1 Printed learning pack
The optional printed learning pack is available for an additional:
£99, excluding shipping.
Printed packs are currently available for delivery within mainland UK only.
The pack contains printed educational materials designed to complement the digital programme.
6.2 Delivery
Any applicable shipping costs will be disclosed before purchase.
Estimated delivery periods will be communicated when an order is placed.
The Academy will comply with applicable consumer rights concerning delivery, faulty goods and cancellation.
6.3 Digital and printed materials
Printed materials are supplementary to the digital programme.
Students are responsible for keeping their printed materials in reasonable condition.
Where course content is updated, the Academy may provide revised information digitally rather than replacing previously supplied printed materials.
7. CANCELLATION AND REFUND RIGHTS
The Academy recognises its obligations under applicable UK consumer protection legislation, including the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 and the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
7.1 Fourteen-day cancellation period
Where the statutory cancellation provisions apply, students purchasing the diploma or individual modules online generally have the right to cancel within fourteen days of entering into the contract.
Students may exercise this right by sending a clear cancellation request to the Academy.
7.2 Access to digital educational materials
The diploma includes digital educational content.
Where students request immediate access to digital content during the statutory cancellation period, the Academy will obtain any consent and acknowledgement required by law before providing that content.
Where the legal requirements for loss of the statutory cancellation right in respect of digital content have been satisfied, the student may lose that cancellation right once the relevant digital content begins to be supplied.
Simply accessing a student portal or receiving login details does not, by itself, establish that all statutory cancellation rights have been lost.
7.3 Educational services
Where the contract includes services, including tutor support or assessment services, different statutory cancellation rules may apply.
If a student expressly requests that a service begins during the cancellation period and subsequently cancels, the Academy may be entitled to a proportionate payment for services supplied before cancellation, where permitted by law.
The Academy will not automatically impose fixed administrative deductions from statutory refunds.
7.4 Printed learning materials
Optional printed learning packs are subject to applicable consumer cancellation and goods-return rights.
Students will receive the relevant cancellation and returns information before purchase.
7.5 How to cancel
Students may submit cancellation requests by email to:
admin@holisticgroomingacademy.com
Please include:
- Your full name.
- Your enrolment email address.
- The programme or module purchased.
- A clear statement that you wish to cancel.
Students may also use any other legally permitted method of communicating their decision to cancel.
Where a refund is legally due, it will be processed within the applicable statutory timeframe.
7.6 Statutory rights
Nothing in this agreement limits a student’s rights to remedies where digital content, goods or services are faulty, not as described or otherwise fail to meet applicable legal requirements.
8. COURSE CONTENT AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
All original course materials, educational resources, written content, illustrations, assessments and associated learning materials remain the intellectual property of The Holistic Grooming Academy Ltd, Stephanie Zikmann or their respective rights holders, as applicable.
Students receive a personal, non-transferable licence to access and use the educational materials for their own learning.
Without prior written permission, students must not:
- Reproduce or redistribute substantial course materials.
- Sell, licence or commercially exploit educational content.
- Share personal login details.
- Upload restricted course materials to public platforms.
- Repackage course materials as their own educational programme.
- Deliver HGA teaching materials as a commercial course or training programme.
Students may apply the knowledge and professional skills acquired through their studies within their own lawful professional practice.
8.1 The Applied Behaviour & Welfare Grooming Framework
The ABWGF is a separately developed professional framework.
Students may discuss and appropriately reference its publicly available principles, provided they acknowledge the source and do not misrepresent their relationship with the Academy.
Enrolment on the diploma does not grant permission to commercially reproduce HGA teaching materials or represent oneself as an authorised HGA training provider.
8.2 Licensed Training Instructors
Permission to teach, deliver or commercially distribute the HGA Behaviour Grooming Diploma requires a separate written licensing agreement through the HGA Licensed Training Instructor Programme.
Successful graduation does not automatically confer instructor or teaching rights.
9. ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENTS
Students must successfully complete the relevant educational requirements and final assessment to qualify for certification.
Assessment activities may include written submissions, case studies, reflective exercises, research-based assignments and evidence of practical application.
Students are expected to demonstrate appropriate professional knowledge, critical thinking and ethical decision-making.
9.1 Academic integrity
All submitted work must represent the student’s own understanding and learning.
Students must acknowledge external sources appropriately.
Plagiarism, fabrication of evidence, falsification of practical assessments or misrepresentation of another person’s work may result in disciplinary action.
Where artificial intelligence tools are used, students must comply with the Academy’s published assessment guidance.
Students remain responsible for the accuracy, originality and integrity of their submissions.
9.2 Final assessment
Students must complete the final assessment within their permitted assessment period.
The Academy will provide students with the relevant assessment instructions, marking criteria and submission requirements.
9.3 Unsuccessful assessments
Where a student does not meet the required assessment standard, the Academy will explain the outcome and any available resubmission arrangements.
The number of permitted resubmissions, applicable fees and deadlines will be communicated in the Assessment Policy before the student becomes contractually committed to the relevant assessment.
Any additional assessment charges must be disclosed in advance.
9.4 Assessment appeals
Students may appeal an assessment decision where they believe that a procedural error, inconsistency or unfair assessment process has occurred.
Appeals must be submitted in writing, with supporting information where appropriate.
The Academy will review appeals impartially and provide a written outcome.
Where appropriate, the assessment may be referred for independent review.
10. GRADUATION AND CERTIFICATION
Students who successfully complete the diploma and satisfy the Academy’s assessment requirements will be awarded the professional certification:
HGA Behaviour Grooming Specialist
Certification confirms that the graduate has demonstrated the required learning outcomes and professional competencies at the time of assessment.
Certification does not constitute a statutory licence to practise, veterinary qualification or regulated animal behaviour qualification.
10.1 Certification validity
HGA Behaviour Grooming Specialist certification is valid for:
Two years from the date of issue.
Graduates may use the designated professional title while their certification remains valid and in good standing.
10.2 Professional representation
Graduates must accurately describe their qualification and professional status.
They must not imply that their certification is Ofqual-regulated or that they have received individual approval from an external organisation unless this is independently true.
Graduates must not claim professional competencies beyond those demonstrated through the diploma.
11. CERTIFICATION RENEWAL
To maintain active HGA Behaviour Grooming Specialist status, graduates must renew their certification every two years.
Renewal requires:
- Resubmission of the Academy’s designated final assessment or renewal assessment.
- Evidence of at least 100 hours per year of additional external Continuing Professional Development undertaken during the certification period.
- Compliance with the Academy’s current Code of Conduct and Ethical Pledge.
- Payment of any applicable renewal fee disclosed before registration.
11.1 External CPD
The total required 200 hours of CPD must demonstrate continued professional learning beyond the original diploma.
CPD should be relevant to the graduate’s professional responsibilities, including canine behaviour, welfare, grooming, handling, professional ethics or associated disciplines.
Graduates are responsible for maintaining accurate records of their CPD activities.
The Academy reserves the right to request supporting evidence.
11.2 Renewal grace period
Graduates have a three-month grace period following the expiry of their certification in which to complete the applicable renewal process.
During this period, certification is considered expired unless and until renewal is approved.
Graduates must not represent themselves as holding current certification while their status is expired.
11.3 Failure to renew
Where certification has not been renewed within the three-month grace period, the graduate will be required to re-enrol on the diploma to regain certification, subject to the Academy’s current enrolment requirements.
11.4 Use of professional titles and branding
Graduates whose certification expires, is suspended or is revoked must cease representing themselves as currently certified HGA Behaviour Grooming Specialists.
They must also discontinue any use of HGA certification badges or branding that implies current certification.
Graduates may continue to state truthfully that they previously completed the diploma, provided they do not misrepresent their current certification status.
12. CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Students and graduates are expected to demonstrate professionalism, respect and a commitment to animal welfare.
All students must comply with the Academy’s Code of Conduct and Ethical Pledge.
These requirements include:
- Prioritising canine welfare.
- Respecting the emotional and physical needs of individual dogs.
- Recognising canine communication and behavioural indicators.
- Avoiding unnecessary fear, pain and distress.
- Using ethical, evidence-informed handling practices.
- Respecting professional boundaries and limitations.
- Treating other professionals, students and members of the public respectfully.
- Maintaining honesty and integrity in professional representation.
The Academy recognises that professional understanding develops through education, reflection and continuing scientific research.
Disagreement with an educational interpretation does not automatically constitute misconduct.
13. MISCONDUCT AND DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES
The Academy may investigate credible reports of serious professional or ethical misconduct involving enrolled students or certified graduates.
Concerns may include:
- Deliberate or reckless disregard for animal welfare.
- Serious breaches of the Academy’s Ethical Pledge.
- Falsification of assessment evidence.
- Misrepresentation of certification status.
- Harassment, bullying or unlawful discrimination.
- Unauthorised commercial use of Academy materials.
Conduct that creates a serious and demonstrable risk to animals or other individuals.
13.1 Investigation
Reports will be considered fairly and proportionately.
Where appropriate, the individual concerned will be informed of the allegations and given a reasonable opportunity to respond.
The Academy may request supporting evidence and seek relevant professional advice.
13.2 Possible outcomes
Depending on the nature and seriousness of the concern, outcomes may include:
- No further action.
- Educational guidance.
- A formal warning.
- A corrective action plan.
- A period of monitored professional development.
- Temporary suspension of certification.
- Revocation of certification or termination of enrolment.
Serious welfare concerns may justify immediate protective suspension while an investigation is conducted.
13.3 Appeals
Individuals may appeal disciplinary decisions through the Academy’s published appeals procedure.
Appeals will be considered fairly and, wherever practicable, by someone who was not responsible for the original decision.
13.4 Refunds and termination
Any refund following termination will be assessed according to the circumstances, the contractual terms and applicable consumer law.
Termination does not automatically extinguish statutory refund rights.
14. EQUALITY, RESPECT AND PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION
The Academy is committed to maintaining a respectful and inclusive educational environment.
Bullying, harassment, threatening behaviour and unlawful discrimination will not be tolerated.
Students are encouraged to engage in constructive discussion and professional disagreement.
The Academy may take proportionate disciplinary action where conduct breaches its published policies.
15. COURSE UPDATES AND EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS
The Academy is committed to providing current, relevant and evidence-informed education.
Course materials may be reviewed and updated to reflect developments in:
- Animal behaviour research.
- Canine welfare science.
- Professional grooming practices.
- Relevant legislation.
- Ethical and professional standards.
The Academy may make reasonable updates that do not materially reduce the educational value or agreed scope of the programme.
Where a substantial change is necessary, affected students will be informed and their applicable contractual and statutory rights respected.
Students and graduates remain responsible for maintaining their professional knowledge and complying with relevant legislation throughout their careers.
16. COMPLAINTS
Students who wish to raise a concern about their educational experience, assessment process or the Academy’s services should contact:
admin@holisticgroomingacademy.com
The Academy aims to acknowledge complaints within seven working days.
Where a complaint requires investigation, students will be informed of the expected response timeframe.
Complaints will be considered respectfully, fairly and without retaliation.
Where appropriate, students may be directed to the Academy’s formal Complaints Procedure.
17. LIMITATION OF RESPONSIBILITY
The Academy provides professional education and guidance but does not guarantee individual business success, financial outcomes, employment opportunities or specific professional results.
Students remain responsible for decisions made within their own businesses and professional practice.
Educational guidance does not replace independent legal, financial, veterinary or other regulated professional advice.
Nothing in this agreement excludes or restricts liability where doing so would be unlawful, including liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud or other liabilities that cannot legally be excluded.
18. PERSONAL INFORMATION AND DATA PROTECTION
The Academy processes student information for legitimate educational and administrative purposes, including enrolment, communication, assessment and certification.
Personal information will be handled in accordance with applicable UK data protection legislation and the Academy’s Privacy Notice.
Students should not submit identifiable information about clients or other individuals without an appropriate lawful basis.
Photographs, recordings and case studies involving identifiable individuals must be collected and submitted lawfully.
Students should take reasonable steps to protect confidential client information.
19. CHANGES TO THESE TERMS
The Terms & Conditions applicable to a student’s enrolment are those accepted at the time the relevant contract is formed.
The Academy may update its terms for future enrolments.
Any proposed change affecting an existing student’s contractual rights will be handled in accordance with applicable law and will not be imposed retrospectively without a lawful basis.
20. GOVERNING LAW
These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of Scotland.
Nothing in this provision removes mandatory consumer protections or legal rights that may apply to students residing elsewhere.
21. STUDENT DECLARATION
By submitting the enrolment form, I confirm that:
- I have read and understood the Behaviour Grooming Diploma Terms & Conditions.
- I understand the nature, duration and requirements of the programme.
- I understand that the diploma awards an independent professional certification and is not an Ofqual-regulated qualification.
- I understand my responsibilities regarding study, assessment and animal welfare.
- I understand the certification renewal requirements.
- I agree to comply with the Academy’s Code of Conduct and Ethical Pledge.
- I understand that my statutory consumer rights remain protected.
The Holistic Grooming Academy Ltd
Education with heart. Science with purpose.