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Enquiries and Appeals Policy

1. Introduction

1.1. Policy Statement

The Enquiries and Appeals policy and associated procedures will provide for the effective challenge of assessment decisions and/or results, on the premise that the Agile Business Consortium did not apply processes and procedures consistently or that processes, and procedures were not followed properly and fairly.

This document explains the process that Learners need to go through if they wish to question a decision in relation to the above. There may be fees associated with each stage of the process and so this document should be read alongside the Agile Business Consortium’s Fees list, which is available on request.

1.2. Scope and Definitions

The Agile Business Consortium aims to ensure that all decisions are fair, consistent, and based on valid judgements. However, we recognise that there may be occasions when you wish to enquire or appeal a decision. This is distinct from a Complaint, which is an expression of dissatisfaction with the service received from the Agile Business Consortium, but which does not seek to directly overturn a decision or judgement relating to assessments and Awards.

This policy applies to both Enquiries/Appeals about Assessment results, and also about the outcomes of applications for reasonable adjustments or special considerations.

1.3. Process Overview

There are two stages of enquiry or appeal, depending on the nature of the decision. Each must be completed before progression to the next stage:

  • Enquiry and Review – Stage 1
  • Appeal – Stage 2

 

2. Stage 1: Enquiry and Review

2.1. Assessment Results

An enquiry about an assessment result gives the Learner the opportunity to question the result of an assessment.

Learners must:

  • be aware that the result/grade may be lowered as the result of the enquiry.
  • submit the details of your enquiry/Appeal to <link> within 25 days of the results being issued by the Agile Business Consortium to the ADP.
  • provide proof of identification.

The Agile Business Consortium will acknowledge your enquiry/appeal application within 3 working days of receipt and will review the enquiry/appeal and the appellant will be informed that the enquiry/appeal is in or out of scope within 5 working days of receipt of the enquiry/appeal by the Agile Business Consortium. The Agile Business Consortium will respond to your enquiry/appeal within 20 working days of receiving it.

There are two types of enquiry available depending on the type of assessment:

a) An administrative check for multiple choice assessments. The Agile Business Consortium will ensure that the Learner responses have been accurately recorded and will check the overall mark and grade (if grading is applicable to the Award).

b) A review of marking is available for other assessments. An administrative check will be conducted first and then an examiner/marker will review the script.

2.1.1. Outcomes

There are three possible outcomes to an enquiry:

  • The assessment result is upgraded, for example, from a Fail to Pass. the Agile Business Consortium will amend its records and if applicable, send a certificate to the Learner which reflects the achievement.
  • The assessment result is confirmed.
  • The assessment result is downgraded.

The issue of a certificate will depend on the outcome. If the assessment result is confirmed or downgraded, then the appellant may appeal (Stage 2).

2.2. Reasonable Adjustments and Special Considerations

An enquiry/appeal regarding the decision made about an application for Reasonable Adjustments or Special Considerations.

The Learner must submit the reasons for the appeal to the Agile Business Consortium within 10 working days of the decision being issued. The appeal must be accompanied by a clear reason for the disagreement and any supporting evidence. The appeal must be submitted to [email address]

If the Learner wishes to appeal the decision from Stage 1, then the appellant may progress to Stage 2. This must be submitted within 10 working days of the Stage 1 decision. Details of fees are available in the Agile Business Consortium Fees list.

3. Stage 2: Appeal

Stage 2 is only available if a Learner wishes to appeal against the outcome of Stage 1. See the Agile Business Consortium Fees list for fees.

3.1. Appeals Process

The appellant must submit the appeal to the Agile Business Consortium within 10 working days of being notified out the Stage 1 outcome. The appeal must be sent to [email protected] and detail the specific reason why the appellant believes that the Agile Business Consortium did not make a fair or valid judgement or follow the correct processes and procedures during Stage 1. Additional supporting documentation and evidence must be provided and referenced. If the application does not include the required information, it will be returned to the appellant. A deadline for re-submission will be given. This must be met in order for the appeal to be heard.

An Appeals Panel is then convened consisting of appropriate experts including:

  • At least one the Agile Business Consortium Director who had no involvement in the case prior to this stage; and
  • At least one independent member who is not employed by the Agile Business Consortium, nor has any personal interest in the decision being Appealed.

The case will be considered by the Appeals Panel. The Appeals Panel’s review will only concern the Agile Business Consortium’s procedures and their application. An Appeal is intended to confirm that all processes were followed correctly during decision making, and during the initial Enquiry review.

The Agile Business Consortium will acknowledge receipt of the application within 3 working days and send you details of the panel hearing. The Appeal Panel will normally meet within 30 days of receipt of the appeal, where practicable. The Agile Business Consortium will write to you within 10 working days of the meeting with the Appeal Panel’s decision and their reasons for the decision. The Appeal Panel’s decision is final.

3.1.1. Outcomes

There are two possible outcomes to an Appeal:

  • The outcome of the Enquiry is upheld
  • The outcome of the Enquiry is overturned

The Agile Business Consortium will write to you within 5 working days of the Appeals Panel meeting to inform you of the decision and reasons for it.

The Appeals Panel may also offer recommendations to the Agile Business Consortium and/or the ADP where it has identified scope for Improvement.