PrintExamination Appeals Policy
Stage 3 - The Appeals Review Committee
A student can only continue to Stage 3 of the appeals process if the findings of Independent External Assessor, appointed at Stage 2, indicate that the process followed at Stage 1 was not fair and transparent, or that CIPFA were in some way negligent in its approach.
The Stage 3 appeal will be by way of a full hearing:
- The student must keep in mind that Stage 3 of the appeals process is not a continuation of original appeal. It is an appeal against the outcome of Stage 1, based on independent findings at Stage 2, where the assessor cites that the Stage 1 process was not fair and transparent or CIPFA was negligent.
- All papers, together with the student's reasons for appealing to the Appeals Review Committee, will be made available to committee members.
- The appeals hearing may be virtual and the committee may interact by either a conference call or on-line, or any similar technology that allow for synchronous interaction.
- There is no standard format or requirement for additional information to be placed before the committee, but any such additional information should be submitted at least seven days before the date fixed for the committee hearing.
- The student has the right to attend the Appeals Review Committee hearing and to bring witnesses, and to ask someone to speak on their behalf. The student may, if required, request the attendance of an interpreter, if they do not fully understand or speak English.
- The student will be responsible for making their own arrangements for the appeals hearing, including travel and accommodation arrangements, arranging with witnesses, arranging for interpreters, and so forth.
- The Appeals Review Committee Secretary will present the background to the committee. A representative of CIPFA and the student will both be given the opportunity to present their case, ask questions of each other and to ask questions of the Secretary to the Appeals Review Committee and, in the case of IPDS assessment appeals, the certificated IPDS assessor.
- Students cannot appeal against a Stage 3 decision.
- The Chairman of the Assessment Review Committee will determine the precise procedure for each appeal hearing; members of the committee may ask questions of those in attendance.
- The committee will reach a decision, set out a statement of reasons and advise the student of the outcome by post.