Someone in the know about FE standards of course delivery

poorly_scammo

Right, I can't give out too much detail about this and for that I apologise but here's the situation as far as I'm able to say:

If an FE college is delivering a course on behalf of another institution and fails to deliver that course correctly what recourse do the students have? By failing I mean not delivering a whole syllabus despite it being compulsory to do so, not assessing work correctly if at all resulting in the qualification not being awarded to any of the students.

Can anyone help based on what I've written above? I can PM with a few more details if necessary

Thanks

Southend1

I would imagine the validation agreement allows for periodic reviews to check the requirements are being met. If you think they are not then the first port of call is probably a complaint to the delivering institution with a copy to the validating institution

poorly_scammo

Southend1 wrote: »

I would imagine the validation agreement allows for periodic reviews to check the requirements are being met. If you think they are not then the first port of call is probably a complaint to the delivering institution with a copy to the validating institution

Hi and thanks

It has gone beyond that as the delivering institution is being investigated by the 'parent' organisation i.e. the one who is the awarding body. If the college is found to have mis taught and maladministrated the course, what sanctions can be applied and what can the students do about their treatment and fees? The course has just ended btw.

Southend1

I suspect how it is dealt with will depend on many things E.g. The effect on the students, the value of the relationship between the two institutions, how significantly the syllabus differed etc. The temptation for the management may be to sweep it under the carpet. Perhaps worth asking the students union for advice and support? If the outcomes for the students were effected, have you followed the appeals process of the college? Check if there is a time limit for submitting appeals and act quickly if necessary.

ohreally

poorly_scammo wrote: »

The course has just ended btw.

Did you gain the qualification?

poorly_scammo

ohreally wrote: »

Did you gain the qualification?

No no one on the course has.

saintjammyswine

Not being difficult but you use terms like 'parent organisation' and 'delivering organisation'. Is the college delivering the course being subcontracted by another college or training provider? The awarding body is not a 'parent organisation', rather they are the organisation that awards the certificates providing the 'delivering organisation' can evidence that the learners have reached the required standards.

It makes a difference as if they are being subcontracted then you recourse initially is with the college delivering the course, then the organisation that is contracting to the college.
If not, then you should approach the college first, then the awarding body (for example City & Guilds, NCFE etc.).

In all circumstances, you should speak to the college first who should have shown you their complaints procedure during the induction onto the course.

poorly_scammo

Hello, apologies for using vague terms. I'm trying to give as much information as possible without naming names. The college is teaching a course which has been written by another organisation. The college is teaching on behalf of this organisation.

We have already spoken and written to the college concerned even though we never saw a complaints procedure and were not 'inducted'.

It would now appear that we need to contact solicitors as this has gone way beyond speaking to the college.

Thanks for all your help with this.

Southend1

poorly_scammo wrote: »

Hello, apologies for using vague terms. I'm trying to give as much information as possible without naming names. The college is teaching a course which has been written by another organisation. The college is teaching on behalf of this organisation.

We have already spoken and written to the college concerned even though we never saw a complaints procedure and were not 'inducted'.

It would now appear that we need to contact solicitors as this has gone way beyond speaking to the college.

Thanks for all your help with this.

I understand the frustration but don't waste money on solicitors. The college will have an appeals procedure and a complaints procedure. They may be published on the web. Follow these first.

saintjammyswine

^^^^

Dont bother with solicitors at this very early (relatively) stage. Find the complaints procedure for both the college that taught the course and whoeveer has written the course.

The organisation that has written the course, are they another college?

Happy for you to PM for more if you dont want to put anything publicly.