Appeals 
1. Purpose of the Policy

Quality Awards and Vocational Accreditation (QAVA) is committed to ensuring that all learners, centres, and stakeholders are treated fairly, consistently, and transparently. This Appeals Policy provides a clear and structured process for appealing against academic or quality-related decisions made by QAVA or its approved centres, in line with recognised UK awarding body standards such as OTHM and ATHE.

2. Scope

This policy applies to appeals relating to, but not limited to:

  • Assessment decisions
  • Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) outcomes
  • External Quality Assurance (EQA) decisions
  • Centre approval or monitoring outcomes
  • Certification decisions
    This policy does not replace a centre’s internal appeals process. Learners must first exhaust the centre’s internal procedures before submitting an appeal to QAVA.

3. Principles

QAVA ensures that all appeals are handled in accordance with the following principles:

  • Fairness: Appeals are reviewed impartially and without bias
  • Transparency: Clear procedures and timelines are followed
  • Confidentiality: All information is handled securely and sensitively
  • Timeliness: Appeals are resolved within defined timeframes

4. Grounds for Appeal

An appeal may be submitted on one or more of the following grounds:

  • Procedural irregularity in assessment or quality assurance
  • Evidence that assessment criteria were not applied correctly
  • Bias or unfair treatment
  • Administrative or clerical error
  • New evidence that was not available at the time of the original decision

Disagreement with academic judgement alone does not normally constitute valid grounds for appeal.

5. Appeals Procedure
Stage 1: Centre-Level Appeal

Learners must submit an appeal to their approved centre in accordance with the centre’s internal appeals policy. The centre must investigate and provide a written outcome.

Stage 2: Formal Appeal to QAVA

If the appellant remains dissatisfied after completing the centre-level process, a formal appeal may be submitted to QAVA within 14 working days of receiving the centre’s final decision.

The appeal must be submitted in writing and include:

  • Appellant’s full name and registration number
  • Centre name and qualification details
  • Clear grounds for appeal
  • Supporting evidence
  • Copy of the centre’s final decision

Incomplete appeals may be returned for clarification.

6. Appeal Review and Decision

Upon receipt, QAVA will:

  • Acknowledge the appeal within 5 working days
  • Appoint an independent reviewer or panel with no prior involvement
  • Review all documentation and evidence
    QAVA may uphold, partially uphold, or reject the appeal. The decision will be communicated in writing within 20 working days, where reasonably practicable.

7. Possible Outcomes

Outcomes of an appeal may include:

  • Confirmation of the original decision
  • Amendment of assessment or quality assurance outcomes
  • Recommendation for reassessment or re-sampling
  • Corrective action at centre level

QAVA’s decision at this stage is final.

8. Record Keeping and Monitoring

All appeals and outcomes are formally recorded and monitored as part of QAVA’s quality assurance and continuous improvement processes. Records are retained in line with data protection and regulatory requirements.

9. Equality and Reasonable Adjustments

QAVA is committed to equality of opportunity. Reasonable adjustments will be made to ensure that appellants are not disadvantaged due to disability, language, or other protected characteristics.

10. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually or in response to regulatory, awarding body, or legislative changes to ensure ongoing compliance with UK awarding body standards.

11. Contact Information

For appeals-related enquiries, please contact:

Quality Awards and Vocational Accreditation (QAVA)

📞 +44 020 4615 2574
📧 info@qava.org.uk
🌐 https://qava.org.uk
📍 150 Ashburton Avenue, Ilford, London, United Kingdom, IG3 9EL