Appeals Policy

Fair Assessment is Our Priority

We are committed to fair, consistent, and transparent assessment. If you believe an assessment decision was incorrect or the process was not followed properly, you have the right to appeal. This policy explains how.

Have a service complaint instead? See our Complaints Policy →

1. Appeals Process Overview

Submit Appeal (within 10 working days)

Acknowledgement (within 48 hours)

Independent Review

Appeal Decision (within 15 working days)

Final Outcome

Still not satisfied? → Awarding body escalation

2. Introduction & Purpose

Brity Group Limited trading as Brity is committed to fair, consistent, and transparent assessment practices. We recognise that learners may sometimes disagree with assessment decisions or believe the assessment process was not followed correctly.

This policy provides a clear process for learners to challenge assessment decisions and ensures all appeals are handled fairly, promptly, and in accordance with awarding body requirements.

Purpose of This Policy

Provide a fair process for challenging assessment decisions
Ensure appeals are handled by independent reviewers
Meet awarding body and regulatory requirements
Protect learner rights while maintaining assessment integrity
Enable continuous improvement in assessment practices

Service Complaints

If you have a complaint about our service (not an assessment decision), please refer to our separate Complaints Policy.

3. Key Definitions

Appeal

A formal challenge to an assessment decision. This applies when a learner believes they have been unfairly assessed, that the assessment process was not followed correctly, or that they have been treated less favourably than other learners. Appeals relate specifically to assessment outcomes.

Assessment Decision

A determination by an assessor regarding whether a learner has demonstrated competence in the required skills and knowledge, resulting in a pass or unsuccessful outcome.

Independent Reviewer

A qualified person who reviews the appeal who was not involved in the original assessment and has no conflict of interest.

Awarding Body

The organisation that awards the qualification (e.g., FAA, Nuco, Qualsafe). They have oversight of assessment standards and their own appeals procedures.

Appellant

The learner submitting the appeal, or their authorised representative acting with written consent.

4. Scope & Grounds for Appeal

If a concern is submitted under the wrong procedure, Brity will redirect it to the appropriate policy route without prejudice to the individual.

Who Can Appeal?

Learners who have completed an assessed course with us
Candidates who have undergone formal assessment
Authorised representatives acting on behalf of the learner (with written consent)

Valid Grounds for Appeal

You may appeal an assessment decision if you believe:

The assessment criteria were not explained clearly – You didn't know what you needed to demonstrate
The assessment process was not followed correctly – Standard procedures weren't applied
You were not given reasonable adjustments – Adjustments you requested in line with equality and accessibility legislation were not provided
There were extenuating circumstances – Factors affecting your performance that the assessor was unaware of
There was bias or unfair treatment – You were treated differently from other learners
You were assessed against incorrect standards – The wrong assessment criteria were applied

Not Valid Grounds

Disagreement with the difficulty of the assessment
Claims of competence without evidence
Personal circumstances not disclosed at the time

5. How to Submit an Appeal

Appeals must be submitted in writing within 10 working days of receiving your assessment result.

Your Appeal Should Include

Your full name and contact details
Course name and date
Name of the assessor (if known)
Clear statement of grounds for appeal
Any supporting evidence
Outcome you are seeking

Where to Send

Email: appeals@brity.co.uk

Post: Appeals Manager, Registered Office Address

6. Appeal Investigation Process

Acknowledgement

We will acknowledge your appeal within 48 hours and assign an independent reviewer.

Independent Review

The reviewer will examine all evidence, assessment records, and may interview relevant parties.

Decision

You will receive a written decision explaining the outcome, reasoning, and any further options available.

7. Timescales

Submit appeal: Within 10 working days of assessment result
Acknowledgement: Within 48 hours
Decision: Within 15 working days
Complex cases: Up to 25 working days (we'll keep you updated)

8. Possible Outcomes

Appeal Upheld

Reassessment offered at no cost
Original decision overturned
Certificate issued

Appeal Not Upheld

Original decision stands
Clear explanation provided
Escalation options explained

9. External Escalation

If you remain dissatisfied after our internal appeals process, you may escalate to the relevant awarding body:

Each awarding body has its own appeals procedure. We will provide you with the relevant contact details and guidance on how to escalate if requested.

10. Record Keeping

All appeals are logged securely and retained for 6 years. Financial records associated with appeals are retained for 7 years in accordance with HMRC requirements. Records include the appeal submission, investigation notes, decision, and any correspondence. This data is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

11. Confidentiality

All appeals are treated confidentially. Information is shared only with those who need to know to investigate and resolve the matter. We comply with data protection legislation at all times.

12. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually, or earlier where triggered by regulatory, operational, or organisational change. The next scheduled review is January 2027.

13. Contact Information

To Submit an Appeal