Learner Appeals Policy and Procedure
Purpose of the Policy
If a learner disagrees with an assessment decision in relation to any assessment decisions, then they have the right to appeal. The learner should first talk to his/her LSC to try to resolve the issue.
Scope of the Policy
This policy applies to all staff, associates, employers and learners involved in the qualification element of the training programme.
Other Related Documents and Procedures
- Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Quality Assurance Strategy
Access to the Policy
Staff and employers can access this policy remotely through the shared drive and Skills for Security website.
Responsibilities
The Managing Director for Skills for Security has the overall responsibility for this policy.
Senior managers have the responsibility for implementing and monitoring the overall effectiveness of this policy by carrying out internal investigations, and reporting on outcomes in regard to learner and employer appeals against an assessment decision.
Appeals procedure
There are three stages in the appeals procedure and each stage must be exhausted before proceeding to the next one. Learners are advised to keep their own copies of all the documents used in the appeals procedure.
Some examples of when this procedure be required are:
- When a learner does not understand why their evidence has not met the assessment criteria, due to lack of or unclear feedback from the LSC
- A learner believes that their evidence has met the assessment criteria and that the LDC has misjudged this or has failed to utilise some vital evidence.
Stage 1
The appeal must be in writing and clearly indicate the points of disagreement. Evidence should be provided to support the case reference the points that are being challenged.
Stage 2
If the matter cannot be resolved at stage 1, then the complainant should submit a written appeal to the Head of Quality, Jon Ansty at j.ansty@skillsforsecurity.org.uk within 5 working days of the conclusion of stage 1, along with the original documents. The Head of Quality will carry out an investigation and inform the relevant parties of the outcome within 10 working days. At this stage the appeal may be resolved.
Stage 3
If no resolution, the complainant will send the appeal in writing, including all supporting documentation, to the Director of Education within 10 working days of the conclusion of stage 2, who will review the complaint and the IQA’s report.
The Director of Education will reply to the complainant and if this resolves the matter, then no further action will be required. However, the complainant has the right to indicate that they wish for it to be escalated to the Awarding Organisation.
If you remain unhappy after following our own internal appeals procedure, then please contact the Awarding Organisation directly:
Awarding Organisation is Highfield Qualifications, centre number being 19714 and their appeals policy can be located on their website: www.highfieldabc.com Alternatively, please speak to the Highfield team on 0845 2260350.
Awarding Organisation is BPEC, you can submit an appeal in writing via email to assurance@bpec.org.uk
Should you address your appeal to Highfield and remain unhappy with the outcome you may then raise your appeal to the relevant qualification regulator (for example, OFQUAL, SQA Accreditations or Qualifications Wales dependent upon the qualification). Either a representative of Skills for Security or Highfield will be able to offer you guidance on the appropriate qualification regulator in each instance and provide contact details.
Last Review Date: April 2024
Next Review Date: April 2025
Position in Organisation: Head of Quality