Appeals Procedure for students enrolled on CPD courses

We at the Finance Business Academy provide a formal route for our learners wishing to appeal against an assessment decision. All learners are assessed against the relevant learning outcomes for the course and regulating organisation criteria, where applicable. Assessment decisions are made by internal Assessors.

Areas for Appeal

Our Appeals Policy enables learners in certain situations to make a formal appeal against a recommendation or assessment decision relating to:

1.      the Assessor’s decision on any element of assessment that differs to that of our Internal Quality Assurer’s decision (for example, if an internal assessment has been marked by the Assessor as achieved but the Internal Quality Assurer disagrees with this decision).

2.      an application for a reasonable adjustment or special consideration

submitted to the regulating organisation for approval.

3.      our final, overall assessment decision for a CPD Course.

Grounds for Appeal

The following is a list of examples and is not exhaustive:

·         A reasonable adjustment was refused without reason, or a decision to limit a requested for a reasonable adjustment proved to be inappropriate or insufficient.

·         The learner requested special consideration, but this does not seem to have been applied.

·         There was inappropriate or irregular conduct on the part of the Assessor.

Appeals Process

Stage 1

If the learner is dissatisfied with the outcome of an assessment, the learner should request an appeal by email to admin@finba.com.au. The learner must submit this appeal within five days of the date of the assessment and include with it any supporting evidence. Appeals received after this time will need further justification in order to be heard, including a reason for the delay in appealing..

Stage 2

Once received by us, one of our team will investigate the appeal and respond in writing to the learner with a decision within 30 working days of receipt of the appeal request. If the learner is dissatisfied with the decision, the learner should ask for the complaint to be escalated. The escalated complaint will be responded to within 14 days. 

This policy has been approved & authorised by Finance Business Academy 1 March 2024

Course Content Review Policy

Finance Business Academy takes the standard of its courses very seriously. For this reason, the below policy sets out how we ensure the standards of our service is maintained.

Course reviews are an integral part of Finance Business Academy’s quality assurance process.

The focus of course reviews is on:

·         The appropriateness of the content and assessment method in order to achieve the learning outcomes,

·         The course content being up to date and accurate.

Responsibility

Responsibility for course review and recommendations being addressed rests with the Training Manager. The responsibility for the Review process lies with the company Directors.

Frequency

Each course is reviewed on an annual basis. The courses are reviewed by a Subject Matter Specialist to ensure their accuracy.

Timing

At the review date, each subject area specialist will have a 30-day period to complete the review of the given subject and all findings reported back to the Training & Development Manager.

The Training Manager will then action any appropriate changes to course materials with an additional 30-day period.

Reporting

Following learning materials review, a detailed report will be provided to the Training Manager, outlining all elements that require addressing and updating.

This policy has been reviewed by Finance Business Academy March 2024.

Equal Opportunities Learner’s Charter

“Everyone has a part to play in ensuring we achieve equality of opportunity. We believe that a positive attitude towards equality and diversity is right for our people, our clients and our business suppliers. This means that we must encourage all our people to welcome diversity and respect each person’s individuality”.

Finance Business Academy(FINBA) is committed to ensuring that the admissions process will be open and transparent, and that no individual or group receives less favourable treatment by virtue of age, disability, economic status, faith, gender, marital status, sexuality, race, colour, and nationality, ethnic or national origin.

The following Learner Charter has been drawn up stating the standards of service you can expect to receive as a learner of Finance Business Academy(FINBA)

Using the FINBA Academy, you can expect…

·         to receive a high quality learning experience

·         to be given equal opportunities and treated fairly

·         to be treated with courtesy

·         to have access to advice, guidance and support to ensure your choices are informed ones and that your learning needs are met

·         to learn in a healthy and safe environment

·         to be provided with timely and appropriate information on your progress

·         to have staff listen to any issues, suggestions or concerns you may have, and to respond in a relevant manner

In turn as a customer of Finance Business Academy(FINBA) we would like you to:

·         be fully committed to your course

·         treat our staff with courtesy

·         provide us with appropriate information to help us meet your learning and assessment needs

·         ensure that your behaviour contributes to a healthy and safe environment

·         abide by any rules specifically relating to online assessment

·         communicate issues, suggestions or concerns using the procedures outlined in your Student Handbook.

If for any reason you wish to make a formal complaint, then please access our formal complaints procedure above, on our website or email admin@finba.com.au.  

This policy has been approved & authorised by Finance Business Academy on 1 March 2024.

Malpractice Policy

Finance Business Academy(FINBA) treats all cases of suspected malpractice* very seriously and will investigate all suspected and reported incidents of possible malpractice.

The purpose of this Policy and Procedure is to set out how allegations of malpractice in relation to all Finance Business Academy(FINBA)'’s training assessments and training events are dealt with.

The scope of the policy is to provide:

·         a definition of malpractice

·         examples of learner and centre malpractice and maladministration;

·         possible sanctions that may be imposed in cases of malpractice.

*The term ‘malpractice’ in this policy is used for both malpractice and maladministration.

Introduction

For the purpose of this document ‘malpractice’ is defined as:

Any act, or failure to act, that threatens or compromises the integrity of the assessment processor and the validity of Finance Business Academy(FINBA) training events and their certification.

This includes:

·         maladministration and the failure to maintain appropriate records or systems;

·         the deliberate falsification of records or documents for any reason connected to the award of training events certification;

·         acts of plagiarism or other academic misconduct;

·         and/or actions that compromise the reputation or authority of its employees or associates. Finance Business Academy(FINBA) will report all relevant cases of suspected malpractice to the relevant authority, accepting that in certain circumstances they may take action of its own, including imposing sanctions.

Malpractice by learners

Some examples of learner malpractice are described below. These examples are not exhaustive and all incidents of suspected malpractice, whether or not described below, will be fully investigated, where there are sufficient grounds to do so.

·        Obtaining examination or assessment material without authorisation.

·        Arranging for an individual other than the learner to sit an assessment or to submit an assignment not undertaken by the learner.

·        Impersonating another learner to sit an assessment or to submit an assignment on their behalf.

·        Collaborating with another learner or individual, by any means, to complete a coursework assignment or assessment, unless it has been clearly stated that such collaboration is permitted.

·        Damaging another learner’s work.

·        Inclusion of inappropriate or offensive material in coursework assignments or assessment scripts.

·        Failure to comply with published examination regulations.

·        Disruptive behaviour or unacceptable conduct, including the use of offensive language, at training centre or assessment venue (including aggressive or offensive language or behaviour).

·        Producing, using or allowing the use of forged or falsified documentation, including but not limited to:

o   personal identification;

o   supporting evidence provided for reasonable adjustment or special consideration applications; and

o   competency documents

o   results documentation, including certificates.

·        Misrepresentation or plagiarism of a Finance Business Academy(FINBA) certificate.

·        Fraudulent claims for special consideration while studying.

·        Falsely obtaining by any means a certificate

Malpractice by employees, tutors or assessors

Examples of malpractice by, employees, tutors and assessors are listed below. These examples are not exhaustive and all incidents of suspected malpractice, whether or not described below, will be fully investigated, where there are sufficient grounds to do so.

·       Failure to adhere to the relevant regulations and procedures, including those relating to Finance Business Academy approval, security undertaking and monitoring requirements as set out by these regulations.

·       Knowingly allowing an individual to impersonate a learner.

·       Allowing a learner to copy another learner’s assignment work or allowing a learner to let their own work be copied.

·       Allowing learners to work collaboratively during an assignment assessment, unless specified in the assignment brief.

·       Completing an assessed assignment for a learner or providing them with assistance beyond that ‘normally’ expected.

·       Damaging a learner’s work.

·       Disruptive behaviour or unacceptable conduct, including the use of offensive language (including aggressive or offensive language or behaviour).

·       Allowing disruptive behaviour or unacceptable conduct at Finance Business Academy to go unchallenged, for example, aggressive or offensive language or behaviour.

·       Divulging any information relating to learner performance and / or results to anyone other than the learner.

·       Producing, using or allowing the use of forged or falsified documentation, including but not limited to:

o   personal identification;

o   supporting evidence provided for reasonable adjustment or special consideration applications; and

o   competency documents

o   results documentation, including certificates

·       Falsely obtaining by any means a certificate.

Failing to report a suspected case of learner malpractice, including plagiarism, to your Line Manager.

Possible malpractice sanctions

Following an investigation, if a case of malpractice is upheld, Finance Business Academy(FINBA) may impose

sanctions or other penalties on the individual(s) concerned. Where relevant we will report the matter and may impose one or more sanctions upon the individual(s) concerned. Any sanctions imposed will reflect the seriousness of the malpractice that has occurred.

Listed below are examples of sanctions that may be applied to a learner, tutor or other associates who has had a case of malpractice upheld against them. Please note that this list is not exhaustive and other sanctions may be applied on a case-by-case basis.

Possible sanctions that may be applied to learners

·        A written warning about future conduct.

·        Notification to an employer, regulator or the police.

·        Removal from the course.

Possible sanctions that may be applied to employees, tutors and other associates

·         A written warning about future conduct.

·         Imposition of special conditions for the future involvement of the individual(s) in the conduct, teaching, supervision or administration of learners and/or examinations.

·         Informing any other organisation known to employ the individual in relation to courses or examinations of the outcome of the case. Finance Business Academy(FINBA) may carry out unannounced monitoring of the working practices of the individual(s) concerned.

·         Dismissal.

Procedure

Reporting a suspected case of malpractice

This process applies to, employees, tutors, learners and other associates to Finance Business Academy(FINBA)

and to any reporting of malpractice by a third party or individual who wishes to remain anonymous.

Any case of suspected malpractice must be reported as soon as possible and at the latest within two working days from its discovery to the Training Manager.

A written report should then be prepared by the Training Manager, clearly identifying the factual information, including statements from other individuals involved and / or affected, any evidence obtained, and the actions that have been taken in relation to the incident.

Wherever possible, and provided other learners are not disrupted by doing so, a learner suspected of malpractice should be warned immediately that their actions may constitute malpractice, and that a report will be made to the Training & Development Manager.

In cases of suspected malpractice by Finance Business Academy(FINBA) employees, tutors and other associates, and any reporting of malpractice by a third party or individual who wishes to remain anonymous, the report made to the Training & Development Manager should include as much information as possible, including the following:

·      the date time and place the alleged malpractice took place, if known.

·      the name of the employee, tutor or other third party involved

·      a description of the suspected malpractice; and

·      any available supporting evidence.

In cases of suspected malpractice reported by a third party, or an individual who wishes to remain anonymous, Finance Business Academy(FINBA) will take all reasonable steps to authenticate the reported information and to investigate the alleged malpractice.

Administering suspected cases of malpractice

Finance Business Academy Pty Ltd will investigate each case of suspected or reported malpractice, to ascertain whether malpractice has occurred. The investigation will aim to establish the full facts and circumstances. Finance Business Academy(FINBA) will promptly take all reasonable steps to prevent any adverse effect that may arise as a result of the malpractice, or to mitigate any adverse effect, as far as possible, and to correct it to make sure that any action necessary to maintain the integrity of our training and reputation is taken. Finance Business Academy(FINBA) will acknowledge all reports of suspected malpractice within five working days. All of the parties involved in the case will then be contacted within 10 working days of receipt of the report detailing the suspected malpractice. We may also contact other individuals who may be able to provide evidence relevant to the case.

The individual(s) concerned will be informed of the following:

·      that an investigation is going to take place, and the grounds for that investigation;

·      details of all the relevant timescales, and dates, where known;

·      that they have a right to respond by providing a personal written response relating to the suspected malpractice (within 15 working days of the date of that letter);

·      that, if malpractice is considered proven, sanctions may be imposed by reflecting the seriousness of the case;

·      that, if they are found guilty, they have the right to appeal.

·      that Finance Business Academy(FINBA) has a duty to inform the relevant authorities / regulators, but only

after time for the appeal has passed or the appeal process has been completed. This may also include informing the police if the law has been broken and to comply with any other appropriate legislation.

Where more than one individual is contacted regarding a case of suspected malpractice, for example in a case involving suspected collusion, we will contact each individual separately, and will not reveal personal data to any third party unless necessary for the purpose of the investigation.

The individual has a right to appeal against a malpractice outcome if they believe that the policy or procedure has not been followed properly or has been implemented to their detriment.

Records of all malpractice cases and their outcomes are maintained by Finance Business Academy(FINBA) for

a period of at least five years and are subject to regular monitoring and review.

 This policy has been approved & authorised by Finance Business Academy on 1 March 2024.

Reasonable Adjustments Policy

Aims and Objectives of the Policy

Finance Business Academy(FINBA) has a duty under the Equality Act 2010 to make any reasonable

adjustments that can be made for our learners to ensure they are not discriminated against.

We aim to facilitate open and fair access to our training for learners who are eligible for reasonable adjustments and/or special considerations without compromising the assessment of skills, knowledge, understanding or competence being measured ,Finance Business Academy (FINBA) achieve this through;

Reasonable Adjustments

Finance Business Academy(FINBA) will consider requests for Reasonable Adjustments and Special Considerations.

This is agreed at point of booking/registration. The learner must request within a reasonable timeframe any adjustments that may be needed to reduce the effect of a disability or difficulty, which places the learner at a substantial disadvantage. Any requests for reasonable adjustments must not affect the quality and reliability of the learning outcomes nor must they give the learner an advantage over other learners undertaking the same or similar training.

Reasonable Adjustments may not be applied to training that will provide a “licence to practice” or where the learner needs to demonstrate a practical competence.

Special Considerations

A special consideration request can be made during or after a training event to reflect temporary illness, injury or indisposition that occurred at the time of the event. Any special considerations granted cannot remove the difficulty the learner faced at the time of the event and can only be a relatively small adjustment to ensure that the integrity of the training is not compromised. Special consideration may not be applied to training that will provide a “licence to practice” or where the learner needs to demonstrate a practical competence.

Finance Business Academy(FINBA) will only consider requests for Reasonable Adjustments and Special

Considerations submitted within a timely manner and have completed the appropriate paperwork for these requests.

Reasonable Adjustments

A reasonable adjustment helps to reduce the effect of a disability or a difficulty that places the learner at a substantial disadvantage.

Reasonable adjustments must not affect the quality and reliability of the learning outcomes, but may include;

·         Ensuring any online learning is more accessible (such as ability to adjust display settings and providing advice/guidance on speech technology)

·         Providing assistance during an assessment of learning

·         Adapting materials or providing it on coloured paper

·         Re-organising the physical assessment/learning environment

·         Use of mechanical and electronic aids

·         Use of assistive software

·         Use of low vision aids

Reasonable adjustments must be approved and set in place prior to any assessment or learning is carried out.

Any assessment of work following a reasonable adjustment has been made must be carried out in the same way of work from other learners.

Reasonable adjustments must never give a learner and advantage to other learners and must never affect the quality or reliability of the learning.

It is important to note that not all requests for reasonable adjustments may be granted if they are not deemed reasonable, permissible or practical in certain situations. The learner may not need, nor be allowed, the same adjustments for all learning.

Requests for reasonable adjustments are approved by Finance Business Academy(FINBA) prior to any

bookings/registrations are taken. They are intended to allow access to training / assessment but can only be approved if the adjustment does not;

·         Affect the quality and reliability of the learning

·         Provide an unfair advantage to other learners

·         Influence or compromise the final outcome of the assessment of learning

Any requests for reasonable adjustments must be made to Finance Business Academy(FINBA) within 7 days of registration / booking or at least 28 working days before an assessment / classroom event using the appropriate paperwork.  If you are unsure if a learner requires a reasonable adjustment, please speak with Finance Business Academy(FINBA) who will provide the relevant guidance.

  Special Considerations

A special consideration is consideration given to a learner who was prepared and present at an assessment but may have been disadvantaged by temporary illness, injury or adverse circumstances outside of their control.

It is important to note that special consideration may not be possible where assessment requires the demonstration of practical competence, or the training provides a “licence to practice”.

Where an assessment of learning is carried out and marked by a computer, the learner will have the ability to take it at a later date however this must be completed prior to any practical assessments or other learning is carried out.

A special consideration cannot give a learner an unfair advantage to other learners and must not mislead the learners’ achievement. The learner’s results must reflect their true achievement and not potential ability. Finance Business Academy(FINBA)’s decision on requests for special considerations will vary from learner to learner and one subject to another. The factors may include the severity of the consideration, date of assessment and the nature of the assessment such as practical or oral presentation.

The learner may be eligible for special considerations if;

·         The performance in an assessment is affected by circumstances out of their control, such as recent personal illness, accident or bereavement

·         Alternative arrangements which were agreed in advance proved to be inappropriate or inadequate

·         Part of an assessment / event was missed due to circumstances beyond the control of the learner

The learner will not be eligible for special consideration if;

·         The leaner has not been affected at the time of an assessment by a particular condition

·         Part of an assessment / event is missed due to personal arrangements including holidays or unauthorised absence

·         The event / assessment is affected by difficulties such as disturbances through building work, lack of proper facilities, changes in or shortages of staff or industrial disputes

Examples of circumstances where special consideration may be given are;

·         Terminal illness of the learner

·         Recent bereavement of a member of the immediate family

·         Serious of disruptive domestic crises leading to acute anxiety about the family

·         Incapacitating illness or injury of the learner

·         Severe car accident

·         Outbreak of infection where learners are in isolation

·         Lost or damaged work beyond the control of the learner

Special consideration will not be granted for minor illness or a minor disturbance.

Requests for special considerations are approved by Finance Business Academy(FINBA) Applications for special

considerations must be made on case-by-case basis and thus separate applications must be made for each learner. Any requests for special considerations will only be approved if they do not;

·         Affect the quality and reliability of the learning

·         Provide an unfair advantage to other learners

·         Influence or compromise the final outcome of the assessment of learning

Any requests for special considerations must be made to Finance Business Academy(FINBA) within 7 days of the

event or assessment using the appropriate paperwork.  If you are unsure if a learner requires a

special consideration please speak with Finance Business Academy(FINBA) who will provide the relevant guidance.

It is important to note that special consideration will not be granted if / where learner achievement has been acknowledged and certified.

 This policy has been approved & authorised by Finance Business Academy on 1 March 2024.

Responsible Marketing Procedure

Introduction

The main aim of the policy is to provide clear guidance on how Finance Business Academy (FINBA) markets itself responsibly. We are committed to delivering high quality teaching and learning, along with exceptional customer service for our stakeholders. This extends to ensuring our services are marketed in a way that is fair, transparent, within legal guidelines and reflective of the communities we serve.

We also require that our partners and stakeholders adhere to these standards and that unsubstantiated claims aren’t made. Any use of data must be verified, and sources confirmed to ensure potential customers are made aware of its origin.

We are committed to marketing our products and services in a responsible way and so we will regularly review our marketing communications to ensure they are aligned with these principles and that they also fit with industry best practices.

Scope

These guidelines apply to all marketing communications generated by or on behalf of Finance Business Academy (FINBA). Within this, ‘marketing’ means product and services advertising and promotion in all media including, but not limited to, packaging, brand promotions, brand advertising, brand PR, product placement, sponsorship and brand experiential marketing, point of sale material, digital, online and mobile marketing plus social media.

Core Principles

We commit that our marketing communications will be honest, transparent, truthful, within legal guidelines and respectful.

Above this we also commit to:

·         Never mislead our customers.

·         Always be fair and transparent when promoting our services, enabling our customers to make informed choices. Offering impartial advice and guidance in line with our duty of care as a CPD Approved Provider.

·         Be legal, ethical, truthful and conform to accepted principles of fair competition and good business practice.

·         Comply with all AU legislative and regulatory requirements.

·         Avoid promoting themes associated with aggression, anti-social behaviour or violence.

·         Avoid any derogatory, defamatory or offensive statements or imagery in particular in relation to race, gender, sexual orientation, religion and political views.

·         Seek to prevent any unsolicited marketing that uses the FINBA brand without authorisation

·         Never knowingly advertise in media or on websites that contain extremist views or explicit content.

·         Never advertise in a way that could cause mental, physical or moral harm to a child.

Compliance

All new marketing colleagues and key agency personnel are aware of our Core Principles, and we review the principles on a regular basis. In addition, refresher training is available when needed.

Our marketing team/3rd party agency members, supported by our legal, technical and communications operatives, are responsible for ensuring the compliance of all of our marketing collateral.

This policy has been approved & authorised by Finance Business Academy on 1 March 2024.