Reasonable Adjustments & Special Considerations

1Policy and scope

This policy applies to the Acadame centre, our candidates and the courses and qualifications we deliver. It sets out:

• The arrangements for making reasonable adjustments and special considerations in delivery and assessment
• Who is eligible
• How to request an adjustment or a consideration
• Examples of the support we can provide

It aligns with the Equality Act 2010 and works alongside the Data Protection & GDPR Policy, so all sensitive evidence is handled lawfully and securely.

2What the two terms mean

A reasonable adjustment is an action taken to reduce the effect of a disability, medical condition or difficulty that would otherwise put a candidate at a disadvantage. An adjustment must not alter learning outcomes or assessment standards, must not give an unfair advantage, and must not compromise validity, reliability or integrity. Adjustments must comply with awarding body rules.

A special consideration is a post-assessment adjustment reflecting temporary, unforeseen circumstances that affected performance, such as illness, bereavement, trauma, or severe weather and disruption. It cannot compensate for a long-term condition, where a reasonable adjustment applies instead, and it must meet the awarding body's criteria.

3Our principles

We are committed to assessments that are a fair test of knowledge, skills, behaviours and duties, that provide equal opportunity for all candidates, and that are delivered without discrimination, in accordance with POL-011 and IMS-001.

We recognise that an adjustment or consideration may be needed because of:

• A permanent or temporary disability
• A specific learning need
• A temporary medical condition
• Personal circumstances
• Availability issues at the time of assessment

False, misleading or fraudulent evidence is managed under POL-014 Malpractice & Maladministration.

4Adjustments we can make

We support adjustments that let a candidate demonstrate competence, remove or minimise disadvantage, and maintain the integrity of the assessment. Examples include:

• Enlarged text or high-contrast materials
• Extra time of 25 to 50 per cent, with appropriate evidence
• A reader or a scribe
• A BSL interpreter
• Assistive technology such as a screen reader or voice-to-text
• Ergonomic equipment
• A distraction-reduced room

Adjustments for regulated qualifications must comply with awarding body rules. For CITB ITC, NEBOSH, IOSH and others, documentation must match each body's published requirements.

5When special consideration applies

Special considerations are subject to awarding body deadlines and may apply where an unforeseen event affected performance, such as:

• Short-term illness or injury
• Bereavement
• An emergency in the family
• Severe weather or disruption

They must treat candidates consistently, maintain validity and reliability, and avoid compromising comparability.

6How to make a request

Tell the Quality Manager as early as you can. Then:

1. Complete the correct form. SUP-029 Reasonable Adjustment Request Form before an assessment, or SUP-030 Special Consideration Request Form afterwards. Both are held in the IMS Master Folder
2. Provide supporting evidence. A medical letter, a diagnostic report, an educational psychologist's assessment, or evidence of a temporary condition
3. Submit it. Email operations@acadame.co.uk or hand it in at the Acadame office
4. Meet the deadline. Reasonable adjustments at least 14 days before the assessment, special considerations within seven working days after it. Where an awarding body sets a different deadline, theirs takes priority
5. Review and decision. The Quality Manager logs and reviews the request and may consult awarding body rules. The Head of Centre holds final approval at centre level unless the awarding body decides
6. Outcome. You will be told within five working days

7Who does what

The Head of Centre is the final decision-maker for adjustments and considerations at centre level and ensures compliance with IMS-001.

The Quality Manager is the first point of contact, reviews the evidence, consults awarding body requirements, and records decisions and documentation.

Trainers and assessors identify potential needs early, report concerns and implement approved adjustments.

Administration, operations and sales make sure bookings reflect approved arrangements and update registers, rooms, seating plans and communication with candidates.

8Awarding bodies and CITB ITC

Each awarding body has its own requirements. We follow the awarding body's published policy, submit applications on the candidate's behalf where that is required, and support candidates where the awarding body requires a direct application, as NEBOSH does.

For CITB ITC, requests should be made at the point of booking wherever practicable. Some adjustments, a BSL interpreter among them, are only available at Pearson VUE centres.

9If we say no

If a request is declined you can appeal, using the Assessment & Appeals Policy (POL-003).

10Monitoring and review

The Head of Centre reviews this policy annually as part of the IMS Management Review, to confirm it meets evolving candidate needs, reflects updated legislation and awarding body requirements, and to identify opportunities to improve.