My RLSS UK

Welcome to My RLSS UK, an online area dedicated to providing our qualification holders, members, stakeholders, and supporters with easy access to the latest industry safety guidance, policies, resources, and opportunities. As well as providing specialist information, the area signposts you to relevant services and features within your RLSS UK Account (powered by tahdah). 

Every individual, organisation, club, branch, and group in our community is invaluable to us, and we endeavour to provide solutions and added value wherever possible in the hope that you will become a lifelong ambassador of the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK). Together we can work towards the Charity's mission to be the leader in lifesaving and lifeguarding in the UK and Ireland. By sharing our combined expertise and knowledge, with as many people as possible, we can provide everyone with the potential to save lives and enjoy water safely. 

We hope you find the area useful, if you require further support please call 0300 323 0096 or email [email protected]. 

Contents


Introduction

This policy is aimed at our Approved Training Centre/Providers (ATC/P) and candidates who are undertaking or have completed a RLSS UK Qualifications, qualifications or awards. We understand our requirements as an awarding body to make reasonable adjustments where a candidate, who has a difficulty or is disabled within the definition of the Equality Act 2010, would be at a substantial disadvantage in comparison to someone who is not disabled or does not have a difficulty.

We endeavour to ensure that all training and assessments should be a fair test of the candidates’ practical skills and knowledge. For some candidates, we recognise the usual format of training and assessments may not be suitable, in these cases reasonable adjustments may be applied, on a case-by-case basis.

We aim to support and protect all individuals in providing reasonable adjustments and special consideration arrangements to any candidate that may have a genuine need, ensuring they receive recognition of their achievement without compromising the quality, validity, and reliability of the assessment. Such arrangements are not concessions to make the assessment easier for candidates.

Reasonable adjustments and special considerations are two ways in which access to a fair assessment can be maintained.


Definition of a Reasonable Adjustment

A reasonable adjustment relates to any actions that help to reduce the effect of a disability or difficulty, which may place the candidate at a disadvantage during the delivery of a qualification or an assessment situation. They are applied to an assessment process for a qualification, to enable a candidate with a disability or difficulty, to demonstrate his or her knowledge, skills and understanding of the levels of attainment required in the qualification specification.

When a reasonable adjustment has been applied, the work produced by the candidate will be marked to the same standards and assessment requirements as the work assessed of the other candidate(s).


Principles of Making Reasonable Adjustments

The following principles should be followed by RLSS UK Qualifications staff and our ATC/Ps, when making decisions about a candidates need for adjustments to an assessment.

The adjustments should

  • Not invalidate the assessment requirements of the qualification
  • Not give the candidate an unfair advantage
  • Reflect the candidate’s normal way of working
  • Be based on the individual need of the candidate

Both RLSS UK Qualifications and our ATC/Ps have a responsibility to ensure the assessment is robust and fair, and allows the candidate to demonstrate what they know, following the said guidance for both practical and theory assessments, without compromising the process.

Where appropriate RLSS UK Qualifications and our ATC/Ps must ensure they consider the following, upon deciding whether an adjustment to an assessment is required:

  1. The reasonable adjustment must not compromise the competency standard.
  2. The reasonable adjustment must not give the candidate an unfair advantage. While the process for examinations and assessments might be modified, the candidate must demonstrate the skills and competence required by the assessment, to maintain the quality, validity, and reliability of the assessment.
  3. The reasonable adjustment must be based on individual requirements. Decisions about the reasonable adjustment(s) required by each candidate must be taken only after careful consideration of the assessment needs of each individual. Different candidate with the same impairment may have quite different reasonable adjustment requirements. Similarly, centres should not assume that the reasonable adjustment required by a candidate for a particular assessment will be required for all assessments. Some candidates may need a single adjustment, others may require a combination of several adjustments.
  4. The reasonable adjustment must be accompanied by suitable evidence, where appropriate. ATC/P and TA’s will want to satisfy themselves that a candidate’s request for a reasonable adjustment is legitimate. On some occasions, this will involve obtaining evidence that is sufficient, valid, and reliable.
  5. The assessment activity is valid and is measurable against the assessment criteria. Any adjustment(s) that are implemented during the assessment must ensure that:
    1. They do not impact on any other candidates.
    2. Will only provide the intended candidate with the necessary assistance, without giving them an unfair advantage over others.
    3. The ATC/Ps must be clear about the extent to which the candidate is affected by the disability or difficulty.

How to Apply for a Reasonable Adjustment

    To apply for a reasonable adjustment directly through RLSS UK Qualification, either the candidate or authorised persons must complete the web-based application form.

    Click here to access the Reasonable Adjustment application form

    If the candidate or the ATC/P is submitting the application request to RLSS UK Qualifications, they must ensure the application form is fully completed and be prepared to supply supporting evidence if required.

    In instances when the TA or ATC/P makes the judgment to apply a reasonable adjustment(s) without applying to RLSS UK Qualifications, they must ensure they follow the same principles as if they were applying to us and obtain all the required information and evidence and document this in the same way.

    The ATC/P must maintain records of all reasonable adjustments made as they may be requested by RLSS UK Qualifications for audit purposes and continually monitor the applications for internal product development. An exemplar record form is available within your resources area. Alternatively you may use your own form providing it contains the same information.

    Where permission is sought from the RLSS UK Qualifications, all reasonable adjustment applications will be acknowledged via email within three working days. All successful or unsuccessful reasonable adjustment applications will be responded to via email within seven working days. There may be exceptions to these timescales, e.g., where industry expert advice is sought. Any revised timescales will be confirmed via email and new timescales provided. Successful reasonable adjustments applications will never be verbally agreed, confirmation will be via a written response.

    ATC/Ps have a duty to seek advice from RLSS UK Qualifications in any case, where there is any doubt over whether an adjustment is needed or how it should be applied.

    Candidates should be given ample opportunities to request a reasonable adjustment prior to their assessment. Ideally, at the first point of contact via the enrolment or registration process, day one of the training course or at the start of the assessment.


    Reasonable Adjustment Permissions Table

    The table below outlines some of the more commonly requested reasonable adjustments, that can be applied to an assessment for a candidate. This list is not exhaustive and other adjustments may be considered.

    • Permitted – Reasonable adjustments at the discretion of the ATC/P or TA
    • Apply – Apply to RLSS UK Qualifications for permission
    Reasonable Adjustment  Assessments taken under examination conditions
    Extra time up to 25% Permitted
    Extra time more than 25% Apply
    Supervised rest breaks Permitted
    Change in the layout of assessment room Permitted
    Candidates to take the examination solely under moderation of an Assessor Permitted
    Taking the assessment at an alternative venue Permitted
    Use of colored overlays Permitted
    Use of paper based bilingual dictionary Permitted
    Assessment materials in an enlarged format Apply
    Assessment materials on colored paper Permitted
    Reader Permitted
    Scribe Apply
    Prompter Apply
    Any other reasonable adjustments Apply

    (Appendix one)

    Always seek advice if there is uncertainty over the adjustment(s) that can be applied to an assessment.

    Examples

    Extra time

    Extra time is not permitted in practical skills performance. An allowance of 25% extra time is only permissible for assessment papers, if the candidate has learning difficulties, supported by an assessment report evidencing the need for the adjustment.

    Reader

    A reader must be a responsible adult, who does not have conflicting interests to the candidate. The reader must not provide any other assistance to the candidate other than read the questions or answers, as they appear on the assessment material.

    Supervised rest breaks

    Candidates should be supervised during scheduled rest breaks. The duration of the breaks will not be deducted from the assessment time. During the rest breaks, the candidate is still under examination conditions.

    Please note due to the nature of the qualification there is not a guarantee the requested adjustment will be granted, nor do we offer alternative adjustments. Where there is a skill needing an adjustment that is safety critical RLSS UK Qualifications may seek further guidance from a medical or industry experts before reaching its decision.

    RLSS UK Qualifications maintain records of all reasonable adjustment applications for audit purposes and continually monitor the applications for internal product development.


    Definitions of a Special Consideration

    A special consideration is a post-assessment adjustment to the candidate’s assessment results, or rearrangement of an assessment time or date.

    A special consideration can be granted after an assessment has taken place if a candidate is deemed to have been disadvantaged.


    Principles of Requesting Special Considerations

    A special consideration could apply to a candidate who has temporarily experienced an illness, injury, or some other event outside their control, which has had or is likely to have, a significant material effect on the candidate’s ability to take an assessment or demonstrate the required level of competency. Candidate’s results must reflect actual achievements not any potential ability.

    Candidates must have attended the course for the appropriate amount of guided learning hours and have been fully prepared by the Trainer, to take their assessment.


    How to Apply for a Special Consideration

    To apply for a Special Consideration, either the candidate or authorised persons must complete the web-based application form.

    Click here to access the Special Consideration application form

    If the candidate or the ATC/P is submitting the application request to RLSS UK Qualifications, they must ensure the application form is fully completed and be prepared to supply supporting evidence if required.

    All special consideration applications will be acknowledged via email within three working days. All successful or unsuccessful special consideration applications will be responded to via email within seven working days. There may be exceptions to these timescales, e.g., where industry expert advice is sought. Any revised timescales will be confirmed via email and new timescales provided. Successful special consideration applications will never be verbally agreed, confirmation will be via a written response.

    RLSS UK Qualifications maintain records of all special consideration applications for audit purposes and continually monitor the applications for internal product development.


    Supporting Evidence Explained

    With any application for a reasonable adjustment or special consideration, you may be required to provide supporting evidence, which is valid, sufficient, and reliable.

    Where evidence cannot be viewed, we rely upon the professional judgment of RLSS UK Qualifications staff and ATC/P staff to assess if the applicant has a genuine need.

    Supporting evidence can come in various formats including:

    •    A medical note
    •    An educational statement

    The list is not exhaustive; ATC/Ps have a duty to seek advice from compliance, in any case where they are not sure if the evidence is valid, sufficient, and reliable.


    Safety Considerations

    There are no circumstances when the safety of a candidate or participant, should be compromised in the pursuit of an assessment. In a practical activity, if there is a concern that the effects of a person’s disability or difficulty may have safety implications for themselves or others, a suitably qualified person in the centre should carry out a risk assessment related to the candidate’s particular circumstances. Assumptions should not be made about a disability posing safety risk.


    Arrangements not Covered within this Policy

    If any circumstances arise, relating to internal or external assessments not covered within this policy, you should contact a member of our compliance team at [email protected] to discuss them prior to the assessment taking place.


    Appeals

    If you wish to appeal against our decision to decline a request, please refer to our Appeals Policy, which can be located here.


    Frequently asked questions

    • Is my current qualification valid if I’ve been given an allowance to sit as a renewal candidate, after my original qualification has expired?

    No, if your special consideration is granted and you are awarded an allowance to be assessed as a renewal candidate. The allowance of time does not extend the qualification itself. The qualification expires on the same date as stated on your certificate, meaning you will not hold the required pre-requisites until you successfully complete the relevant assessment.

    • Do I get 28 days to retake my assessment if I have been granted a special consideration?

    If your special consideration is granted, you must complete the assessment and if required, any re-assessments by the date indicated in the special consideration application outcome.

    • When does the 28 days run out?

    If you sit the assessment on 1st February this is day one, so the last day you can be assessed is on 28 February of the same year.

    • If my qualification was due to expire on 10 February and I fail on 1 February, when is the last day I can be assessed?

    The last day you can be assessed is the 10 February as you must pass all sections of the assessment and if required any re-assessments within the validity of the qualification. Unless a special consideration has been granted.


    Contact Details

    Contact Details

    Last updated: January 2023