Introduction:
All learners are entitled to request reasonable adjustments under equality legislation. This policy outlines the procedures for learners and staff when considering reasonable adjustments and special considerations for learners undertaking a program of study and/or qualification. No additional fees will be charged for any agreed-upon reasonable adjustments.
Staff involved in the management, teaching, assessment, and quality assurance of courses and qualifications must be fully familiar with this policy, as well as any relevant awarding organization policy, to provide accurate guidance to learners.
Reasonable Adjustment:
A reasonable adjustment to a learning program or assessment is intended to reduce the impact of a disability, enabling a disabled candidate to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and understanding without compromising the qualification’s integrity. Examples include:
- Modifying standard learning or assessment arrangements, such as allowing extra time for an assessment activity.
- Adapting teaching or assessment materials, like using oral methods instead of written ones or providing materials in alternative fonts or colors.
- Providing assistance during learning and assessment, such as a reader or assistive technology.
The reasonableness of an adjustment will depend on individual circumstances, the specific course/qualification, cost implications, practicality, and effectiveness. Additional considerations include maintaining competence standards and ensuring health and safety.
Special Consideration:
Special consideration may be applied after an assessment if the learner was disadvantaged immediately before or during the assessment, such as due to a temporary illness, accident, or other uncontrollable event.
Applying Reasonable Adjustment:
Staff should attempt to identify any learner disabilities during enrollment or prior to registration with the awarding organization, considering any supporting evidence the learner provides.
Learners are encouraged to inform the center of any additional learning needs at the start of their program to receive the necessary support. However, learners may request reasonable adjustments at any time by discussing it with their tutor or a member of the program team.
Adjustments related to assessments must be requested no later than 15 working days before the assessment begins.
Any adjustment will be tailored to the individual learner, aiming to remove unnecessary barriers to success without compromising the qualification’s integrity. All adjustments will be made in compliance with awarding organization requirements and will be recorded in the learner’s records.
Applying for Special Consideration:
Special consideration is unlikely to apply to non-time constrained and uncontrolled assessment such as assignments or where assessments are available on demand and can be rescheduled without disadvantage.
Applications for special consideration will be made on behalf of a learner using the process defined by the relevant awarding organisation.
Learners are required to inform their tutor or other member of the course team of any circumstance that they feel negatively impacted their performance during an assessment as soon as possible but no more than 1 working day after the assessment, supporting evidence may be required.
Supporting Evidence:
Learners should, where possible, provide supporting evidence to accompany any request for reasonable adjustment or special consideration. This evidence may include medical reports, letters from doctors, police reports, or insurance claims. Failure to provide supporting documentation may limit the level of assistance available.
Decision Making:
It is the responsibility of Britsafe™ Qualifications UK Limited to implement reasonable adjustments in learning; however, any adjustments to assessment must align with and be approved by the relevant awarding organization before the assessment occurs.
If special consideration is deemed appropriate, an application will be submitted on behalf of the learner to the awarding organization, which will make all decisions regarding acceptance and consideration. If approved, the candidate’s performance will be reviewed based on the available evidence, as directed by the awarding organization.
Right of Appeal:
If a learner is dissatisfied with a decision regarding reasonable adjustment or special consideration, or if they believe the outlined procedures were not applied fairly or objectively, they may appeal using the Appeals Procedure.
