Appeals Policy for the Level 6 Law and Practice Diploma - CILEX
Purpose The purpose of this policy is to outline the procedures by which learners enrolled in the Level 6 Law and Practice Diploma can appeal academic decisions, including assessment results, decisions regarding special considerations, resits, or any other academic matter. This policy ensures that all appeals are dealt with fairly, transparently, and in accordance with institutional procedures.
Scope This policy applies to all learners enrolled in the Level 6 Law and Practice Diploma. It covers appeals against academic decisions made during the Diploma, including but not limited to:
Decisions regarding reasonable adjustments or special consideration.
Decisions regarding the progression of learners through the Diploma.
Any other academic decisions affecting learners’ rights and responsibilities.
Definitions
Appeal: A formal request made by a learner to review a specific academic decision, usually because the learner believes that the decision was made incorrectly or unfairly.
Academic Decision: A decision related to a learner’s academic performance, progression, assessment outcomes, or any decisions made by academic staff that affect the learner’s academic journey.
Grounds for Appeal: The legitimate reasons a learner can provide for requesting an appeal, including procedural errors, personal circumstances, or concerns about fairness.
Grounds for Appeal A learner may appeal an academic decision if they believe one or more of the following grounds are applicable:
Procedural Irregularities: There was a failure to follow proper procedures or regulations in the assessment or decision-making process. This includes errors in marking, not following the correct assessment methods, or not adhering to the specified deadlines.
Unfair Treatment: The learner believes that they were treated unfairly or that the decision was biased or inconsistent with decisions made for other learners in similar circumstances.
Extenuating Circumstances: The learner can demonstrate that they experienced extenuating circumstances (e.g., illness, personal crisis) which significantly impacted their ability to perform in assessments, and that these circumstances were not properly taken into consideration.
New Evidence: The learner has new evidence that was not available at the time of the initial decision and which could affect the outcome of the assessment or academic decision.
How to Submit an Appeal To submit an appeal, the learner must follow these steps:
Step 1: Informal Resolution In the first instance, the learner should attempt to resolve the issue informally by discussing their concerns with the Diploma leader or relevant academic staff. This may help clarify any misunderstandings or provide an opportunity for the issue to be addressed without the need for a formal appeal.
Step 2: Formal Appeal Submission If the informal resolution does not lead to a satisfactory outcome, the learner may submit a formal appeal. The appeal must be submitted in writing to the Appeals Committee or designated appeals officer within 10 working days of receiving the decision being appealed. The appeal should include:
A clear explanation of the grounds for appeal.
Supporting evidence (e.g., medical certificates, emails, or other documentation).
The desired outcome or resolution sought by the learner (e.g., re-assessment, re-marking, reconsideration of extenuating circumstances).
Step 3: Acknowledgement of Appeal Upon receipt of the appeal, the institution will acknowledge the appeal within five working days. Learners will be informed of the next steps in the appeals process and the timeline for a decision.
Appeal Review Process
Step 1: Initial Review The Appeals Committee will review the appeal to determine whether it meets the necessary grounds for appeal. If the grounds are insufficient, the appeal may be dismissed at this stage, and the learner will be notified of this decision.
Step 2: Investigation and Review of Evidence If the appeal is accepted for review, the Appeals Committee will conduct a thorough investigation. This may involve:
Reviewing the learner’s academic records, including assessments and feedback.
Reviewing any relevant documentation (e.g., medical records, communication with academic staff).
Speaking to relevant staff members involved in the decision being appealed.
Step 3: Decision After the investigation, the Appeals Committee will make a decision. Possible outcomes include:
Appeal Upheld: The committee may uphold the appeal and revise the academic decision, such as awarding a resit, granting special consideration, or adjusting assessment results.
Appeal Rejected: The committee may reject the appeal if it finds the academic decision was fair and in accordance with institutional procedures.
Further Action Required: In some cases, the committee may request additional information or suggest alternative actions, such as further assessments or adjustments to support the learner.
Outcome of Appeal Learners will be informed of the outcome of their appeal in writing within 20 working days of the formal appeal submission. The written notification will include:
A clear explanation of the committee’s decision.
Any actions taken as a result of the appeal (e.g., resit arrangements, adjustments to assessments).
The right to further appeal to an independent body (e.g., an external ombudsman or regulatory body) if the learner is dissatisfied with the outcome of the internal appeal process.
Confidentiality and Data Protection All information related to the appeal will be treated as confidential and will only be shared with those involved in the review process. The institution will ensure that the appeal process complies with all data protection regulations and handles personal data responsibly.
Appeal Timeline
Submission of Appeal: The learner must submit the appeal within 10 working days of the decision being appealed.
Acknowledgement of Appeal: The appeal will be acknowledged within 10 working days of submission.
Appeal Outcome: The learner will be informed of the outcome within 20 working days of submitting the appeal.
Appeals Against Resit/Retake Decisions If a learner is dissatisfied with the decision made regarding a resit or retake (such as being required to retake a module or the grade awarded for a resit), they can appeal the decision. The appeal will follow the same process as outlined above.
Monitoring and Review This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains compliant with academic regulations, is fair to learners, and supports transparency in decision-making. The institution will monitor appeal data to identify any patterns or areas of concern and make necessary adjustments to policies and procedures.
Publication of Policy This policy will be published in the Diploma handbook and on the Datalaw’s website. Learners will be made aware of the policy at the start of their studies and will be provided with information on how to submit an appeal if necessary.
