Press release: ABDO approved as a Registered Centre by the Chartered Management Institute

The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) has approved the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) to be a Registered Centre. ABDO previously operated as an e-centre with CMI and this change allows ABDO to consider any future management and leadership training offer more easily.

Approval was granted for ABDO to offer CMI regulated qualifications from Thursday 28 November 2024. These courses are:

•             Level 5 certificate in management and leadership (three different courses)

•             Level 5 diploma in management and leadership

As a Registered Centre, ABDO will work in partnership with CMI, the only chartered awarding organisation for leadership and management to deliver high quality, internationally recognised qualifications which that flexible and cost effective.

The courses are research-led, future-proofed and delivered online, enabling learners to combine study and work.

ABDO will focus on the training delivery and student support, whilst CMI will undertake the assignment assessment (marking and verification). This is a great combination for our learners as CMI are the awarding organisation for the qualifications.

Nick Walsh, ABDO head of corporate development, said: “Approval as a Registered Centre by CMI is a great accolade for ABDO. We have worked with them for a number of years as an e-centre, but this new approval will give ABDO scope to look at broadening delivery options and courses in future.

“Learners benefit from CMI membership and access to online learning materials via CMI’s ManagementDirect, as well as online resources provided by ABDO. Having these excellent assets is essential when learners are undergoing self-directed study. We are looking forward to working more closely with the CMI.”

Since the launch of ABDO’s management and leadership courses in 2020, 63 students have qualified and gone on to flourishing careers. ABDO offers three intakes per year with study start dates in January, May and September.

The next intake starts on 1 May 2025 – applications close 4 April 2025.

To find out more about the courses and to apply, please click here.

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Notes to Editors

  1. Media enquiries to Carol Smith csmith@abdo.org.uk
  2. Hi-res image available to download here.
  3. The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) is the only organisation that can award Chartered Manager status, the highest accolade for managers and leaders.
  4. The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) is the professional body for dispensing opticians – working for dispensing opticians and advancing the profession in the UK and worldwide.
  5. Registered address Unit 2 Court Lodge Offices, Godmersham Park, Canterbury, CT4 7DT.