(1) This policy sets out the principles, circumstances, grounds and possible outcomes of an appeal by a student against a decision made by the College, as specified in the ‘Right to Challenge a Decision’ section. (2) Where the word appeal is used in this document, it is used to refer to any type of appeal, as defined in the ‘Definitions’ section, save where a distinction is made. (3) The policy applies to students wishing to appeal decisions made by the College. (4) The policy also applies to all Staff and Faculty in the conduct of the appeals process. (5) Students may formally challenge any decision specified in the ‘Right to Challenge a Decision’ section. (6) The Academic Board is ultimately responsible for the implementation of the Appeals Policy. (7) Learners may choose from one of the two following options when seeking to challenge a decision specified in the ‘Right to Challenge a Decision’ section. While both options are designated as ‘ (8) Deliberative decision-making bodies are required to consider evidence and make formal judgements according to specified criteria. (9) Certain formal committees of the College have formal deliberative, decision-making powers delegated to them by the Academic Board. These bodies include, but are not limited to: (10) Certain officers of the College have formal decision-making powers arising from their functions. These officers include, but are not limited to, the: (11) In some instances, specific members of Staff or Faculty are empowered to make decisions about students’ academic performance (such as Assessors). These individuals are considered to have assessment decision-making authority under this (12) It shall be at the sole discretion of the College, normally represented by the Academic Dean, to determine whether any committees, officers or individuals not mentioned in this section (‘Decision-making authority’) have decision-making authority. (13) This (14) (15) The conduct of an (16) (17) All (18) A (19) No person considering an (20) Any person asked to consider an (21) An Appeals Committee may comprise persons external to the day-to-day operation of the College, with relevant competence and independence to contribute to the decision(s) being made. (22) As an (23) The Chairperson for an Appeals Committee will be a person with significant experience of academic decision making. (24) (25) All (26) Hearsay and opinion are not considered as evidence. (27) Where a student wishes to present to the Appeals Committee, they may seek to do so at the point of (28) A student may opt to be accompanied by a friend or family member in a supportive capacity. However, where this person is a member of the legal profession, they cannot act in that capacity. (29) (30) Where a student does seek to bring legal representation to any meeting, the student must notify the College in writing of their intent within five working days as the legal representatives of the College will also be required to attend. (31) After an (32) A student cannot seek to use an (33) Students can appeal: (34) Students can seek a (35) Valid grounds for an (36) Disagreement with a decision does not constitute valid grounds for an (37) Disappointment with an (38) Complaints about individuals or about the established (39) Where a student makes an application to (40) A decision that has previously been reviewed or appealed cannot be appealed on the same grounds again. (41) Issues that affect entire cohorts or groups of students are not dealt with under the Appeals Policy. (42) An initial desk-based (43) Subject to (44) Consideration of any (45) Investigation of the factual accuracy of the student’s assertions, which may include input from the original decision-maker(s) and/or a consultation of uploaded (46) An Appeals Committee consists of three members including the chairperson. (47) A panel of potential members and external chairpersons will be appointed by the Academic Board on a biannual basis. (48) There are two criteria for the membership of an Appeals Committee: (49) Normally, the Chairperson of the committee is a person external to the College with significant experience in (50) A gender balance should be maintained where possible. (51) A note-taker, not a member of the committee, normally attends and prepares a formal record/written minutes of the committee proceedings for approval by the Chairperson. (52) The body considering the (53) If an (54) Note: Where an Appeals Policy
Section 1 - INTRODUCTION
Purpose
Scope
Definitions
Two Types of Appeal-
Decision-Making Authority
Section 2 - CONTEXT
Legal and Regulatory Context
Quality Assurance Guidelines
Assessment and Standards
Section 3 - POLICY STATEMENTS
Part A - Part A - Principles for Appeals
Natural Justice
Fairness
Due process
Independence
Competence
Valid Grounds
Evidence
Fair Representation
Non-Adversarial
No Right of Further Appeal
Part B - Policy for Appeals
Right to Challenge a Decision
Right of Appeal
Right of Review
Grounds for Appeal
Exclusions
Timing of an Appeal
Membership of the Appeals Committee
Possible Outcomes
Consequences of an Appeal Being Upheld
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To whom does the policy apply?
To what situations does the policy apply?
Who is responsible for implementing the policy?