Operating policies for the IACC
Given the nature of the current circumstances and to allow the release of IACC related information to trainees promptly, the ethos of the established policies operating for the OSFA will also operate for the IACC. In addition, the National School of Healthcare Science (NSHCS) Plagiarism Policy will be invoked in relation to the IACC submission. Detailed IACC policy documents will be developed if necessary and appropriate and will be published as soon as they are finalised.
Reasonable adjustments
Trainees may request reasonable adjustments, with appropriate evidence, for this assessment under the current reasonable adjustment policy and using the published form.
Mitigating circumstances
Trainees can notify the School of any mitigating circumstances that may apply at the time of submission of the IACC. Notification should be by email with supporting evidence relating to the mitigating circumstances.
Exceptional arrangements
Trainees may request exceptional arrangements in relation to the IACC. The request must be accompanied by appropriate evidence. The School may seek a supporting statement from the trainee’s training officer.
Misconduct
The following will not be tolerated:
- cheating, collusion or plagiarism
- activity to gain advantage for self or disadvantage others
Evidence of misconduct in relation to the IACC may jeopardise the trainee’s sitting of the IACC and will be reported to the Academy for Healthcare Science and other applicable specialty registration bodies. This may include forfeit of one attempt or disqualification from the IACC.
The NSHCS Plagiarism policy is available online. Trainees are also reminded that it is the expectation of the Scientist Training Programme that they abide by the HCPC’s Standards of conduct, performance and ethics in their current and future practice.
Complaints and appeals
Trainees may submit a complaint, with evidence, if there has been an irregularity in the provision for the IACC. Any complaints relating to the implementation of the IACC in comparison with the OSFA will not be accepted.
Trainees may appeal within 10 working days of receiving the outcome from their IACC based on any irregularity in the decision-making process of the Examination Board when arriving at the outcome. Appeals against academic judgements will not be accepted.