Appeals procedure

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Appeals procedure

Appeals procedure

What to do if you want to appeal?

Who is this appeal for?

  • If it’s on your own behalf see below.
  • If the appeal is on behalf of your candidate(s) about a result issued by us please follow the candidate appeals procedure having first ensured your centre’s internal appeals procedure has been completed.

Approved centre appeals procedure

We aim to ensure all decisions are fair, consistent and based on valid judgements. However, we recognise that there may be occasions when you wish to appeal against a decision.

As an approved centre you may appeal against:

  • a decision concerning your centre or scheme approval
  • a decision concerning your certification status
  • a sanction imposed for alleged failure to meet the regulatory authority requirements
  • a decision to decline a request for reasonable adjustment or special consideration in a candidate’s circumstances.

There are three possible stages to an appeal. Each must be completed before moving to the next.

Stage 1 – The Review

  • Send your application form (opens new window)to our Customer Services Manager.
  • It must be received within 10 working days from the date the disputed decision is made. 
  • A member of the awarding organisation management team who was not part of the original decision will undertake a review.
  • We’ll send you the result within 20 working days.
  • You have the right to appeal against the outcome of the review and
  • This is done by following Stage 2.

Stage 2 – The Appeal process

Stage 2 is only available if you wish to appeal against the outcome of Stage 1. 

  • Send your application form (opens new window)to our Customer Service Manager.
  • It must be received within 10 working days of the date you were notified of the outcome of Stage 1. 
  • Your application will be reviewed within 30 working days by our Alliance Manager and Quality Assurance Manager. They do not take part in either the original decision or Stage 1.
  • They’ll consider whether the review was properly carried out and whether the decision was reasonable in all circumstances.
  • We will write to you within 10 working days of this meeting with the decision and the reasons for it.
    You have the right to appeal against the outcome of Stage 2.
  • To do so go to Stage 3.

Stage 3 – The Panel

Stage 3 is only available if you wish to appeal against the outcome of Stage 2.

  • Send your application form (opens new window)to our Customer Service Manager.
  • It must be received within 10 working days of the date you were notified of the outcome of Stage 2. 
  • When we receive your application form and fee we’ll send you the Appeals Panel Terms of Reference (opens new window)which explain the Panel Hearing in detail. 
  • The Panel will consist of the ConstructionSkills Business Services Director and two independent members.
  • It will meet within 30 working days of receipt of your appeal.
    We will write to you with the appeals boards’ decision and their reasons within 10 working days of the meeting.   
  • The Panel’s decision is final.

Costs

  • We will not charge you for Stage 1
  • Stage 2 – £150
  • Stage 3 – £300 

If your appeal is upheld at any stage, appeals fees you have paid will be refunded, records will be adjusted and, if applicable, replacement documentation will be issued without further charge.

Please Note

  1. This appeals procedure only applies to decisions made by Construction Awards Alliance.
  2. We aim to meet all our stated time scales. But there may be circumstances that prevent them from being met. In such cases we will advise you and keep you informed of progress.