Appeals Procedure (YMCA)

Harmonise Training Academy provides a formal route for learners wishing to appeal against an assessment decision.

All learners are assessed against agreed and published Central YMCA Qualifications criteria. Assessment decisions are made by assessors who are trained and hold a recognised Assessor Award in one of the following:

• Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocational Achievement
• Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment
• Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement
• SVQ Learning and Development Unit D9 – Assess workplace competence using direct methods
• SVQ Learning and Development Unit D9I – Assess workplace competence using direct and indirect methods

Areas for Appeal
Learners can appeal against an assessment decision relating to:

• The mark for an individual item of coursework (e.g., worksheets and case studies)
• The final result of any element of assessment (e.g., planning, teaching and/or evaluation)
• The external assessment (theory paper)
• The final overall internal/external assessment decision for a qualification

Grounds for Appeal
An appeal may be made if:

• The assessment was not conducted in accordance with the school’s regulations
• Medical or other extenuating circumstances arose during the assessment process which affected the learner’s performance
• There was inappropriate or irregular behaviour on the part of the assessor

Appeals Procedure

• The learner should first discuss the reason for the appeal with the Assessor or Internal Quality Assurer (if possible) on the day of the assessment.
• If this does not resolve the issue, the learner should complete the Learner Appeal Form and submit it to the Internal Quality Assurer within 5 days from the date of the assessment, including any supporting evidence (see additional notes below).
• The Internal Quality Assurer will investigate the appeal and respond in writing within 7 working days.

Stage 2

• If the learner feels that the outcome is unsatisfactory, they should complete the relevant section of the Learner Appeal Form and resubmit it to the Internal Quality Assurer.
• The college will then notify the YMCA External Quality Assurer.
• If the YMCA External Quality Assurer was not present or is unable to resolve the issue, the learner will be directed to Stage 3.

Stage 3

• The learner should submit a written appeal directly to the YMCA Lead External Quality Assurer, who will investigate the matter thoroughly and respond in writing within 21 working days.
• If the learner feels that this response is not satisfactory, the appeal may be referred to the YMCA Director of Awarding.

Stage 4

• The learner may be offered a formal appeal hearing, which will be conducted within 6 weeks by the appeals panel.
• A nominal fee is charged for an appeal hearing; this fee will be refunded if the appeal is upheld.

Additional Notes

Investigation into the content of the theory paper by the CYQ Senior Qualifications Manager.

It is extremely difficult to investigate appeals without impartial evidence. Therefore, appeals against referrals in practical teaching based solely on disagreement with the assessor’s decision will only be considered when accompanied by a video recording.

Learners have the right to video any aspect of their assessment using their own recording equipment, provided it does not interfere with the assessment process, other learners, or the assessor’s ability to carry out their role.

Learners are responsible for arranging a video operator and for informing the assessment centre of any medical issues that may adversely affect performance, so deferral can be considered prior to the assessment.

Theory papers externally assessed by CYQ are marked electronically and sampled regularly.

Appeals against referrals in the external theory result may result in the following actions:

• Investigation into the centre’s invigilation procedures and delivery
• Hand-marking of the theory paper

YMCA awards Appeals Procedure is clearly identified on the YMCA awards website – www.ymcaawards.co.uk

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Reviewed: April 2025