The purpose of an appeals procedure is to ensure that every learner who is not satisfied with the outcome of an assessment decision has the right to appeal against the decision that has been made.

The appeals procedure applies to any learner following completion of an Focus Awards qualification at Create PT and provides learners with a formal route to appeal against a decision.

Create PT learners will be assessed against Focus Awards published criteria and by assessors who must hold or be working towards any of the following:

• Level 3 Award in Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment (QCF) or
• Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement (QCF) or
• Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment (QCF) or
• Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (QCF), or
• A1 (previously D32, D33)

In addition Create PT will ensure that assessors:

• Possess a discipline specific qualification equivalent to the qualification being taught
• Have relevant industry experience
• Demonstrate active involvement in a process of industry relevant Continued Professional Development during the last two years

All new Create PT assessors will be given a clear action plan for achieving the appropriate qualification(s) and should be countersigned by an appropriately qualified individual until the qualification(s) are achieved.

An example of where learners can make an appeal:

• Appeals from learners in relation to an assessment decision on the basis that the centre did not apply procedures consistently or that procedures were not followed properly and fairly, and as a result, the learner disagrees with the decision and wishes to challenge the outcome.

The appeal procedure to be followed comprises of 4 stages.

Stage 1: Learners should first make an appeal through the centre’s appeals system via the internal verifier or centre contact (Joshua Thursby). The time frame for a response is 5 working days.

If the appeal is unresolved, the learner should be advised of the next stage for appeal.

Stage 2: The Centre should contact the external verifier (5 working days). If the external verifier is not present or is unable to resolve the appeal issue, the learner should be directed to the third stage of the appeals process.

Stage 3: The learner should make a written appeal directly to Focus Awards head of quality assurance. The head of quality assurance will investigate the matter thoroughly and respond in writing within 14 working days.

Stage 4: The learner will be offered a formal appeals hearing (cast associated). This will be conducted within 6 weeks and will be conducted by the appeals panel compromising of:

• An independent appeals board member.
• The Director of quality standards.
• The Head of quality assurance.
• A senior management representative from the centre.
• A chairperson employed by the awarding body.

Throughout the assessment process Create PT will comply fully with Focus Awards policy on reasonable adjustments and special considerations.

Investigating appeals is very problematic without the presence of impartial evidence. Therefore appeals in the context of live observed assessments will only be considered when accompanied by a suitable video recording.

As a learner of Create PT you will be able to use a video recording as long as it does not adversely affect the assessment process, allows the assessor to carry their role and does not contravene a venue/organisations rules or regulations. The learner must make suitable arrangements to arrange a video operator.

If a medical issue has the potential to affect your performance then it is your responsibility to inform Create PT prior to assessment so that an informed decision can be made terms of an appropriate action plan. 

Thank you for your contribution and commitment to making our policy work.