Reasonable Adjustments and Special Considerations Policy

Introduction

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all candidates undertaking psychometric assessment with us have access to reasonable adjustments and special considerations to enable them to demonstrate their competencies, while maintaining the validity and reliability of the assessment. This policy also outlines our process for accessing adjustments and considerations for candidates who have disabilities or who experience temporary illness or injury.

Reasonable Adjustments

To ensure that candidates with disabilities are not substantially disadvantaged during their assessment they may apply for reasonable adjustments. Such adjustments could include changes to the assessment location, allowable time, availability of support personnel, or provision of adaptive software or hardware. However, any adjustment provided should not give the candidate an advantage or impact the validity of the assessment.

Putting Reasonable Adjustments in Place

Our policy is based on the IfATE Reasonable Adjustment Matrix (Appendix 1). We assess requests for reasonable adjustments and provide the most appropriate adjustments without changing the requirements of the assessment. We use a matrix to determine unique support needs for candidates whose needs may not fit into a disability grouping category. We also utilise RSSB (Railway Safety and Standards Board) guidance and best practices shared by the RACF (Railway Assessment Centre Forum).

Applying for Reasonable Adjustments

Candidates who require a reasonable adjustment must contact RCG a minimum of 10 working days prior to their assessment date. The candidate must provide a report/s outlining the requirement for reasonable adjustments and the adjustments requested. This will be reviewed by our assessor team and appropriate adjustments agreed with the candidate. Please note that due to the safety critical nature of the role some adjustments may not be feasible. Should RCG/candidate be unable to agree adjustments RCG will not be able conduct testing. If a candidate arrives for an assessment and requests adjustments, the assessment will be rescheduled to enable time to adequately review the candidates supporting documents and adjustments that can be made in line with the Railway Industry Standard (RIS-3751-TOM).

Examples of reasonable adjustments are extra time on certain tests (not applicable to all tests), one to one assessments (list not exhaustive).

Reasonable Adjustments Application Process

The candidate must contact RCG as soon as possible to enable appropriate time to review supporting documents and facilitate reasonable adjustments. Requests made less than 10 working days prior to the assessment date will lead to potential rescheduling of the assessment date.

Reasonable Adjustments Supporting Evidence

Depending on the reasonable adjustment requested, supporting evidence is required. The following are examples of documents that can support an application: Special Education

Statement, Education and Health Care Plan, Education Psychologist's Report, Disability Statement, Diagnostic/Assessment Report, Psychiatrist or Hospital Consultant Letter, and Letter from a Speech Therapist.

Special Considerations

Special considerations may be given where an apprentice experiences temporary illness, injury or some other event outside of their control, that materially affects their ability to take an assessment or demonstrate their competence. Such considerations can be given as a pre- or post-assessment adjustment. Special consideration requests must be made as soon as possible but no later than 5 working days after the assessment date. The request must include a statement of the circumstances and supporting evidence.

Why We May Reject Requests

While we strive to provide reasonable adjustments and special considerations to all apprentices, we reserve the right to reject any request that we deem not to meet the criteria outlined in this policy, or where an adjustment or consideration would undermine the integrity of the assessment. We may also reject requests where we cannot provide the requested adjustment or consideration without incurring disproportionate cost or effort, or where the adjustment would provide the apprentice with an unfair advantage over others taking the assessment. In such cases, we will explain our reasoning and work with the apprentice, employer, and training provider to identify alternative options.

Appeals

If a candidate/employer disagrees with our decision on a reasonable adjustment or special consideration request, they may appeal. Please see RCG complaints and appeals policy. The decision made as a result of the appeal will be final.

Overview

Our policy ensures that all candidates have equal opportunities to demonstrate their competencies, whether they have a disability or experience temporary illness or injury. Railway Competence Group will keep a record of evidence in support of those decisions. We encourage candidates and employers, to work with us to identify and implement appropriate reasonable adjustments and special considerations where possible.