Appeals Procedure

Last updated 28 October 2026.

Purpose

Every learner who is not satisfied with the outcome of an assessment decision has the right to appeal against it. This procedure applies to any learner following completion of an Active IQ qualification at Tula Training, and gives learners a formal route to appeal.

Scope

Tula Training's learners are assessed against Active IQ's published criteria, fully compliant with Active IQ's policy on reasonable adjustments and special considerations (see www.activeiq.co.uk/centres/ — worth reconfirming this is still the right reference link). Our assessors hold, or are working towards, an appropriate assessing qualification, have relevant industry experience, and can demonstrate continued professional development in the last two years. New assessors are given a clear action plan for achieving the appropriate qualification, countersigned by an appropriately qualified individual until it's achieved.

You can make a formal appeal against:

• The final overall assessment decision
• The mark for an individual item of coursework
• The result of any element of assessment

Grounds to appeal

An appeal may be made if you feel that:

• There was improper or unsuitable behaviour on the part of the assessor
• Your performance during the assessment was affected by extenuating circumstances
• An administrative error occurred during the assessment process
• The assessment didn't conform to Active IQ's published criteria

Possible outcomes

• The mark for an individual item of coursework is amended
• The result of a practical or an evaluation is amended
• The overall result is amended
• You're given the opportunity to retake the part of the assessment you appealed

Before you're assessed

You'll be informed of assessment arrangements before any live or recorded assessment. As set out in the Learner Manual, you're responsible for telling us and your assessor in advance if a medical issue could affect your performance, so we can make a fully informed decision and, if necessary, agree an action plan.

Investigating appeals is difficult without impartial evidence, so appeals relating to live observed assessments will only be considered when accompanied by a suitable video recording. You may use a video recording as long as it doesn't affect the assessment process, allows the assessor to do their job, and doesn't contravene the venue's or organisation's rules — you'll need to arrange your own video operator.

Stages of the appeals process

The lead staff member with responsibility for assessment appeals is Tula Training's appropriately qualified Internal Verifier (IV).

Stage 1: make your appeal via the Centre Co-Coordinator, allowing 10 working days for the IV to respond.

Stage 2: if it isn't settled, the centre will contact the IV, who will review the appeal and respond within 10 working days. (If the IV is unavailable or can't resolve it, go to Stage 3.)

Stage 3: make a written appeal directly to the Head of Quality Assurance at Active IQ, who will investigate and respond within 14 days.

Stage 4: if you don't accept Active IQ's Head of QA's decision, and your reasons are appropriate, you'll be offered a formal appeals hearing within 6 weeks, conducted by a panel comprising an independent appeal board member, Active IQ's director of quality and standards, Active IQ's head of quality assurance, a senior manager representing the centre, and a chairperson employed by the awarding body.

Fees

A nominal administrative charge of £30 is made for handling appeals that progress beyond Stage 1, if the appeal isn't upheld.