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Academic Appeals Policy and Procedure

1. Purpose

This policy provides a clear, fair, and transparent process through which students can request a formal review of decisions relating to assessment, progression, or awards. It exists to:

  • Protect academic standards while ensuring fairness to students;
  • Support equality, diversity, and inclusion, particularly for underrepresented and neurodiverse learners;
  • Embed IHCL's commitment to experiential education by encouraging students to reflect on outcomes and processes;
  • Ensure students feel empowered to raise concerns without fear of disadvantage.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all students enrolled on IHCL programmes, whether delivered face-to-face, online, or through hybrid or partnership arrangements.

An academic appeal may only be lodged against:

  • Assessment outcomes;
  • Decisions on progression;
  • Decisions on awards.

2.1. Appeals cannot be made against

  • The academic or professional judgement of markers or examiners;
  • Matters covered under other policies (e.g. complaints, misconduct, or harassment).

3. Guiding Principles

  1. Fairness and Transparency – Students will be treated equitably and consistently, with processes communicated clearly.
  2. Inclusivity – Processes are designed with accessibility in mind. Reasonable adjustments will be made for neurodiverse students or those with disabilities.
  3. Experiential and Reflective – Appeals will be handled in a way that supports student reflection, encouraging them to learn from the process and engage constructively with outcomes.
  4. Timeliness – Appeals will be managed within clear timescales to protect the interests of students.
  5. No Detriment – Students will not suffer disadvantage or recrimination as a result of making a genuine appeal.
  6. Confidentiality – Appeals will be handled with due regard to student privacy and dignity.

4. Grounds for Appeal

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

  • Procedural irregularity – where published procedures were not followed, affecting the decision;
  • Mitigating circumstances – where illness, disability, or other serious factors affected performance and could not reasonably have been disclosed earlier;
  • Bias or perception of bias – where evidence indicates that bias, prejudice, or unfair treatment may have influenced the decision;
  • New evidence – material evidence, previously unavailable for valid reasons, that could have significantly affected the outcome.

5. Student Support and Accessibility

  • Appeals guidance will be available in multiple formats (written, video, easy-read).
  • Neurodiverse and disabled students may request tailored communication and support, including meetings in accessible formats.
  • IHCL's Student Success and Inclusion Team will offer advice to students considering an appeal.
  • Students may be accompanied at hearings by a friend, advocate, or representative.

6.1. The Appeals Process – Informal Stage

Students are encouraged, where appropriate, to seek clarification and feedback from their module tutor, programme leader, or personal tutor before submitting a formal appeal. Informal resolution promotes reflection, dialogue, and early resolution.

6.2. Formal Stage

Appeals must be submitted in writing within 10 working days of the decision being notified. Appeals should be submitted via the online portal or in an accessible format on request. Appeals are considered by the Academic Appeals Panel, chaired by a senior academic not previously involved in the decision.

6.3. Review Stage

If the student is dissatisfied with the outcome of the formal stage, they may request a review within 10 working days of the decision. Reviews will consider whether procedures were followed properly, whether the outcome was reasonable, and whether new material information has come to light.

6.4. Completion of Procedures

Students will receive a Completion of Procedures (COP) letter at the conclusion of the process, allowing them to escalate to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education (OIA) if they wish.

7. Timescales

  • Acknowledgement of appeal: within 5 working days.
  • Formal stage outcome: normally within 20 working days.
  • Review stage outcome: normally within 20 working days.

7.1. Where timescales cannot be met

Where timescales cannot be met, students will be informed of the reasons and given a revised timeline.

8. Academic Standards and Integrity

This policy protects the academic standards of IHCL programmes by ensuring appeals do not compromise academic judgement, while recognising legitimate grounds for review.

9. Responsibilities

  • Students: Submit appeals on time, with supporting evidence.
  • Staff: Provide clear feedback, respect student rights, and cooperate fully with investigations.
  • Academic Appeals Panel: Ensure fair, inclusive, and transparent consideration.
  • Quality Assurance Office: Monitor appeals for trends, ensuring continuous improvement and enhancement of inclusive practice.

10. Monitoring and Review

  • Appeals outcomes will be reviewed annually by the Academic Board to identify themes, systemic issues, or barriers faced by underrepresented or neurodiverse groups.
  • Lessons learned will inform training, assessment design, and student support.
  • This policy will be reviewed annually to remain compliant with OfS, QAA, and Advance HE guidance.

11. Related Policies and Documents

  • Assessment and Feedback Policy
  • Student Charter
  • Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy
  • Student Complaints Policy
  • Academic Integrity Policy