Appeals Policy
Dolores Andrew
Ensuring Fairness and Transparency in Wellness Training
Purpose
The purpose of this Appeals Policy is to provide a clear and fair process for you or your learners to challenge decisions made in relation to the outcomes of my training and assessment processes. These decisions may include, but are not limited to, outcomes regarding reasonable adjustments, special considerations, assessment results, or findings from malpractice or maladministration investigations. As a sole trader, I am committed to handling all appeals promptly, transparently, and impartially.
Scope
This policy applies to all participants in my wellness training programmes, as well as any decisions I make related to the delivery, assessment, and evaluation of these programmes.
Policy Statement
As a sole trader, I am dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of fairness and transparency in all my operations. I understand that there may be instances where a participant or a client may disagree with a decision I have made. This policy outlines the procedure for lodging an appeal, the process by which appeals will be reviewed, and the steps that will be taken to resolve the issue.
Grounds for Appeal
Appeals may be lodged on the following grounds:
Reasonable Adjustments or Special Considerations: If you believe that appropriate adjustments or considerations were not made to accommodate your needs during the training or assessment process.
Assessment Results: If you believe that the outcome of an assessment was not accurate, fair, or reflective of your performance.
Malpractice or Maladministration Investigation: If you disagree with the findings or outcomes of an investigation into alleged malpractice or maladministration.
Other Monitoring Outcomes: Any other decisions arising from my monitoring processes that you feel were not conducted fairly or accurately.
Appeals Procedure
Submitting an Appeal
Appeals must be submitted in writing to me within 14 days of the decision being communicated to you.
The appeal should include:
Your name and contact information.
The specific decision you are appealing.
The grounds for your appeal, including any supporting evidence.
The outcome you are seeking.
Acknowledgment of Appeal
Upon receipt of your appeal, I will acknowledge it in writing within 5 business days.
The acknowledgment will confirm the appeal has been received, outline the next steps, and provide an estimated timeline for the review process.
Review Process
I will personally review all appeals to ensure fairness and impartiality.
The review will consider all relevant information, including the original decision, the grounds for the appeal, and any new evidence provided.
If necessary, I may consult with an independent advisor or a peer in the industry to gain an objective perspective.
Outcome of Appeal
A decision on the appeal will be made within 21 days of the appeal being acknowledged, unless additional time is required due to the complexity of the case.
You will be informed of the outcome in writing, including the reasons for the decision and any actions to be taken as a result.
The possible outcomes include:
Uphold the Appeal: The original decision is overturned or modified.
Reject the Appeal: The original decision is upheld.
Further Appeals
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the initial appeal, you may request a further review. This request must be made within 7 days of receiving the appeal outcome.
The further appeal will be reviewed by an independent external party to ensure impartiality. The decision made in this review will be final.
Confidentiality and Impartiality
All appeals will be handled with the utmost confidentiality. Information related to the appeal will only be shared with individuals directly involved in the review process.
I am committed to ensuring impartiality in the review process. If at any point I feel that my objectivity might be compromised, I will seek external advice or refer the appeal to an independent party.
Record Keeping
A detailed record of the appeal, including the original decision, appeal documentation, review process, and final outcome, will be kept on file for a minimum of five years.
These records will be available for review by relevant regulatory authorities if required.
Policy Review
This Appeals Policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains effective, fair, and aligned with industry best practices and regulatory requirements. Any updates to the policy will be communicated to clients and participants.
Dolores Andrew
50 Knocknacarra Park, Galway.
086 9967 352
www.doloresandrew.com
Date: 27th August 2024