Special Consideration Policy CILEX
Special Consideration Policy for the Level 6 Law and Practice Diploma
1. Purpose
This policy outlines the procedures and criteria for granting Special Consideration to learners enrolled in the Level 6 Law and Practice Diploma. Special Consideration is intended to ensure that learners are not unfairly disadvantaged in their assessments due to unforeseen circumstances or events beyond their control.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all learners enrolled in the Level 6 Law and Practice Diploma. It covers situations where learners are affected by mitigating circumstances during assessments and outlines the process for requesting and granting Special Consideration.
3. Key Definitions
- Special Consideration: A process where adjustments are made to assessments to account for learners who experience adverse circumstances which affect their ability to complete an assessment, or the quality of their performance during an assessment.
- Learner: Any student enrolled in the Level 6 Law and Practice Diploma.
- Adverse Circumstances: Any situation beyond the learner’s control that could significantly impact their ability to perform during assessments. Examples include illness, bereavement, personal trauma, or other emergencies.
4. Eligibility for Special Consideration
To qualify for Special Consideration, learners must demonstrate that they have been significantly affected by circumstances that have impacted their ability to complete or perform to the best of their ability in an assessment. Special Consideration may be granted in the following situations:
- Illness: Learners who are unable to attend or perform during assessments due to short-term illness (e.g., flu, severe anxiety, etc.) may qualify for Special Consideration.
- Bereavement or Family Emergency: Learners who have experienced the death of a close family member or a significant personal crisis may be eligible.
- Accidents or Personal Injury: Learners who suffer from accidents or injury close to the time of an assessment, preventing their participation or affecting performance.
- Other Unforeseen Circumstances: Any other significant life event that is unexpected and can be demonstrated to have impaired the learner’s ability to participate in or complete the assessment.
To qualify, the learner must meet the following conditions:
- Notification: The learner must inform the course leader or designated academic staff as soon as possible, and no later than five working days after the affected assessment date. Notification must be accompanied by supporting evidence, such as medical certificates, death certificates, or any relevant documentation.
- Impact on Assessment: The learner must be able to demonstrate that the adverse circumstance(s) has impacted their ability to complete or perform in the assessment. This includes cases where the learner has been unable to attend an exam, submit coursework on time, or perform to their usual standard.
5. Special Consideration Measures
Once Special Consideration is granted, the following measures may be considered depending on the nature of the circumstance:
- Extension of Coursework Deadlines: Learners may be given an extended deadline for submitting coursework if they were unable to complete it due to the adverse circumstance.
- Resit Opportunities: Learners who were unable to attend an exam due to illness, bereavement, or other valid reasons may be offered the opportunity to resit the exam at a later date.
- Adjustment of Marks: In certain circumstances, where it is apparent that an assessment was significantly affected, the learner’s performance may be reviewed, and an adjustment made to ensure fairness. This might include adjustments to exam marks or coursework grades.
- Alternative Assessment Formats: If a learner is unable to complete an assessment in the standard format due to the nature of the adverse circumstance, alternative formats (e.g., oral exams or extended written assessments) may be considered.
The specific Special Consideration granted will depend on the individual circumstances and the evidence provided by the learner. The course leader, in consultation with the relevant assessment panel, will determine the most appropriate course of action to support the learner while maintaining academic integrity.
6. Process for Requesting Special Consideration
- Step 1: Notification: The learner must notify the course leader or designated staff as soon as possible, and no later than five working days after the affected assessment. The notification should be made in writing, either via email or through the institution’s designated forms.
- Step 2: Evidence Submission: The learner must submit relevant supporting evidence to validate their claim for Special Consideration. This evidence could include medical certificates, proof of bereavement, or any other documentation that clearly demonstrates the nature and impact of the adverse circumstance.
- Step 3: Review: The course leader, in consultation with the relevant academic staff or assessment panel, will review the learner’s situation. A decision will be made on whether Special Consideration is appropriate and, if so, what measures will be taken. Learners will be informed of the decision within 15 working days of submitting their request.
- Step 4: Implementation: If Special Consideration is granted, the agreed-upon adjustments will be put in place, and the learner will be informed of the changes to their assessment schedule or requirements.
7. Confidentiality and Data Protection
All personal information and documentation relating to Special Consideration requests will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Personal data will be stored securely and used solely for the purpose of reviewing the request. Any information related to Special Consideration will not be shared with individuals not involved in the decision-making process.
8. Appeals
If a learner disagrees with the decision made regarding their request for Special Consideration, they have the right to appeal. Appeals must be submitted in writing to the Appeals Committee within 10 working days of receiving the decision. The committee will review the appeal and may uphold or revise the original decision based on the new evidence or arguments presented.
9. Monitoring and Review
The institution will monitor the application of Special Consideration to ensure that it is applied fairly and consistently. This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it aligns with best practices, legal requirements, and the institution’s commitment to fairness in assessment.
10. Publication of Policy
This policy will be made publicly available to all learners at the start of the Level 6 Law and Practice Diploma. It will be included in course handbooks, on the institution’s website, and will be accessible to students who may need to request Special Consideration.
Approved by: [Institution Name]
Date: [Approval Date]
Review Date: [Review Date]