Appeals Procedure
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 a CIMSPA qualification at Active X Backs and provides learners with a formal route to appeal against a decision.
Active X Backs learners will be assessed against CIMSPA published criteria.
In addition Active X Backs 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
As our planned course is entirely online, involving the automated delivery of information AND assessments, Active X Backs does not have any assessors reviewing the submission of assessments. In the event that Active X Backs develops more training that is not entirely online and therefore hires a new Assessor, that person 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) is (are) achieved.
Examples of areas you may wish to appeal against.
- You feel you have not been given the correct support throughout the course.
- You found there was very little contact or response from your teachers during parts or all of the Course.
- A marking decision was unfair
- You feel you have been unfairly treated by a member of staff or fellow learner
The appeal procedure to be followed comprises of 3 stages.
Stage 1
Appeal through Active X Backs appeals system
Contact the Clinical Director within 7 days of the issue occurring. If still unresolved, please see stage two of the appeals process
Stage 2
A written appeal should be made by the learner to CIMSPA’s Head of Quality Assurance.
The Head of Quality Assurance will investigate the issue thoroughly and respond in writing within 14 working days
Stage 3
The learner will be offered a formal appeals hearing (costs associated). This will be conducted within 6 weeks by the appeals panel comprising of:
- An independent appeals board member
- The Clinical Director of Active X Backs
- The Head of Quality Assurance at CIMSPA
Throughout the assessment process Active X Backs will comply fully with CIMSPA’s policy on reasonable adjustments and special considerations that can be found on CIMSPA’s website https://www.cimspa.co.uk/
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 Acitve X Backs, 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 on 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 Acitve X Backs prior to assessment so that an informed decision can be made in terms of an appropriate action plan.
Fees
There will be a charge of £125.00 for handling appeals that progress beyond stage 1 that are NOT upheld. If upheld the fee should be waived.
