1. Policy Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to outline the arrangements, principles, and procedures for identifying and implementing reasonable adjustments for learners undertaking training delivered by SCTNI Limited.
SCTNI Limited is committed to ensuring that all learners have a fair and equal opportunity to achieve their qualification without compromising the integrity of the assessment. This policy ensures compliance with awarding organisation requirements and promotes consistency, fairness, and inclusivity in all reasonable adjustment decisions.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all learners registered on, or undertaking, training delivered by SCTNI Limited, as well as all staff involved in the delivery, assessment, and quality assurance of those qualifications.
It covers all reasonable adjustment requests made before, during, or after training delivery and applies to all qualifications offered by SCTNI Limited, in accordance with the requirements of the relevant awarding organisations.
3. Definitions
For the purposes of this policy, a reasonable adjustment refers to any action that helps to reduce the effect of a disability or difficulty that places a learner at a substantial disadvantage during assessment.
Reasonable adjustments must not compromise the validity, reliability, or integrity of the assessment and must not change the assessment criteria or learning outcomes.
Special consideration refers to post-assessment adjustments made to reflect temporary illness, injury, or adverse circumstances that may have affected a learner’s performance.
4. Policy Statement and Principles
SCTNI Limited is committed to ensuring equality of opportunity for all learners and will take all reasonable steps to identify and support learners who require adjustments.
The centre will ensure that:
- Learners are not disadvantaged in achieving their qualification
- Adjustments are appropriate, proportionate, and in line with awarding organisation guidance
- Assessment standards and requirements are maintained at all times
- All decisions are fair, consistent, and evidence-based
Reasonable adjustments will be applied in a way that supports access without reducing the demand or integrity of the assessment.
5. Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for the implementation of this policy rests with the Centre Manager or Centre Director.
The centre will ensure that:
- Learners are identified as requiring reasonable adjustments prior to course delivery wherever possible
- Applications for reasonable adjustments are submitted to the relevant awarding organisation where required
- Approved adjustments are implemented effectively and consistently
- The Internal Quality Assurer is informed of any learners receiving reasonable adjustments
- Accurate records of all reasonable adjustments are maintained
- Information is provided to awarding organisations as required
Tutors, assessors, and administrative staff are responsible for supporting learners, identifying needs, and ensuring appropriate procedures are followed.
6. Identification and Application Process
SCTNI Limited will identify learners who may require reasonable adjustments at the earliest opportunity, ideally prior to the commencement of training.
Where a need is identified:
- The learner’s requirements will be assessed
- Appropriate evidence will be obtained where necessary
- Applications will be submitted to the awarding organisation if approval is required
- Guidance issued by the awarding organisation will be followed at all times
Where adjustments can be approved internally, the centre will ensure this is done in line with awarding organisation policies.
7. Implementation of Reasonable Adjustments
Where a reasonable adjustment is approved, SCTNI Limited will ensure that appropriate arrangements are put in place to support the learner.
Adjustments will be implemented in a way that:
- Maintains the validity and reliability of the assessment
- Does not alter the required assessment criteria
- Provides the learner with an equal opportunity to demonstrate achievement
All relevant staff will be informed of the agreed adjustments to ensure consistency in delivery and assessment.
8. Communication
SCTNI Limited recognises the importance of clear and timely communication.
Learners will be informed of:
- The outcome of their reasonable adjustment request
- Any approved arrangements
- How these will be implemented during training and assessment
Staff involved in delivery and assessment will also be informed to ensure adjustments are applied appropriately.
9. Quality Assurance and Monitoring
All reasonable adjustments will be subject to internal quality assurance processes to ensure consistency and compliance.
Records will be maintained and made available for External Quality Assurance (EQA) activities as required.
SCTNI Limited will monitor the use of reasonable adjustments to ensure they are applied appropriately and in line with awarding organisation requirements.
10. Equality, Fairness, and Inclusion
SCTNI Limited is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion.
All reasonable adjustments will be applied in a fair and non-discriminatory manner, taking into account the individual needs of each learner.
No learner will be disadvantaged or treated less favourably due to their need for support.
11. Records and Documentation
Accurate records of all reasonable adjustments will be maintained, including:
- Evidence supporting the adjustment
- Approval decisions
- Details of the adjustments implemented
All records will be stored securely and handled in accordance with data protection requirements.
12. Monitoring and Review
This policy will be reviewed at least annually as part of SCTNI Limited’s quality assurance and self-evaluation processes.
It will also be updated as required in response to:
- Changes in awarding organisation requirements
- Regulatory updates
- Feedback from learners, staff, or external quality assurance
13. Contact Details
Any queries regarding this policy should be directed to SCTNI Limited.