Terms of Service

REASONABLE ADJUSTMENTS

We understand that we are all individuals and everyone is unique. As such, we know that we all work in different ways and have varied needs. If you feel that you might need some assistance in relation to your course and/or examination, please reach out to us and let us try to help!

AWSEC seeks to assess all candidates in a way that puts them at no disadvantage, or advantage, over other candidates.

A reasonable adjustment is any action that helps to reduce the effect of a disability or difficulty that places the candidate at a substantial disadvantage in the assessment situation. Reasonable adjustments are approved and put in place before the assessment activity takes place; they constitute an arrangement to give the candidate access to the qualification. The use of a reasonable adjustment is not taken into consideration during the assessment of a candidate’s work.

Reasonable adjustments must not give unfair advantage over candidates for whom reasonable adjustments are not being made, nor will it affect the reliability and validity of the assessment outcomes as detailed in the applicable Specification.

Reasonable adjustments may involve:

• • Changing standard assessment arrangements, (e.g. allowing candidates extra time to complete the assessment activity)
• • Adapting assessment materials (e.g. providing materials in large text format)
• • Providing access facilitators during assessment (e.g. a sign language interpreter or reader)
• • Re-organising the assessment room (e.g. removal of visual stimuli for an autistic candidate)

Applying for a reasonable adjustment

Candidates are encouraged to identify at the time of enrolment any special needs which may require a reasonable adjustment at the time of the examination. A Reasonable Adjustment Application Form (which must attach supporting evidence) will be required to be submitted to the WSET Awards Assessments Manager at least four weeks before the examination date in the case of WSET qualifications at Levels 1-3 and at least eight weeks before the examination date in the case of the WSET Level 4 Diploma. Thus, applications will be required to be submitted to AWSEC at least six weeks before the examination date and at least ten weeks before the examination date respectively.

The specific arrangements for the examination process itself, or for marking, will be agreed in each case between the AWSEC’s Examinations Officer and the WSET Awards Assessments Manager, and will vary according to individual circumstances. AWSEC and WSET Awards reserve the right to seek the advice of independent agencies as appropriate in coming to a decision on specific arrangements. Please note that AWSEC may not offer reasonable adjustments to any candidate until this has been agreed with WSET Awards.

Candidates and their advisors should be aware that it is not appropriate to make requests for reasonable adjustments where the candidate’s particular difficulty directly affects performance in the attributes that are the focus of the assessment.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATION

Special consideration is an action taken after an assessment to allow candidates who have been disadvantaged by temporary illness, injury, indisposition, or adverse circumstances at the time of the assessment to demonstrate attainment.

Special consideration will not give unfair advantage over candidates for whom special consideration is not being applied, nor will it alter the assessment demands of the qualification as detailed in the applicable Specification.

A candidate may be eligible for special consideration if:

• • Performance in an assessment is affected by circumstances beyond the control of the candidate. This may include recent personal illness, accident, bereavement, or examination room conditions
• • Alternative assessment arrangements which were agreed in advance of the assessment proved inappropriate or inadequate
• • The application of special consideration would not mislead the user of the certificate as to the candidate’s attainment

Please note that WSET Awards does not offer aegrotat awards and that all assessment requirements of WSET qualifications must be met.

Applying for special consideration

A Special Consideration Application Form must be submitted to the WSET Awards Assessments Manager within 7 working days of the assessment date for which special consideration is being sought. Thus, the application must be submitted to AWSEC within 14 working days of the assessment date for which special consideration is being sought. Eligibility will only be considered if accompanied by supporting independent documentation.

In cases of serious disruption during the examination, the Examinations Officer must submit a detailed report of the circumstances and candidates affected to WSET Awards. This must be returned with the completed examination papers.

AWSEC will keep records of all applications for special consideration.

DIVERSITY & EQUALITY

AWSEC is committed to maintaining the principles of diversity and equality in all areas of its work. AWSEC continually seeks to ensure that all team members, candidates, and other stakeholders are treated fairly and equally at all times.

This Diversity & Equality Policy applies to all AWSEC team members and any individual acting on behalf of AWSEC.

AWSEC ensures equality of opportunity for candidates by:

• • Promoting open access to qualifications (whilst acting in-line with the legal minimum age for the retail purchase of alcohol as well as assessment competence standards)
• • Ensuring that both the format and content of all specifications, examinations, and other materials do not unlawfully discriminate against anyone on the basis of disability, age, marriage and civil partnership, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or beliefs, sex and sexual orientation (whilst acting in-line with the legal minimum age for the retail purchase of alcohol as well as assessment competence standards)
• • Allowing candidates with special educational needs, disabilities, or temporary injuries to access assessments and qualifications without changing the demands of the assessment(s) or examination(s) in line with our Equality of Access to Assessment Policy (see: Equality of Access to Assessment).
• • Ensuring that this policy is considered during the development of new qualifications, materials, and other projects
• • Welcoming feedback on diversity issues from team members, candidates, potential candidates, and other stakeholders
• • Working with relevant organisations (as appropriate) to develop measures for identifying and preventing inequality of opportunity
• • Regularly reviewing this policy to ensure that it continues to meet legislative and organisational requirements and is fit for purpose

AWSEC welcomes any and all feedback and/or suggestions with regard to areas for improvement in terms of diversity and equality. Candidates who believe that they may have been unfairly discriminated against by any member of AWSEC (or anyone acting on behalf of AWSEC) should bring this to the attention of AWSEC as soon as possible by contacting info@awsec.com.