1. Purpose

This policy outlines the approach to making reasonable adjustments and offering special consideration during the delivery and assessment of health and safety training. The goal is to ensure that all participants, regardless of their individual needs, have equal opportunities to participate in and complete the training successfully. The policy aligns with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• Participants with disabilities or long-term health conditions.
• Participants with temporary conditions that affect their ability to participate in the training.
• Participants who experience exceptional circumstances, such as bereavement or family emergencies, during the course of their training.

3. Definitions

Reasonable Adjustments: Actions taken to remove or reduce barriers for participants with disabilities or specific needs, allowing them to participate in training and assessment on an equal basis with others.

Special Consideration: A measure to ensure fair assessment for participants who may have been disadvantaged by temporary or exceptional circumstances, beyond their control, affecting their performance during the training or assessment.

4. Principles

Equality: All participants have the right to access the training, and every effort will be made to ensure this happens fairly and without discrimination.

Individual Needs: Adjustments will be based on individual circumstances and in line with the principle of inclusivity.

Proportionality: Adjustments will be reasonable, not affecting the integrity of the training or the assessment’s overall objective.

5. Reasonable Adjustments

Reasonable adjustments may include, but are not limited to:

Physical Adjustments: Modifications to training venues, such as wheelchair access, seating arrangements, lighting, and sound enhancements.

Additional Support: Provision of additional support such as a note-taker, sign language interpreter, or specialist equipment.

Modified Materials: Accessible learning materials in alternative formats such as large print, braille, or electronic versions compatible with assistive technology.

Flexible Training Schedules: Offering flexible start times, extended breaks, or alternative assessment times to accommodate individual needs.

Alternative Assessment Methods: Adjusting the mode of assessment to suit the participant’s needs, such as offering oral rather than written assessments or allowing the use of technology.

6. Special Consideration

Special consideration may be granted in the following circumstances:

Illness or Injury: If a participant falls ill or is injured during the training period or assessment.

Personal Circumstances: If a participant faces personal difficulties such as bereavement, family crisis, or significant life events.

Temporary Disabilities: If a participant temporarily experiences a condition (e.g., a broken arm) that affects their ability to participate.

Special consideration can include:

• Rescheduling assessments or training.
• Allowing extra time for completing assignments or assessments.
• Extending deadlines for course components.
  

Special consideration will not be applied if:

• The participant’s difficulties could have been reasonably anticipated or managed through reasonable adjustments.
• The request is made after the assessment has been completed.

7. Request Process

Reasonable Adjustments:
Participants are encouraged to disclose any specific needs as early as possible, ideally at the time of registration. Requests for adjustments should be submitted in writing, with supporting evidence such as a medical report, disability assessment, or educational support plan.

Special Consideration:
Requests should be submitted as soon as possible after the event impacting the participant’s performance, providing supporting evidence where applicable (e.g., medical certificates, bereavement notices).

8. Decision Making

Decisions on reasonable adjustments and special consideration will be made by the course tutor in consultation with relevant parties (e.g., administrators, assessors, or external bodies if necessary). All decisions will aim to balance the participant’s needs with the requirement to maintain the validity and fairness of the training and assessment.

9. Confidentiality

All requests for reasonable adjustments or special consideration will be handled sensitively and confidentially, ensuring the participant’s dignity and privacy are respected throughout the process.

10. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or in response to significant legislative or procedural changes to ensure it remains effective and compliant with the latest standards and regulations.