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.