BSC Reasonable Adjustments and Special Consideration Policy

Reasonable adjustments and special considerations are made to ensure that candidates receive recognition of their achievement without compromising the equity, validity and reliability of the assessment. They are not concessions to make assessment easier for candidates, nor advantages to give candidates a head start.

The BSC treats all requests for reasonable adjustments and special consideration in confidence.

Reasonable Adjustments

When necessary, the BSC approves reasonable adjustments for candidates with particular requirements to enable them to have access to fair assessment and demonstrate attainment.

Candidates may require reasonable adjustments for a number of reasons including:

  • a permanent (long-term) disability or medical condition
  • a temporary (short-term) disability or medical condition

The BSC ensures that its reasonable adjustments:

  • do not invalidate the assessment requirements set out in the specification for the relevant qualification
  • reflect the current needs of the individual candidates as advised by the centre and, as far as is reasonably possible, their usual methods of working
  • do not give the candidates an unfair advantage compared to candidates for whom access arrangements are not being made
  • maintain the relevance, validity, reliability, comparability and integrity of the assessment
  • take account of all current legislation that has an impact on equality of access to assessment and qualifications.

Candidates requiring reasonable adjustments for their examination submit a Reasonable Adjustment Application Form to the BSC Examinations Department at the earliest possible opportunity and (except in the case of a sudden disability or medical condition) at least four weeks before the date of the examination. The application must be supported by appropriate documentary evidence (e.g. a doctor?s letter).

On receipt of a request for reasonable adjustments, the BSC will decide whether or not to grant approval and, if appropriate, the provision required to meet the needs of the candidate. Applications for reasonable adjustments may be dismissed by the BSC if there is insufficient time to permit adequate arrangements to be made. The decision of the BSC is final.

If the request for reasonable adjustments is approved, the candidate will be informed, in writing, of the arrangements that can be made. If the request for reasonable adjustments is not approved, the candidate will be provided with a reasoned response.

Special Consideration

Special consideration involves procedures that may result in an adjustment to the marks of candidates who have not been able to demonstrate attainment because of exceptional circumstances during the examination itself.

The BSC ensures that its special considerations treat candidates fairly and in accordance with the guidelines set out by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ).

Candidates who believe that they were disadvantaged in the examination through circumstances beyond their control - for example, illness during the examination, fire alarm during the examination - may make a request for special consideration. They should ensure that the invigilator records the circumstances and then complete a Special Consideration Application Form and submit this to the BSC Examinations Department no later than 14 days after the examination. The application should be supported by appropriate evidence, for example, a doctor's letter in the case of illness.

Requests for special consideration will be considered at the awarding stage, and appropriate allowance may be made at the judgement of the awarding committee.

No allowance will be made for circumstances which may have affected a candidate?s learning or preparation for an examination.

Aegrotat Awards

The BSC cannot make aegrotat awards to candidates who fail to attend an examination. As all assessment is external there would be insufficient evidence on which to make such an award. Candidates who miss an examination for reasons beyond their control should inform BSC Awards as soon as possible.

BSC Awards contact details for this policy

Director of Qualifications
British Safety Council
London W6 9RS
Telephone: 020 8600 1035
E-mail: examinations@britsafe.org

First published: April 2004

Last updated: June 2008