Application Process for New Applicants Stage 1 – Submission of Application Part 1: to be completed by all applicants. There are three further application forms, one or two of which must also be completed by the applicant. Part 2: to be completed by those applying for accreditation in Promotional Management and Despatch Part 3: to be completed by those applying for accreditation in Order Payment and Despatch Part 4: to be completed by those applying for accreditation in both of these areas Please complete, print and return your application forms along with the documentation on the checklist below and the initial joining fee to ARM, 70 Margaret Street, London W1W 8SS. View Check List [+] View Fee Structure [+] Stage 2 – Pre Assessment Check Upon receipt of the application documentation the auditors will assess the submission and determine whether the required standards have been met via the information provided. If they have been met then an audit date will be arranged and an invoice sent for the remaining fees. If it is deemed that the organisation has not met the required standard then the auditors will write to the applicant indicating their areas of concern. Please note that the initial application fee is non-refundable at this point. Stage 3 – Annual Fee Once the auditors have received payment of the remaining fees, they will send the applicant confirmation of the audit visit date and name of the auditor (payment must be received prior to visit). Stage 4 – Audit Visit The audit visit is performed and the information within the application forms is verified. Applicants will be required to provide additional supporting paperwork as requested by the auditor. Procedures will need to be demonstrated and explained to the auditor during the visit. Any organisation that is unable to demonstrate the required standards will fail their assessment, with the fees being non refundable. A written report will be sent to the applicant detailing the auditor’s decision. Stage 5 – Confirmation of Accreditation A post visit report will be issued, detailing any recommendations for possible improvement (merely on points of observation, not affecting the awarding of accreditation). A certificate of accreditation will be awarded and use of the ARM logo authorised for the accredited year. Stage 6 – Accredited Company details on ARM website Once accredited the company details, together with a link to their website and a key contact, will be posted on the ARM website. Stage 7 - Monitoring During the accredited year further checks may be made on accredited companies. The auditors reserve the right to spot check accredited companies with a minimum of 48 hours notice. Members who produce documentation that expires within the accredited period will be requested to supply updated documentation as and when they expire. Any organisation that cannot continue to demonstrate that they meet the standards of the scheme may be suspended pending further investigation. Should this continue, after a reasonable period the auditors will report recommendations to the ARM Advisory Council who may withdraw the accreditation.