Resolving Conflicts in Education: The Role of the Level 4 Award in External Quality Assurance

The Level 4 Award in the External Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice is an essential qualification for professionals in the education sector, playing a critical role in resolving conflicts such as appeals, complaints, and disputes. This blog explores how the award equips individuals to handle these challenges effectively.

Understanding Appeals in Education

Appeals are common in education, often concerning assessment decisions. Holders of the Level 4 Award in the External Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice are trained to handle such appeals, ensuring that decisions by Awarding Organisations (AOs) are fair, consistent, and based on valid judgements.

The Appeals Process

Typically, AOs offer a 2-stage appeals procedure:

1. Stage 1 – Appeal: Involves an internal review by the AO, ensuring an unbiased decision maker.
2. Stage 2 – Independent Review: Entails an assessment by an independent reviewer, who is not affiliated with the AO, ensuring impartiality.

Managing Complaints Effectively

The Level 4 Award in the External Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice also prepares professionals to handle complaints, such as an EQA failing to attend an observation. A robust complaints procedure is critical for resolving such issues fairly and transparently.

Dealing with Disputes

Disputes, whether due to personality clashes or misunderstandings, are inevitable. The Level 4 Award in the External Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice trains professionals to approach these disputes calmly and considerately, aiming for informal resolution where possible. In cases where a training centre disagrees with an EQA’s decision, they are entitled to appeal to the Awarding Body.

Conclusion

The Level 4 Award in the External Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice is invaluable in equipping education professionals with the skills needed to navigate and resolve conflicts. By standardising the approach to handling appeals, complaints, and disputes, the award ensures that educational standards are upheld fairly and efficiently.