1 Purpose

The FDIS has substantial processes in place to ensure that each element of a candidate assessment is completed to a set FDIS standard and that the outcome of each assessment, is transparent and measurable against this standard.

However, should a candidate wish to appeal an assessment decision, we provide this procedure to ensure that such an appeal can be made.

This procedure is not contractual but aims to set out how we normally deal with such issues.

2 Scope

This policy is available for any candidate to use

An appeal may relate to the candidate portfolio or the candidate assessment or reassessment.

An appeal can only be made by the candidate, a third party cannot make an appeal on the candidate’s behalf.

The candidate has 10 working days to submit an appeal from the date the candidate receives their assessment/examination result.

3 Stages of the procedure

Stage one

Details of the appeal should be sent in writing to the following address: The Building Centre, 26 Store Street, London, WC1E 7BT. Alternatively, they may be emailed to: info@fdis.co.uk . If the candidate chooses to email an appeal, they must add ‘Appeal’ to the subject header and mark it for the attention of the Scheme Manager.

The candidate must provide full details of the appeal, describing in detail which aspects of the assessment are being appealed and why.

For example, if a candidate wishes to appeal an examination result, they must detail the sections, or question (if known) they wish to appeal and why they disagree with the examination result.

The preferred method of contact, any information regarding any previous attempt to resolve this matter, and the preferred solution should be included.

We will acknowledge any appeal as soon as possible, giving an indication of how long we need to investigate the matter. We aim to provide this acknowledgment within a maximum of 48 hours. We may need to contact the person raising the complaint or the examiner for further details or to investigate further.

At the end of our investigations, we will confirm the outcome of the appeal. This will include further details of who to write to if the outcome is not considered to be satisfactory. If no response is received within 14 days of sending our confirmation, we will assume that the issue is resolved. However, if the problem arises again, please do come back to us.

Stage two

We hope our initial response would be satisfactory, but a candidate who remains dissatisfied should write to the FDIS Directors.

Again, we may need to discuss the situation further as we attempt to resolve the matter. We will confirm the outcome of this further investigation in writing and aim to respond within 14 days.

4 Effectiveness of this procedure

We expect our employees to respond promptly and courteously to any form of appeal and to ensure that any potential dissatisfaction on the part of a candidate is reported and dealt with efficiently.

Any concerns relating to the application or effectiveness of this procedure should be reported to Scheme Manager and/or Directors who will investigate further and take any appropriate action to ensure this procedure remains effective.