TR343
Reasonable Adjustments Policy
Definition of reasonable adjustments.
Reasonable adjustments are adjustments made to an assessment that will enable a disabled candidate to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and understanding to the levels of attainment required by the relevant CIM qualification specification. CIM align their Reasonable Adjustments Policy to the JCQ guidance document Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments 2015- 2016.
Reasonable Adjustments.
The Equality Act 2010 requires an awarding body to make reasonable adjustments where a candidate, who is disabled within the meaning of the Equality Act 2010 would be at a substantial disadvantage in comparison to someone who is not disabled. The awarding body is required to take reasonable steps to overcome that disadvantage.
A reasonable adjustment may be unique to that individual and may not be included in the list of available access arrangements. Whether an adjustment will be considered reasonable will depend on a number of factors which will include, but are not limited to:
the needs of the disabled candidate/learner; the effectiveness of the adjustment; the cost of the adjustment; and the likely impact of the adjustment upon the candidate and other candidates.
An adjustment will not be approved if it:
involves unreasonable costs to the awarding body; involves unreasonable timeframes; or affects the security and integrity of the assessment.
This is because the adjustment is not ‘reasonable’.
In most cases it will not be reasonable for adjustments to be made to assessment objectives within a qualification. To do so would likely undermine the effectiveness of the qualification in providing a reliable indication of the knowledge, skills and understanding of the candidate.
There is no duty to make adjustments which the qualifications regulators have specified should not be made. Accredited Study Centres should assess, from initial diagnostic testing and the induction of students, which of them will require access and reasonable adjustments for assessment.
Reasonable Adjustments Policy V5 October 2015 Page 1 of 3 Candidates are also advised to inform their Accredited Study Centre of any additional learning needs when starting their course, as the Centre should be able to provide guidance and assistance when it comes to studying, revising, the writing of assignments or creating portfolios.
Process for reasonable adjustments
It is the responsibility of Accredited Study Centres to ensure they are aware of any identified needs to ensure they request reasonable adjustments for their candidates and outline what they believe is required, so that the appropriate action may be taken by CIM. Requests for tape recordings, Braille or large print papers should be made as soon as possible after first registering as a candidate with CIM.
CIM will consider each request on a case by case basis.
It takes time to set up special arrangements at examination centres, and CIM will ensure that any reasonable adjustment made does not over-compensate for a condition that would give a candidate an unfair advantage over others. A request for official evidence will need to accompany any application for Reasonable Adjustment.
CIM has an established support mechanism for Accredited Study Centres who wish to apply on behalf of their candidates under the terms of ‘Reasonable Adjustment’. More information may be obtained by phoning the Customer Team on +44 (0)1628 427136 or e-mailing [email protected]
Reasonable Adjustments claim form.
The Reasonable Adjustments claim form is on the Tutor Zone.
Centres wishing to make a claim for reasonable adjustments on behalf of a candidate, must e-mail Reasonable Adjustments every time the candidate enters an assessment: [email protected]
The Reasonable Adjustments claim form must be completed the first time a reasonable adjustment claim is made for a particular candidate, and evidence attached. For further reasonable adjustment claims for that candidate, CIM should be notified but the claim form does not have to be completed. However, should the candidate’s condition alter, a new reasonable adjustments claim form should be completed, and evidence attached. The Reasonable Adjustments claim form or for requests mentioned above, should be made:
By e-mail: [email protected] or By post to: Exams Services Team Leader, Reasonable Adjustments, CIM, Moor Hall, Cookham, Berkshire SL6 9QH, UK or By phone +44 (0)1628 427136.
Reasonable Adjustments Policy V5 October 2015 Page 2 of 4 The Reasonable Adjustments claim form must be sent by the Accredited Study Centre before CIM’s deadline as detailed on the Awarding Body Key Dates document on the Tutor Zone. CIM will send an acknowledgement of receipt of the claim form.
Examinations: CIM will allocate the candidate to an examination centre and make suitable arrangements. The candidate will be informed of these and a note will be made on their record. Invigilators and examination centre staff will be informed of the arrangements in order to assist with their smooth administration.
CIM is obliged by its regulator to record information relating to reasonable adjustments.
Monitoring and evaluation.
Data will be collected at the time of declaration by those candidates disclosing the need for reasonable adjustment. Confidentiality will be maintained in accordance with the UK Data Protection Act. Information detailing action taken is produced for each CIM Exam Board. Names of candidates are not included in this information.
All findings are reported to the Head of Awarding Body, who will, if necessary, direct staff to enhance or alter the department’s procedures. The findings will also be reported for information and action, if necessary, to other CIM departments, to ensure their procedures are consistent. Names of candidates are not included in this report. Accredited Study Centres may also receive feedback from their CIM Networks Manager, should they not be adhering to CIM’s policies.
Other related CIM policies and documents.
Other related CIM policies and documents can be found on CIM Learning Zone under Assessments, Policies and processes, and on the Tutor Zone:
Reasonable Adjustments claim form Special Consideration Policy Customer Service Policy.
Policy Owner: Head of Awarding Body Review Period: August-October 2016
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