Learner Appeals Policy and Procedure Purpose This policy outlines the procedures that learners can follow to appeal assessment decisions, addressing concerns about fairness, transparency, and compliance with awarding body standards. It ensures that all appeals are dealt with impartially and promptly, in line with regulatory requirements. Scope This policy applies to: Learners enrolled in any program delivered by the organization. Assessment decisions including written, practical, and portfolio work. Disciplinary actions or decisions impacting a learner’s qualification. Policy Statement The organization is committed to: 1.Ensuring fairness in all assessments and decisions. 2.Providing learners with a clear, transparent, and accessible appeals process. 3.Resolving appeals in a timely, consistent, and impartial manner. 4.Aligning the process with awarding body regulations and legal requirements. Grounds for Appeal A learner may appeal an assessment decision on the following grounds: 1.Perceived Bias or Improper Conduct: The assessor demonstrated favoritism, discrimination, or improper behavior. 2.Procedural Errors: Assessment procedures were not followed as per policy. 3.Evidence Disregard: Relevant evidence submitted by the learner was overlooked or misinterpreted. 4.Exceptional Circumstances: Issues such as illness or unforeseen events that were not considered at the time of the decision. 5.Malpractice Allegations: Disputes regarding accusations of learner malpractice. Appeals Procedure Stage 1: Informal Resolution 1.The learner should discuss their concerns informally with the assessor or course tutor within five working days of receiving the decision. 2.If the issue is resolved at this stage, no further action is necessary. 3.If not resolved, the learner may proceed to a formal appeal. Stage 2: Formal Appeal 1.Submission: The learner must submit a written appeal to the program coordinator or appeals officer within 10 working days of the initial decision. The appeal should include: Learner's name and program details. Clear reasons for the appeal with supporting evidence (if applicable). Desired outcome or resolution. 2.Acknowledgment: The appeals officer will acknowledge receipt of the appeal within three working days. 3.Review: An impartial panel will review the appeal, which may include senior staff and external assessors (if required by the awarding body). The review will involve examining all relevant documentation, conducting interviews (if necessary), and consulting awarding body guidelines. 4.Outcome: The learner will receive a written decision within 15 working days of submitting the appeal. The decision will include: An explanation of the findings. Actions to be taken (e.g., reassessment, grade adjustment). Information on further appeal options, if applicable. Stage 3: Escalation to Awarding Body 1.If the learner is unsatisfied with the internal outcome, they may escalate their appeal to the awarding body (e.g., ITEC). 2.Instructions for escalation, including deadlines and required documentation, will be provided. Stage 4: External Resolution Learners retain the right to escalate unresolved appeals to regulatory authorities such as Ofqual or professional bodies if applicable. Monitoring and Record-Keeping 1.A record of all appeals will be maintained for a minimum of five years. 2.The organization will analyze trends from appeals to identify and address systemic issues. Timeframes Overview StageActionTimeframe Informal ResolutionDiscuss with assessor/tutorWithin 5 working days Formal Appeal SubmissionSubmit written appealWithin 10 working days AcknowledgmentReceipt of appealWithin 3 working days Review and OutcomeDecision communicatedWithin 15 working days Escalation to Awarding BodyLearner escalates if dissatisfiedPer awarding body guidelines