1. Introduction

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Dale McLean Training is committed to ensuring that all learners are treated fairly throughout the assessment process.

Every learner has the right to appeal if they believe that an assessment decision is incorrect, unfair, or has not been conducted in accordance with the required assessment standards or procedures.

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This policy outlines the steps that learners should follow if they wish to appeal an assessment decision made during any Dale McLean Training or BODYCORE-delivered qualification.

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2. Purpose

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The purpose of this policy is to:

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• Ensure fairness and transparency in all assessment decisions.

• Provide learners with a clear, structured process to follow if they disagree with an outcome.

• Maintain compliance with the requirements set out by Focus Awards, our awarding organisation.

 

This policy applies to all learners enrolled through Dale McLean Training, including those studying qualifications delivered in partnership with BODYCORE Training Ltd.

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3. Assessment Standards

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All learners are assessed against Focus Awards published assessment criteria.

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Assessors working with Dale McLean Training and BODYCORE will:

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• Hold, or be working towards, a recognised assessor qualification (e.g., Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocational Achievement or equivalent).

• Possess a qualification at least equivalent to the level they assess.

• Have relevant industry experience and evidence of recent, relevant Continued Professional Development (CPD).

 

All new assessors are supported with an action plan to achieve required qualifications and will be countersigned by a fully qualified assessor until these are complete.

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4. Reasonable Adjustments and Special Considerations

 

Dale McLean Training fully supports Focus Awards’ policies on reasonable adjustments and special considerations.
Learners with medical conditions, learning needs, or other circumstances that could affect their performance must inform the centre prior to assessment so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

 

5. Grounds for Appeal

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You may appeal an assessment decision if you believe that:

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• The assessment did not meet Focus Awards’ published criteria.

• The assessor did not follow proper assessment procedures.

• You were not provided with adequate information or feedback regarding your assessment.

• You experienced discrimination, bias, or unfair treatment.

• Evidence you submitted was not considered properly.

 

Appeals must be supported by appropriate evidence where possible (e.g., witness statement, assessment notes, or video footage from live observed assessments).

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6. Appeals Process

 

The appeals procedure comprises four stages:

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Stage 1 - Informal Resolution

Speak directly with your assessor or tutor as soon as possible after receiving your assessment result.
Many issues can be resolved at this stage through open discussion and feedback.

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Stage 2 - Formal Appeal to Dale McLean Training

If the issue cannot be resolved informally, submit a formal appeal in writing within 20 working days of the assessment decision.

Include your name, course title, details of the assessment, reason for appeal, and any supporting evidence.

Send your appeal to: dale@bodycorehq.com

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You will receive written acknowledgment within 5 working days, and a full written response within 20 working days. If more time is needed, you will be informed of the revised timeframe.

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Stage 3 - Internal Review

If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of Stage 2, your appeal will be escalated to an Internal Verifier or Senior Quality Assurer who was not involved in the original decision.
They will review all evidence objectively and issue a final internal decision.

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Stage 4 - External Appeal (Focus Awards)

If you have exhausted the internal process and remain dissatisfied, you may escalate the matter to Focus Awards.
Focus Awards will only consider an appeal once the internal process has been fully completed.

You can contact Focus Awards directly at:
www.focusawards.org.uk
info@focusawards.org.uk

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7. Evidence and Record Keeping

 

All documentation relating to appeals will be retained securely for a minimum of three years in compliance with UK GDPR.

Records will include details of the appeal, investigation outcomes, correspondence, and any corrective actions taken.

 

8. Confidentiality and Impartiality

 

All appeals are handled confidentially and fairly.

 

Where possible, a member of staff not involved in the original assessment will conduct the investigation to ensure impartiality.

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If you wish to remain anonymous, you may request that your identity is not disclosed during the investigation; however, this may limit the extent of the investigation.

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9. Outcomes and Follow-Up Actions

 

If an appeal is upheld, Dale McLean Training will:

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• Amend the assessment decision where appropriate.

• Provide additional training, support, or reassessment opportunities.

• Review internal processes or staff training where necessary to prevent recurrence.

 

If an appeal is not upheld, you will be informed of the reasons in writing.

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10. Contact Details

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Dale McLean Training
Email:   dale@bodycorehq.com
Phone: 07990 554462
 

If your qualification is awarded through BODYCORE, you may also contact:
BODYCORE Training Ltd
tobias@bodycorehq.com

https://www.bodycoretraining.com/