Changing Terms & Conditions of a training course once part way through..

Racheldevon

Hi,
I'm currently doing a diploma course which I started in March. Prior to starting the course I checked to see whether I was required to re-do the anatomy/physiology module, as I already hold similiar diplomas but with another national awarding body, and have previously sat that module in 2006. I was told that it would count as prior learning, and that I wouldn't have to resit it. On this basis I went ahead & signed up (& paid for the course).

About a week after the first module block, I was informed that it may be necessary to map the learning outcomes of the previously completed module, against this awarding body's module. I was asked for no information for them to map it. A day later I received an emailing informing me that I would have to sit it - at a cost of £100 for the exam, and that teaching would be an extra £400. I informed them I couldn't afford this, and that Ihad signed up for the course on the confirmation that I wasn't required to resit this. I would told I could do it as a distance learning instead.

Last week I received an email advising that the attached handbook contained terms & conditions that replaced everything we had previously received with immediate effect. I have read through this, and it now states that any students who have sat the anatomy exam before 2010, have to resit a mock and if you pass you still have to resit the exam (at a cost of £100) later in the year, and if you fail then you have to pay £400 for the tution.

I have contacted the awarding/governing body, who say they recognise the anatomy module providing it's from 2002 onwards - they do not require it to be retaken.

Can anybody advise on where I stand with regards to the changed terms and conditions - can they just be changed like this?

Many thanks in advance
Rachel

Lokolo

What do you want to get out of it? Do you no longer want to continue the course or what?

You have said the governing body have said you are OK, so that should mean you would not need to pay the extra £500 for the module retake.

Racheldevon

I want to complete the course. The provider has made it clear they do not issue any refunds.
The training provider seem to be creating their own rules & ignoring the advice of the governing body, and are insisting all students now have to pay to do this module if it's after 2010, whereas the official guidance on this from the governing body is providing its after 2002.
The tutor is the lady who owns the training provider company, it's a family run business, so there's no one else within the company to raise a complaint to.
Does anybody know whether legally terms and conditions can be changed once someone has signed up to a different set of conditions?

Justicia

Look in the documentation for the training provider's complaints procedure and follow it, providing the information (including from the governing body; if you have the response to your query in writing from them, provide a copy) that you have referenced in this thread.

getmore4less

All those effected should get together.

group action works better than individual

a few things to look at

Find another providers and check with them, you need a backup plan.

Find another provider just for the module they insist you retake.
(eliminate the revenue reasons for the change and try to find somewhere cheaper)

check the terms of the contract

as above complaints procedure if any

Look at governing body accredication terms.

Look at a claim for a full refund if this cannot be resolved, failing to provide what was agreed.

The risk is they fold no money no course.

Funky_Bold_Ribena

You ALL get hold of their complaints procedure and invoke it.

You send a copy of the confirmation that they gave you prior to the course, a copy of your module pass and a copy of the confirmation from the awarding body that it can be used as APL. Hopefully one of you asked in writing and has a copy.

You complain that you asked the question and were told an answer and have proceeded accordingly and you are not willing to sign up to different terms and conditions halfway through a course.

You ask them to advise you on the steps that you need to take to ensure that your module is APL-ed. Alternatively, refund your money immediately and you will find a provider who will provide the training that they have specified they will provide.

You state that if this information is not forthcoming, you will have no other option than to take it to the awarding body as an official complaint, and that they may have to suspend registration and certification whilst they investigate.

p.s...I don't think they can refuse to give refunds; that's the sign of a dodgy provider. So add this onto your complaint to the awarding body if it gets that far.

Racheldevon

Thank you all for taking the time and effort to reply with some advice and guidance on next steps.

I have a copy of the complaints processes for both the provider, and the awarding body, so I will ensure I follow both fully and see where it leads me

Thanks again