Code of Practice for the Approval of Amendments

advertisement
Code of Practice on Placement Learning
Document Reference:
Identifier:
Version:
Placement Learning
QH: K9
1 02 Date: March 13
Date coming into force:
Approved By:
September 2013
University Learning, Teaching and
Assessment Committee (ULTAC)
Curriculum Development & Teaching
Enhancement
Originator:
Responsibilities:
Deans
Heads of department/school
Placement co-ordinators
University Solicitor
Head of Admissions Service
UKBA Monitoring Officer
Curriculum Development & Teaching
Enhancement
Application to collaborative provision:
For information
Contacts:
Curriculum Development & Teaching
Enhancement: 01482 46 6703
Applications for exemptions to:
Report Exemptions to:
ULTAC
ULTAC
Cross reference:
Educational Partnerships, Chapter V:
Exchange & Outgoing Study Abroad
Agreements (QH: N5)
External References:
UK Quality Code for Higher Education
Chapter B3: Learning and Teaching (Sept
12) and Chapter B10: Managing higher
education provision with others (Dec 12)
UCEA Health and Safety Guidance for the
placement of HE students (Aug 09)
Summary/ Description:
This code sets out the University’s expectations for placement learning and reflects the relevant
Indicators in Chapter B3: Learning and teaching and Chapter B10: Managing higher education
provision with others of the UK Quality Code. The implementation of this Code is supported by the
following annexes;
 Annexe 1: Insurance coverage in respect of placement learning
 Annexe 2a: Placement provider risk profiling matrix
 Annexe 2b: Placement provider risk profiling form (required for approval of placement
providers)
 Annexe 3a: Student placement activity risk profiling matrix
Placement Learning
QH:K9:1
Curriculum Development & Teaching Enhancement
Version 1 01 to become Version 1 02 – September 2013 - Considered by RCPC on 17 April 2013, approved
by ULTAC on 1st May 2013



Annexe 3b: Student placement activity risk form (required for approval of placement
activities)
Annexe 4: Placement agreement template
Annexe 5: Student placement conduct agreement template
This document was first issued as I1
Version 1 02 (March 13) recognises the following changes:
 Makes reference to the relevant Indicators in Chapter B3: Learning and Teaching and Chapter
B10: Managing higher education provision with others of the UK Quality Code (Dec 12); and
UCEA Health and Safety Guidance for the placement of HE students (Aug 09).
 Includes a series of associated annexes: Annexes 1, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4 and 5
This university Code has been written in accordance with the approach approved by QSC to
enhance clarity (Quality Handbook section A2) involving the following terminology:
must = mandatory
should = advisable
may = desirable.
Where these terms are used they are emphasised in bold.
This document is available in alternative formats from
Curriculum Development and Teaching Enhancement
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 3
SCOPE ............................................................................................................................. 3
GENERAL PRINCIPLES .................................................................................................. 4
APPROVAL OF PLACEMENTS ....................................................................................... 5
A Risk-based Approach ................................................................................................. 5
Approval of the Placement Provider .............................................................................. 6
Approval of the Placement Activity ................................................................................ 7
PLACEMENT PROVIDERS .............................................................................................. 9
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES AND RIGHTS ................................................................ 9
DISCLOSURE AND BARRING SERVICE CHECKS....................................................... 10
STUDENTS STUDYING WITH A TIER 4 VISA............................................................... 11
STUDENT SUPPORT AND INFORMATION .................................................................. 11
STAFF DEVELOPMENT ................................................................................................ 12
DEALING WITH COMPLAINTS...................................................................................... 12
MONITORING AND EVALUATION OF PLACEMENT LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES ... 12
APPROVAL OF PLACEMENTS FLOW DIAGRAM ......................................................... 14
Placement Learning
QH:K9:2
Curriculum Development & Teaching Enhancement
Version 1 01 to become Version 1 02 – September 2013 - Considered by RCPC on 17 April 2013, approved
by ULTAC on 1st May 2013
Code of Practice on Placement Learning
INTRODUCTION
1.
The University of Hull is committed to working with employers and professional,
statutory and regulatory bodies (PSRBs) to ensure that its provision meets the
needs of students, employers and society in general. The University seeks to
maximise the opportunities its students have to develop practical experience of
professional settings and to learn through placements.
2.
This Code of Practice provides a universal reference point for those University
departments and schools that include placement learning as an integral part of their
programmes of study. The Code has been produced so all University departments
and schools, students and placement providers are clear what their responsibilities
are regarding placement learning.
3.
This Code aims to provide clear guidance so that staff and students are able to
make the most of placement learning opportunities, whilst also ensuring that the
risks to all those involved are evaluated and minimized. It sets out a series of
principles that should be followed whenever placement learning is integral to a
programme of study at undergraduate or postgraduate level.
4.
The ultimate responsibility for the implementation of this Code lies with the
University Learning, Teaching and Assessment Committee (ULTAC). It aims to
build upon current best practice to produce a code that adheres to relevant
Indicators set out in Chapters B3 (Learning and teaching) and B10 (Managing
higher education provision with others) of the UK Quality Code for Higher Education
5.
This Code is under-pinned by a risk-management approach. It seeks to ensure
quality of provision by providing procedural guidance and setting out expectations
that are proportionate to the nature, purpose and extent of the arrangements
envisaged.
SCOPE
6.
The University defines a placement as follows:
Work experience, assessed project work or a period of course-based study (for
which academic credit is awarded and/or where the student remains subject to
University regulations during the relevant period) where there is a transfer of direct
supervision of the student to a third party for a specified period of time.
This Code applies to all placements undertaken by University of Hull students,
which, normally, take place outside of the University and involve the co-operation of
a third party. In such situations, students are no longer under the day-to-day
supervision of University staff. The Code refers to placements arranged by the
University, by the student or by both.
7.
Accordingly, this Code of Practice covers placement learning within the following
broad categories:
 study abroad placements. The placement may be organised under the
Erasmus scheme or through a separate or broadly equivalent learning
agreement;
Placement Learning
QH:K9:3
Curriculum Development & Teaching Enhancement
Version 1 01 to become Version 1 02 – September 2013 - Considered by RCPC on 17 April 2013, approved
by ULTAC on 1st May 2013





working abroad placements, for example working in a commercial setting or
for a voluntary organisation;
‘industrial placements’ (including work-based learning and professional
experience), whether paid or not, that involve a credit-bearing ‘sandwich’
year in industry;
time spent in an environment that enables essential professional
competencies to be developed and/or demonstrated, e.g. a hospital, school,
social work department. Such placements will generally be arranged in
accordance with the requirements of a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory
Body (PSRB) and may involve week(s) blocks or parts of a week over a
specified period of time;
placements which may be based across a very wide range of organisations
and forming part of module(s) designed to broaden experience and develop
graduate employability skills;
research degree programmes, such as Professional Doctorate programmes,
where the student will be drawing upon the resources and/or support of a
third party for work-based research intermittently or for a minor part of their
studies.
Explanatory note – added Dec 2012

Para. 7 ‘Study abroad’: The Approval of Placements section of this Code (paragraphs 14-32) does
not apply to ‘study abroad’ placements (see para. 14 below). Placement co-ordinators must use
Chapter V of the Educational Partnerships Code for the approval of such placements. The rest of this
Code does apply to ‘study abroad’ placements.
8.
This Code does not apply to:
 students who study and use their work experience to inform their
programme of study;
 learning outside the University which is not part of a planned programme of
study, such as part-time, term-time and vacation work which students have
arranged for themselves;
 field trips, educational visits and short periods of data collection outside the
University for research purposes;
 students who take a ‘year out’ to work, for example a non-credit bearing
‘sandwich year’, or volunteer in an area relevant to their studies but where
there is no recognition within the programme structure of the learning
derived from the experience nor is University support offered.
9.
In some departments and schools professional considerations and PSRB
requirements may involve a set of requirements and/or procedures over and above
those outlined in this Code. In such cases, the requirements of the PSRB must
always be met. This Code of Practice provides the minimum requirements for the
management of placement learning (see paragraph 16).
10.
In this Code, ‘placement co-ordinator’, is used to describe any member of staff to
whom authority is devolved for organising placements.
GENERAL PRINCIPLES
11.
Programme specifications, assessment guidelines, the prospectus and
departmental pamphlets given to prospective students must make it clear when
placement learning is an integral part of the programme of study. All documentation
must also make clear that consideration has been given and, wherever possible,
Placement Learning
QH:K9:4
Curriculum Development & Teaching Enhancement
Version 1 01 to become Version 1 02 – September 2013 - Considered by RCPC on 17 April 2013, approved
by ULTAC on 1st May 2013
arrangements exist, to accommodate the needs of disabled students with regard to
placement learning.
12.
As an integral part of the programme of study, placement learning must contribute
to the aims and learning outcomes as listed in the programme specification. This is
an area that must be considered by departments and schools when they design
programmes. It must also be a consideration when monitoring and reviewing
programmes (see paragraphs 58-62).
13.
It must be clear in the programme specification how the placement learning
experience will be delivered and assessed. These assessment methods must
comply with the University’s guidelines on assessment methods (QH: F1).
APPROVAL OF PLACEMENTS
14. The approval of ‘study abroad’ placements is governed by the University Code of
Practice: Educational Partnerships (QH:N). In these cases Chapter V: Exchange
and Outgoing Study Abroad Agreements of the Educational Partnerships Code
must be used for the approval and renewal of study abroad placements.
15.
Placements that are subject to PSRB regulations, such as Social Work, Nursing &
Midwifery and Education, which have procedures and agreements which meet or
exceed those set out in paragraphs 17-32 are exempt from the approval process
below. Applications for exemption must be made to ULTAC.
Explanatory note – added Jan 2013

Para. 14 The Approval of Placements section of this Code (paragraphs 14-32) does not apply to

‘study abroad’ placements.
Placement co-ordinators must use Chapter V of the Educational
Partnerships Code for the approval of such placements. The rest of this Code does apply to ‘study
abroad’ placements.
Para. 15 It is acknowledged that disciplines regulated by PSRBs may be subject to a set of procedures
for the approval of placements that are over and above the University’s processes set out in this Code.
Where this is the case it is not expected that placement co-ordinators comply with the University process
articulated in this Code in addition to adherence with the requirements of the relevant PSRB. For
example where a current placement agreement exists that is at least equivalent to the University’s
placement agreement template, for example Memoranda of Cooperation (Social Work) or Learning and
Development Agreements and Partnership Agreements with Yorkshire and the Humber Local Education
and Training Board (YHLETB) (Nursing and Midwifery), it is not expected that an additional placement
agreement is drawn up in accordance with the University template.
A Risk-based Approach
16. This Code embraces a risk-management approach to placement learning. The riskbased and risk management approach focuses on six health and safety risk factors.
These are aligned with those identified in the UCEA Health and Safety Guidance for
the Placement of Higher Education Students (August 2009).
17.
The six health and safety risk factors focus on:
i.
Nature of work: for example, the nature of the work or business of the
placement provider may involve exposure to hazardous materials
ii.
Travel and transportation: for example, the student might have to travel
a considerable distance to get to the placement setting.
iii.
Location and/or regional factors: for example, a student working in a
remote location where access to medical or rescue services might be
limited or non-existent and where communication might be problematic.
iv.
Environmental health factors: for example countries where health risks
require inoculations, or where extreme heat or cold might result in serious
injury or medical conditions such as heat stroke or hypothermia.
Placement Learning
QH:K9:5
Curriculum Development & Teaching Enhancement
Version 1 01 to become Version 1 02 – September 2013 - Considered by RCPC on 17 April 2013, approved
by ULTAC on 1st May 2013
v.
vi.
Individual students: for example cultural, disability, health, or linguistic
factors that might result in increased risk of accident or which might require
reasonable adjustments to support the student whilst in the work setting.
Insurance limitations: where students are in work settings or placements
that are not covered by the University’s or the provider’s insurance. For
example, a provider may not have personal or third party liability cover for
work undertaken by the student. A placement setting might require prior
acceptance from the University’s insurer before being covered. See
annexe 1 for further details.
18.
There are three levels of risk: ‘Low Risk’, ‘Medium Risk’, and ‘High Risk’. The
planning, procedures, and information requirements associated with the placement
will vary according to the level of risk identified; with a ‘lighter touch’ for ‘Low Risk’
placements, and more rigorous processes for ‘High Risk’ placements.
19.
Deans (or nominees) and placement co-ordinators must judge the risk profile for
each placement provider and individual placement activity respectively against the
health and safety factors using the relevant risk profiling matrix (annexes 2a and
3a).
Explanatory note – added Feb 2013

Para. 19 Dean’s nominee: may be an Associate Dean (or equivalent) or a head of department/school (or
equivalent).
20.
The results of the risk assessment must be recorded on the relevant risk profiling
form (annexes 2b and 3b). Some placements will naturally be ‘Low Risk’, for
example, office based, business within the UK. This will allow greater resources to
be focused in higher risk placements for example, laboratories and workshops and /
or where the country presents greater health, safety and welfare issues.
21.
A number of specific actions are given in the risk profiling matrices (annexes 2a and
3a). Actions required will be dependent upon the issue, the country/region and the
level of risk involved. Where the provider does not initially meet the required
standard additional information from the provider will be required.
Approval of the Placement Provider
22. Approval of the placement provider must be in place before entering into a
placement activity agreement. Registers of current approved placement providers
are held in the Faculty of Health and Social Care, the Faculty of Education, the
School of Social Sciences for Social Work placements and on the University
Academic Information System (AIS). The relevant placement co-ordinator in the
Faculty of Health and Social Care, the Faculty of Education and the School of
Social Sciences (for Social Work placements) must provide Curriculum
Development and Teaching Enhancement (CDTE) with a copy of the faculty/school
register on an annual basis and on request.
23.
All placement providers must be approved by the Dean (or nominee) of the
relevant faculty. In doing so the Dean (or nominee) has a duty to ensure, so far as
is reasonably practical, that students undertaking a placement with a specified
provider, are not exposed to risks for example to their health and safety. Placement
providers deemed to be ‘High Risk’ upon completion of the placement provider risk
profiling form (see paragraph 26) must be considered, and if appropriate, approved
by the Dean; approval must not be delegated to a nominee.
Placement Learning
QH:K9:6
Curriculum Development & Teaching Enhancement
Version 1 01 to become Version 1 02 – September 2013 - Considered by RCPC on 17 April 2013, approved
by ULTAC on 1st May 2013
Explanatory note – amended Feb 2013



Para. 22. ‘Current’: approved within the last five calendar years.
Paras 22-23. If there is current approval in place, recorded on AIS or the central registers held in the
Faculty of Health and Social Care, the Faculty of Education or the School of Social Sciences (for Social
Work placements), further approval of the placement provider is not required.
Para. 23. Dean’s nominee: may be an Associate Dean (or equivalent) or a head of department/school (or
equivalent). The approval of placement providers judged to be ‘Low Risk’ or ‘Medium Risk’ may be
delegated to the Dean’s nominee for consideration.
24.
Unless a shorter period of approval is specified in the Agreement, approval of a
placement provider is granted for a period of five calendar years from the date of
sign-off, subject to a satisfactory annual review conducted as part of the
department’s/school’s regular annual monitoring of placement learning (see paras
58-62). Placement co-ordinators who wish to use a placement provider after the
approval has expired must seek approval in accordance with paragraph 26.
25.
To apply for placement provider approval, the placement provider risk profiling form
(annexe 2b) must be completed (unless the provider has been approved within the
last five calendar years) using the placement provider risk profiling matrix (annexe
2a) and submitted by the relevant placement co-ordinator to the relevant Faculty
Dean (or nominee) for sign-off. Once approved the form must be returned to the
placement co-ordinator of the relevant department or school and copied to CDTE.
CDTE will record the details of the placement provider on AIS.
Approval of the Placement Activity
26. Once the placement provider has been approved, approval of individual placement
activities can be sought.
27.
All student placement activities must be approved by the placement co-ordinator of
the relevant department or school. In approving the placement activity placement
co-ordinators must be assured that the placement will provide the following:
- The possibility for the student to achieve the intended learning outcomes at the
required standard and level.
- Support for the student on the placement from a designated member of
University staff.
- An experience that complies with the requirements of any relevant statutory,
regulatory, professional or funding bodies.
- Wherever possible, provision for students with disabilities. Under the Equality
Act 2010 it is unlawful for an education provider to disadvantage a disabled
student. This Act applies to all activities institutions undertake wholly or partially
for students, including placements. Placement co-ordinators are responsible for
liaising with the placement provider regarding access and support needs with
advice from the University’s Disability Services as required.
Explanatory note – added Dec 2012

28.
Para. 28 All student placement activities: this includes those placements allocated by the University
(para. 31), those co-ordinated by the University and those placements organised by the student as part
of their programme (para. 32).
Approval of the student placement activity must be recorded on the student
placement activity risk profiling form (annexe 3b) using the student placement
activity risk profiling matrix (annexe 3a). Once approved the placement coordinator must record the details of the student placement activity on AIS.
Placement Learning
QH:K9:7
Curriculum Development & Teaching Enhancement
Version 1 01 to become Version 1 02 – September 2013 - Considered by RCPC on 17 April 2013, approved
by ULTAC on 1st May 2013
Explanatory note – March 2013

Para. 29. Disciplines subject to PSRB regulations such as Social Work, Nursing & Midwifery and
Education, which record the approval of student placement activities on a central register within the
faculty/school, are exempt from the requirement to record the details of the student placement activity
on AIS.
After the placement activity has been approved, and before commencement of the
placement, a placement agreement on the University approved template, which
states the responsibilities of both parties during the placement, must be signed
between the University and the placement provider unless the placement provider
wishes to draw up its own placement agreement. Where this is the case the
placement agreement drawn up must meet or exceed the expectations set out in
the University approved template; the placement co-ordinator must consult the
University Solicitor who will assess the equivalence of the placement provider’s
agreement. The University template placement agreement is published as annexe
4 to this Code. Only those sections indicated on the template may be amended.
29.
If the University allocates the placement to the student, the placement co-ordinator
from the department or school concerned must ensure the appropriateness of a
specific placement for a particular student. The following points must be
considered:
- any disabilities the student may have;
- the principle of equal opportunity.
The following points may be taken into consideration where appropriate and possible:
- the student’s preference for type of placement;
- the student’s preferences for geographical location of placement.
The academic ability of the student may also determine the nature and type of
placement.
30.
If the student is responsible for selecting, organising and securing a placement they
must be made aware of this responsibility in plenty of time and must be given
adequate guidance from the placement co-ordinator. This guidance may include:
- issues arising from any disabilities;
- issues of equal opportunity;
- student’s preference for type of placement and the appropriateness for level of
study;
- student’s preferences for geographical location of placement.
Where the University uses an agency to secure placements the placement coordinator from the department or school concerned must be assured that the
agency can provide placements that meet the requirements of the University and
the students.
31.
The consequences of a placement not being completed, for whatever reason, must
be clear and articulated in the relevant placement agreement (see para. 28) and/or
student handbook. Termination procedures and responsibilities must be delineated.
32.
Where a department or school permits students to organise their own placements
the implications for a student who secures approval for a placement and
subsequently takes up another, unapproved, placement must be made clear at the
beginning of the process.
Placement Learning
QH:K9:8
Curriculum Development & Teaching Enhancement
Version 1 01 to become Version 1 02 – September 2013 - Considered by RCPC on 17 April 2013, approved
by ULTAC on 1st May 2013
PLACEMENT PROVIDERS
33.
Placement co-ordinators must ensure that those who provide the student with
placement are aware of their responsibilities before the commencement of
placement. Responsibilities may be most easily communicated through
placement agreement (para. 28). Where available and appropriate, placement
ordinators may wish to consult International Office guidelines.
the
the
the
co-
34.
Placement co-ordinators must be certain that the placement providers are aware of
their duty to provide the student with an experience that gives them the chance to
achieve the specified learning outcomes and educational aims intended.
35.
Placement co-ordinators must ensure that placement providers are aware of and
willing to undertake any role they may have in the assessment of students in a fair
and appropriate manner.
36.
Placement co-ordinators must ensure that placement providers are aware that it is
their responsibility to ensure that the student placed with them receives adequate
support and guidance as specified in the student handbook.
37.
Placement co-ordinators must ensure that placement providers are aware that they
are expected to provide the University with feedback about the progress of the
placement when requested. Any feedback that is required by professional validating
bodies must be explicitly stated.
38.
The placement co-ordinator from the department or school concerned must be
convinced that placement providers are willing and able to provide the student with
a safe, legal (legislation in respect of the host country) and appropriate working
environment and that they are aware that it is their responsibility legally to provide
this.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES AND RIGHTS
39.
All students participating in placement learning must be informed in writing of their
rights and responsibilities before they begin their placement. The following list
details what should be covered:
Student Responsibilities
-
-
-
-
Students should be made aware that whilst on placement they are
representatives of the University of Hull and as a result they must behave in a
professional and responsible manner.
Students should be made aware of any responsibilities they have with regard
to the setting up and arranging of their placements well before these
arrangements have to be made.
Students must be informed that they are also responsible for notifying their
University placement coordinator or staff contact, as identified in para. 27, if
any issues occur whilst on placement which may jeopardise the success of
their placement. These issues are not limited to Health and Safety or learning.
If the issue(s) cannot be resolved the University reserves the right to withdraw
the student from the placement.
Students are responsible for assessing their learning experience during and
after the placement and for providing feedback to the University as required.
Placement Learning
QH:K9:9
Curriculum Development & Teaching Enhancement
Version 1 01 to become Version 1 02 – September 2013 - Considered by RCPC on 17 April 2013, approved
by ULTAC on 1st May 2013
-
Students are responsible for giving due consideration to all the information
given to them about their placement by the University and the Placement
Provider.
Student Rights
-
-
Placements must make it possible for students to achieve the intended
learning outcomes.
Students have a right to be provided with information and support described
below that takes into account the needs of the individual student (paras 4650).
Students should be informed that they have a right to work in a safe
environment and they should be referred to relevant Health and Safety
Legislation.
40.
In some circumstances issues concerning the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) of
work undertaken whilst on placement will be relevant. Where IPR issues are
relevant the placement co-ordinator must contact the University Solicitor well in
advance of the proposed commencement of the placement to ensure that
appropriate action, for example amendments to the Placement Agreement (see
para. 30), is taken prior to the start of the placement.
41.
Students are required to sign a University approved placement conduct agreement
which articulates their responsibilities prior to commencement of the placement.
Placement co-ordinators must arrange for students to sign this conduct agreement
before commencement of their placement. This agreement should be added to the
placement agreement (see para. 28) and thereby forms a tripartite agreement
between the student, the University and the placement provider. The University
student placement conduct agreement template is published as annexe 5 to this
Code. Only those sections indicated on the template may be amended.
DISCLOSURE AND BARRING SERVICE CHECKS
42.
Placements which involve engagement in Regulated or Controlled Activity as
defined by the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and amended by the
Protection of Freedom Act 2012 will necessitate application for a Disclosure and
Barring Service (DBS) check prior to the commencement of the placement.
Where a DBS check is a prerequisite for a placement, the placement co-ordinator
must make this clear in all communication and published material.
43.
Enhanced DBS checks typically take four weeks to be processed by DBS (longer
during busy periods) and so placement co-ordinators must ensure that students
who require a DBS complete the application in plenty of time to ensure that it is
returned prior to commencement of the placement.
44.
Where the department/school has no departmental DBS procedure or designated
DBS Countersignatory the placement co-ordinator must contact the Head of
Admissions Service for advice on the Disclosure process. Normally the Head of
Admission Service (or other nominated Countersignatory) will act as
Countersignatory where there are fewer than ten students annually needing a DBS
check for that department/school. Otherwise the department/school/faculty must
make arrangements to have trained staff in place. Further guidance is published in
the University Policy on the Risk Assessment of Applicants and Continuing
Placement Learning
QH:K9:10
Curriculum Development & Teaching Enhancement
Version 1 01 to become Version 1 02 – September 2013 - Considered by RCPC on 17 April 2013, approved
by ULTAC on 1st May 2013
Students Disclosing Criminal Convictions (published in the Student Recruitment
and Admissions section on the University Portal).
STUDENTS STUDYING WITH A TIER 4 VISA
45.
Students studying with the University on a Tier 4 Visa can undertake a placement
(including a placement abroad) providing UK Border Agency (UKBA) requirements
are met. University placement co-ordinators must contact the University UKBA
Monitoring and Reporting Officer with regard to arrangements for students studying
with the University on a Tier 4 Visa well in advance of the proposed
commencement of the placement to ensure that appropriate processes are in place
prior to the start of the placement.
Explanatory note – added March 2013

Para. 45 The UKBA regularly updates its guidance in respect of sponsors’ responsibilities; it is therefore
essential that advice is sought from the University UKBA Monitoring and Reporting Officer at the earliest
opportunity.
STUDENT SUPPORT AND INFORMATION
46.
The placement co-ordinator must ensure that all communication and published
materials for students in respect of placements are transparent about costs
additional to the fee that will be incurred by students, for example travel and
appropriate insurance (see annexe 1).
47.
Before a placement begins, the placement co-ordinator must ensure that the
student has the following information;
the consequences of non-progression to the placement stage;
the intended aims and learning outcomes to be achieved through the placement
and the assessment methods to be employed;
the consequences of failing to complete all or part of their placement;
preparation needed for any cultural changes they may experience and advice on
how to adapt to these;
guidance on the working environment, including any occupational health
considerations and legal/ethical considerations;
a contact name at the University for any queries they have before the
commencement of their placement;
advice on dealing with practical considerations, such as travel arrangements,
insurance (see annexe 1) and finding accommodation;
information about departmental support;
any extra advice that may be needed because of a student’s disability.
48.
The placement co-ordinator must provide students with an induction/briefing event
prior to commencement of their placement. This induction/briefing event should
take place face-to-face. If this is not possible it may take place via electronic
means. Where physically possible student attendance at the induction/briefing
event must be mandatory.
Explanatory note – added Jan 2013

49.
Para. 48 ‘face-to-face’: for example it could involve meeting students individually or take place via formal
timetabled slots for groups of students.
At the beginning of their placement, students must be given the contact details of
the Students’ Union Advice Centre, the Student Wellbeing team, Campus Connect,
Placement Learning
QH:K9:11
Curriculum Development & Teaching Enhancement
Version 1 01 to become Version 1 02 – September 2013 - Considered by RCPC on 17 April 2013, approved
by ULTAC on 1st May 2013
a contact at their placement and a contact at the University, to provide academic
and pastoral care. Where appropriate, extra support should be given.
50.
On completion of their placement students should be given the opportunity, if
necessary, to be re-inducted back in to their programme of study within the
University.
STAFF DEVELOPMENT
51.
Heads of departments/schools must be certain that all members of staff involved
with placement learning are competent to be so. The department’s monitoring and
evaluation processes must give consideration to this issue.
52.
If required, suitable staff development opportunities must be provided by the
relevant faculty.
DEALING WITH COMPLAINTS
53.
Specific concerns on the part of a student about the provision of education or other
service by the University, or the Students' Union fall within the scope of University
Regulations for the investigation and determination of complaints by students
(QH:E2). Complaints relating to placements that do not fall within the scope of
University Regulations for the investigation and determination of complaints by
students (QH:E2) must be dealt with in accordance with paragraphs 54-57 below.
54.
Before the commencement of the placement students and placement providers
must be given information about who to contact if they wish to make a complaint
about any aspect of the placement.
55.
Heads of departments/schools must ensure that an academic member of staff
within the department/school is responsible for receiving and investigating any
complaints from students or from placement providers referring to placement
learning.
56.
Complaints must be dealt with promptly and appropriately and in an impartial
manner.
57.
Records must be kept of all complaints and the follow up action taken. These must
be reviewed as part of the monitoring and evaluation processes to ensure that
complaints are being handled effectively (see paragraph 58).
MONITORING AND EVALUATION OF PLACEMENT LEARNING
OPPORTUNITIES
58.
Heads of departments/schools (or nominees) must monitor annually all aspects of
placement learning procedures. As a minimum the following areas must be
assessed:
-
how successful placements are at enabling students to meet their intended
learning outcomes;
the standard of support and guidance provided for students;
how effectively complaints are dealt with;
the standard of health and safety at placements.
This monitoring must be recorded on a departmental/school pro forma which has
been approved by the Faculty Learning, Teaching and Assessment Committee (or
equivalent).
Placement Learning
QH:K9:12
Curriculum Development & Teaching Enhancement
Version 1 01 to become Version 1 02 – September 2013 - Considered by RCPC on 17 April 2013, approved
by ULTAC on 1st May 2013
59.
Any areas of concern must be given serious consideration and an action plan
should be produced to rectify the problem.
60.
Heads of departments/schools (or nominees) must request feedback from students
via module and teaching quality evaluation questionnaires (QH:I12), placement
providers and University staff involved with placement learning, after each
placement. This information must be used to monitor placement learning
opportunities.
61.
The appropriateness of the placement’s educational aims and learning outcomes
should be considered as part of internal programme review.
The monitoring of placement learning should take place as part of the University’s
annual monitoring and periodic review processes.
62.
Heads of departments/schools (or nominees) must ensure monitoring procedures
meet any additional requirements of professional, statutory or regulatory bodies.
This Paper was considered by RCPC on 17 April 2013 and approved by
ULTAC on 1st May 2013
Placement Learning
QH:K9:13
Curriculum Development & Teaching Enhancement
Version 1 01 to become Version 1 02 – September 2013 - Considered by RCPC on 17 April 2013, approved
by ULTAC on 1st May 2013
APPROVAL OF PLACEMENTS FLOW DIAGRAM
Is the proposed placement a Study Abroad Placement?
Yes
Go to University
Code of Practice:
Educational
Partnerships (QH:N),
Chapter V.
Check registers of current
approved placement providers.
Registers are held by FHSC,
FoE, Social Sciences & in AIS.
No
Placement co-ordinator completes
Placement Provider Risk Profiling
Form (annexe 2b) using the risk
profiling matrix (annexe 2a).
Not on one
of the
registers.
On one of
the
registers
Placement co-ordinator submits
Placement Provider Risk Profiling
Form (annexe 2b) to head of
department/school for sign-off.
Head of department/school submits Placement Provider Risk Profiling Form (annexe 2b) to
Dean/Dean’s nominee for approval.
Application for approval refused.
Annexe 2b returned to placement coordinator and copied to CDTE.
Application for approval granted.
Annexe 2b returned to placement coordinator and copied to CDTE.
Placements must not be arranged
with the proposed placement
provider.
CDTE adds the placement provider to
the register of current approved
placement providers on AIS.
Placement co-ordinator considers the approval of individual placement activities by completing annexe
3b, Student Placement Activity Risk Profiling Form using the risk profiling matrix (annexe 3b).
.
Placement activity not approved.
Placement activity approved. Placement coordinator records the details on AIS.
Placement activity must not proceed.
Representative for the placement provider and
representative for the University sign a
Placement Agreement (annexe 4).
Student signs Placement Conduct Agreement
(annexe 5).
Placement proceeds.
Download