Question 1

Who is the Academy for?

Accepted Answer

The Academy is open to any dog and cat shelter or rehoming organisation, from small volunteer-run shelters to established animal rescues. We welcome organisations from both the UK and overseas.

Question 2

Where do the learning opportunities take place?

Accepted Answer

Most of our learning opportunities are delivered as live online sessions, but some Foundations of Shelter Management sessions are also available as e-learning and pre-recorded sessions.  We offer one in-person learning opportunity (the Residential Week) for those who complete Foundations of Shelter Management, and this is delivered at Battersea’s sites in London and Old Windsor.

Question 3

What language skills are required?

Accepted Answer

All sessions are currently delivered in English only, so we ask that attendees have good spoken and written English language skills to ensure they get the most from each learning opportunity.

Question 4

How do I book onto an Academy learning opportunity?

Accepted Answer

To book any Battersea Academy learning opportunity, you need an Academy Online account. You can create an account for free on Academy Online.

Question 5

Do you offer tours for other shelters?

Accepted Answer

Tours for UK and international shelters and rehoming organisations are offered subject to the availability of the Academy team. We ask for a minimum of three weeks’ notice. You should submit your request to academy@battersea.org.uk

Question 6

What is Academy Online?

Accepted Answer

Academy Online is a free e-learning platform which is available to shelters and rehoming organisations based in the UK and overseas. You can use it to complete e-learning and pre-recorded modules as part of our Foundations of Shelter Management qualification and book places on Academy learning opportunities. It also has a comprehensive resources section.

Question 7

Is there a charge for an Academy Online account

Accepted Answer

No, an Academy Online account is free. Depending on your organisation’s annual income, there may be a cost to access learning opportunities, but for most shelters and rehoming organisations, these are all also free of charge.

Question 8

How do I attain an Academy Online account?

Accepted Answer

A member of the Academy team will confirm the details you have provided. If you are eligible for an account, it will normally be approved in 24 hours after which you can book onto our learning opportunities, access the resources section and begin working on the Foundations of Shelter Management e-learning and pre-recorded modules.

Question 9

My Academy Online account has not been approved, what should I do?

Accepted Answer

If you have not received an automated email confirming your account within 72 hours of creating it, please email and a member of the team will be able to help you.

Question 10

I am struggling to create an Academy Online account, can someone help me?

Accepted Answer

If you have not received an automated email confirming your account within 72 hours of creating it, please email and a member of the team will be able to help you.

Question 11

I don’t work for a rescue. Can I have an Academy Online account?

Accepted Answer

We do accept registrations from other organisations, such as UK Local Authorities, however, you may be charged to attend Academy learning opportunities. For more information, please email.

Question 12

Can I still access my Academy Online account if I leave the sector or move to another rescue?

Accepted Answer

Please email if you are leaving the sector or moving to another organisation so we can update your details and signpost you to the most suitable learning opportunities for your new role.

Question 13

How do we evaluate the success of the Academy?

Accepted Answer

To help us ensure our learning opportunities, attendees will be asked to complete a short survey so we can understand what the key takeaways have been from sessions attended and any opportunities for further learning.Organisations will also be asked to complete an annual survey, so that we can understand how the Academy’s learning opportunities have supported the whole organisation.

Question 14

What is the new self-assessment tool?

Accepted Answer

If you want help identifying possible learning gaps in your shelter or rehoming organisation, then you can download our Shelter Self-Assessment tool.   By answering the questions and reflecting on different business areas of your organisation, you’ll be able to see what Academy learning sessions your teams need to attend.

Question 15

Is there a charge for Shelters & Rehoming organisations?

Accepted Answer

An Academy Online account is free. Organisations with an annual income less than £5m do not pay fees for any Academy courses and learning opportunities. When you create an Academy Online account, we will ask you for your organisation’s income, if we are not able to verify it through public channels such as the Charity Commission website.

Question 16

I am eligible to attend the Residential Week. Is there a bursary available?

Accepted Answer

Organisations with an annual income of less than £3.5m (UK), or £4m (international) can apply for a bursary to help with subsistence costs (travel, accommodation, and food) if they are attending the Residential Week.  Proof of income is required as part of the application process.

Question 17

I work for a local authority. How much does the Dog Behaviour & Safety programme cost?

Accepted Answer

The price for our two-day Dog Behaviour & Safety course is determined by whether it is delivered online or in-person. The online course costs £175 per person and the in-person cost is £300 per person. Both are exclusive of VAT.

Question 18

How do you process and store my data?

Accepted Answer

Battersea processes your personal data in accordance with the legal requirements set out in the following Data Protection Legislation:  Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA2018)  General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR)  Privacy and Electronic Communication Regulations (PECR)  Battersea’s operations are based in the UK, and we store our data within the European Economic Area (EEA).

Question 19

How long will you retain my data for?

Accepted Answer

We will retain personal information for different periods of time in line with our Retention Policy and Schedules, relevant laws and best practice recommendations. When we no longer need to retain your information, we will ensure it is securely erased.  If you would like more information on our Retention Policy and Schedules.

Question 20

Do you share my data with third parties?

Accepted Answer

Battersea will not exchange or sell your personal information to another organisation for their own marketing purposes.  However, there are some situations where we may have to share your personal information with a contracted supplier, such as the facilitator of an Academy programme. We also work with third parties to monitor the success of our Academy programme and conduct market research activities on our behalf.  Whenever we do work with a third party, strict security requirements will be in place to protect your personal information.

Question 21

Where can I find out more information?

Accepted Answer

You can find out more information in our privacy policy. For general enquiries, please contact the Academy team For personal data rights requests and data protection complaints and queries, please email the Data Protection team or post to them: Data Protection,Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, 4 Battersea Park Road, London SW8 4AA.

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