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Enquiries and Decision Appeals

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Table of Contents

1. General

1.1 To have an accessible appeals procedure for a learner to report dissatisfaction about results or any decisions affecting the outcomes of an assessment

1.2 Learners through the BII can appeal against:

  • assessment decisions and / or outcomes, including external assessment results
  • the outcome of an investigation into suspected malpractice
  • decisions concerning requests for reasonable adjustment or special considerations

1.3 The awarding body which is used by the BII is BIIAB Qualifications Limited, will make best endeavours to ensure all enquiries is resolved satisfactory before invoking a full appeals process

 

2. Process for the learner to lodge an appeal against a qualification decision.

2.1 The learner should put into writing the details of why they are not happy with the current result of their qualification or assessment into:

Head of Training
The British Institute of Innkeeping
Sentinel House Harvest Cresent
Fleet
Hants
GU51 2UZ

Or via email to training@bii.org

The learner needs to include the following details:

  • The qualification / assessment name
  • The date of the qualification or assessment
  • The reason why they feel it needs an appeal

 

3. Process for the BII when an appeal is received:

If the complaint by the learner is regarding an assessment, the BII will:

3.1 stipulate clear timelines to learners for making an enquiry which takes into account the timescales and guidelines in this document. To advise the learner that there is a fee to be paid for the appeal.

3.2 provide the following information in writing to the awarding body:

  • Centre name
  • Learner name and registration ID
  • Title and number of the qualifications or units being appealed against
  • Date of the assessment decision or date of the external quality assurance

 

4. Learner enquiries

Learners who disagree with the grading decision may enquire about that decision directly to about to: complianceandregulation@biiab.co.uk

If the learner goes directly to the awarding body to appeal against the result of a qualification or assessment, the following should be considered:

4.1 Learners must confirm that they:

  • have discussed the rationale for the assessment decision with the BII
  • will put in writing the reasons why they feel the decision is unsound;
  • will be responsible for any fees in order to undertake the enquiry

4.2 The centre must confirm that it:

  • has discussed the rationale for the original decision with the learner;
  • will facilitate subsequent secondary quality assurance of the work at the centre if this is appropriate;
  • has made the learner aware that fees will be payable

4.3 Learners may nominate an appropriate representative to act on their behalf only if they are unable to represent themselves, for example by reason of disability, on medical grounds, or because they are under the age of 18. Learners wishing to nominate a representative must do so at the beginning of the process, giving a clear reason why they cannot represent themselves. If this is not done, we will be unable to communicate with that nominated representative.

 

5. Appeals

5.1 An appeal must be made by the Head of Training within 10 working days of receiving the decision from the awarding body, following the outcome of an initial enquiry and subsequent review by the Head of Finance and Services , or someone of equivalent authority. At this stage, the focus will be on the procedures followed and the evidence initially provided. No new evidence will be admitted.

5.2 The awarding body will notify the centre of the procedures and steps to be taken at the start of the appeals process, which will include:

5.2.1. Convening an appeals Panel which will include individuals who have no personal interest in the decision being appealed and at least one decisionmaker who is not an employee, a sub-contractor or otherwise connected to the awarding body.

5.2.2. Gathering all appropriate evidence which will include:

    • (i) original learner evidence
    • (ii) initial enquiry reports
    • (iii) relevant group policy and procedures
    • (iv) timelines throughout the process

5.3 The decision of the Appeals Panel will be final, and the outcome communicated to the appellant within 5 working days of the panel meeting

 

6. Outcomes of Enquiries and Appeals

6.1 Where an enquiry has the potential to have an adverse effect, the awarding body will inform the Regulators as per their requirements

6.2 Where an enquiry or an appeal is upheld and the outcome is seen to have a wider impact on other Centres or learners, the awarding body will ensure that:

  • the error is corrected, or if it cannot be corrected for any reason, the effect of such an outcome is mitigated.
  • policies and procedures are reviewed to prevent any future recurrence.
  • additional training of staff / sub-contractor is undertaken

 

7. Policy review

7.1 This policy is reviewed annually to ensure it continues to meet our needs and those of our learners, customers and regulators.