Student Information
This Section contains information on the following aspects of student life, click on the links to find out more:
INTERNAL MODERATION, VERIFICATION AND INTERNAL QUALITY ASSURANCE (IQA)
The CPCAB operate a careful process of making sure there is consistency in assessing work across all CPCAB centres. This process ensures that learners are treated equally and fairly in their learning journey.
During each teaching year an internal moderator must sample and confirm the marking of assessments for this qualification. During each teaching year an internal verifier/internal quality assurer must also verify that The Way Forward centre’s programmes are properly in place and operating effectively.
All centres teaching the CPCAB certificate in counselling skills are required to have two mandatory annual external verification visits, usually one early into the academic year (between August and December) and a second later in the academic year (March-July).
During these visits the external verifier will review the centre’s system of internal assessment. To do this they examine the overall process of assessment, together with a sample of candidate learning records (CLRs), portfolios and associated tutor assessment, along with the moderation documents for those CLRs/portfolios. They will also meet with the counselling training team and a registered candidate group.
You may be asked to hand your work in for the external verifier to see. This will not a be a test of your work, it will be so the external verifier can check your tutor is assessing the work appropriately and the systems in place for internal moderation are also working accurately. These processes are in place to protect you and to make sure your centre is achieving the appropriate standards.
TUTORIALS AND PASTORAL SUPPORT
Throughout your learning experience you will be offered support with your studies. The following details the support readily on offer to you, and the opportunities to ask for further help you require it:
· Tutorials - Everyone in your group will be offered 2 scheduled tutorial appointments. The aim of these appointments is to give you the opportunity to ask any questions and to check you are collating your candidate learning record (CLR) in the recommended way. Attending these appointments will help you to know if you are on track to achieve the required standard for the internally assessed aspect of the course. Your tutor will give you guidance in respect of any changes you need to make.
· Tutor contact – If you are experiencing any difficulties with the course material and collating evidence in your CLR then please highlight this to your tutor. They will arrange a mutually convenient time to go through whatever you are finding challenging together. Your tutor is also on hand to discuss any emotional challenges you are experiencing which may be impacting your ability to focus on your course. If you need to talk, then please highlight this to your tutor and a suitable time will be put aside to help you talk through the difficulties you are experiencing, to enable you to regain focus on your studies. You could also telephone to speak to your tutor. They may not be available at the time you call but please leave a message and they will call you back as soon as possible. Your tutor will be unable to offer you counselling, but they will be able to help you to express how you are feeling and decide what you need to do to regain focus. They may be able to signpost you to other services that could help you.
GOOGLE CLASSROOM & STUDENT EMAIL
Google Classroom is an online platform which enables students to collate their portfolios and hand in work for marking. It also enables your tutor to track your progress, return feedback and support you with your learning process.
Course handouts, training videos, PowerPoints and other course resources will be uploaded to the classroom. This online platform becomes the hub of your learning activity and keeps everything in one place for ease of access through your learning process.
When you enroll on your course you will be allocated a student email through which you will gain access to the Google Classroom, this will also enable you to communicate with other members of your group. All students sign a Google Classroom and Student Email agreement to make sure these platforms remain a safe learning space for everyone.
During the COVID-19 pandemic all learning has taken place online using ZOOM, as we emerge from the pandemic the Way Forward Centre is keen to retain a flexible approach to learning which may require a return to virtual learning when face to face study is not considered safe. Therefore the Google Classroom and your student email provide an excellent learning and communication platform whether we need to return to virtual learning intermittently or we remain in a face to face learning environment.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES & YOUR CENTRE
When you enrolled for this course of study, you will have been asked to confirm if you have any disabilities or learning challenges which are likely to impact on your ability to study the course at The Way Forward Centre.
Every effort will be made to meet your needs by making appropriate reasonable adjustments where necessary.
From March 2021 the training facilities will be situated on the ground floor. Currently the training facility is on the 1st floor, with no access lift. If any member of the group is unable to access this first-floor training room then the September 2020 training will take place at the approved satellite facility which is fully accessible.
The Way Forward Centre has ground floor disabled bathroom facilities.
Accessible parking is available immediately outside the centre by arrangement.
Additional study assistance can be offered by your tutor if you require this support.
If you require large print study materials please make sure your tutor is informed.
Please make an appointment to meet with your tutor to discuss your specific access requirements.
The Way Forward Centre aims to work with you, to enable you to achieve your full potential.
REASONABLE ADJUSTMENT IN EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT
In order to make sure that the external assessment is fair to all candidates, CPCAB requires all registered centres to have an appropriate candidate support system in place and to make appropriate arrangements to meet individual needs for the external assessment.
Reasonable adjustments for the external assessment are designed to meet individual needs that reflect the kind of support the centre is already giving the candidate. Special consideration is designed for candidates who face unexpected or unplanned difficulties at the time of the external assessment.
CPCAB’s Equal Opportunities Policy can be download from the CPCAB website:
EQUALITY, DIFFERENCE & DIVERSITY
The Way Forward Centre is proud to embrace a culture of equality, and respect for individual difference and diversity. We expect our students and staff to reflect this philosophy and to communicate with respect and care for each other. Being a counsellor requires a deep acknowledgement of the experience, thoughts and feelings of your clients, as a student you will be expected to embrace a caring approach to those around you. Discrimination of any sort will not be tolerated
The Equality Act 2010 legally protects people from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society.
It replaced previous anti-discrimination laws with a single Act, making the law easier to understand and strengthening protection in some situations. It sets out the different ways in which it’s unlawful to treat someone. The following weblink provides access to the Equality Act 2010 guidance for your information.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/equality-act-2010-guidance#overview
DATA PROTECTION
The Way Forward Centre has a legal obligation to adhere to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 2018. We are registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office as Way Forward Counselling Services Ltd. and our registration number is ZA110224. The registered data controller is Kirsty Bilski.
PRIVACY NOTICE
This notice confirms that all personal data held by The Way Forward Centre will be:
1. Fairly and lawfully processed, for relevant purposes only;
2. Secure, accurate and up to date;
3. Not kept longer than necessary;
4. Processed in accordance with your individual rights.
As an approved CPCAB centre, we are responsible for gathering student data, some of which is shared with CPCAB. For the purposes of the data privacy laws, CPCAB and its centres are independent data controllers and have an equal obligation to be compliant with GDPR (2018). The CPCAB data protection policy can be downloaded from the following weblink: http://www.cpcab.co.uk/public_docs/data-protection-policy
The data we hold about you will include:
Enrolment information: to include name, date of birth, address and other relevant information about you. You will be asked to prove your identity at enrolment.
Learner contract and account/fee information
The method through which your fees are paid
Tracking your progress through your study process; goals, grades and any outstanding work
Information specific to any disabilities you may have or assistance you may require
As part of the established internal assessment and moderation process, along with the external exam assessment, your information may be viewed by:
Tutor and centre staff
Internal Moderator
External Verifier
Passed to CPCAB to register you as a candidate and to assess your progress through the course
Candidates are advised:
Skills session recordings will be shared outside of the centre with CPCAB and external verifiers, be aware of this when deciding whether to talk about sensitive information you would not wish to be shared with this wider audience.
Your work is designed to be used as assessment material and may be viewed by others, such as the individuals detailed above.
In a legal challenge it may be necessary to share sensitive data with a court of law, which has the power to over-rule GDPR.
How your information is kept safe:
All digital data is encrypted and entered onto password protected computer systems
Handwritten documents are kept in a locked filing cabinet behind a locked door
Data is securely transmitted to the CPCAB through their official portal
You can request to see the information we have about you and/or request a copy which is known as a subject access request (SAR).
Candidates can request data is deleted although this may not be possible, if the request is declined an explanation will be given. You can appeal against this decision – see the next section on complaints and appeals.
A secure register of candidates (name only) who have attended the centre, the date they attended and the grades they achieved is retained by the centre as a historical record. All other candidate information will be destroyed/deleted 3 years after you have completed your award and/or are no longer attending the centre.
Incidence of data breach will be processed in accordance with GDPR(2018), this will be treated extremely seriously. The response will be managed swiftly and sensitively in accordance with the law.
Making a Data Processing Complaint
If you are unhappy about how we manage your data you are entitled to make a complaint. You can make a complaint if you feel your data is inaccurate, inappropriate or insecure. Please follow the complaint process detailed in the next section.
If your complaint relates more specifically to CPCAB then please refer to their data protection policy which can be located on the following weblink: http://www.cpcab.co.uk/public_docs/data-protection-policy
If you would prefer to speak independently to the information commissioner’s office for advice relating to data protection, and/or making a complaint, you may find the following website helpful https://ico.org.uk/
COMPLAINTS AND INTERNAL ASSESSMENT APPEALS
THIS POLICY APPLIES TO STUDENTS WHO ARE ENROLLED ON ONE OF OUR COURSES, AND HAVE A LEARNING AGREEMENT WITH US.
Please see our application policy for students who wish to apply for a course.
The Way Forward Centre hopes your learning journey will be an enjoyable one however, if you are unsatisfied with any aspect of your learning experience you are entitled to complain. If you would like to make a complaint please follow the process detailed below:
COMPLAINTS
Stage 1: INFORMAL COMPLAINT:
If possible, you should try to resolve your complaint informally by discussing it with the person concerned, your tutor or the Centre Manager.
Stage 2: FORMAL COMPLAINT:
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of Stage 1 or if Stage 1 is not appropriate for your circumstances, you should put your complaint in writing to Dr Kirsty Bilski. Your complaint will be investigated, and a written response given within (28) working days.
Stage 3: COMPLAINT APPEAL:
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of Stage 2 and want to appeal the decision you should raise your appeal in writing with supporting evidence to substantiate your reason for appeal within (14) working days of the outcome of Stage 2. The complaint processes and procedures will be reviewed by a panel made up of people not involved with the complaint including an independent person. A final written response will be given within (28) working days.
This decision is final. If you feel at the conclusion of this process that your complaint has not been properly handled in accordance with this policy, you may raise this for review with the awarding organisation CPCAB www.cpcab.co.uk
INTERNAL ASSESSMENT APPEALS
Stage 1 – INFORMAL ASSESSMENT COMPLAINT:
The student must consult with their tutor(s) within a period of 2 weeks following an assessment decision, to raise an enquiry and discuss the assessment decision. If this informal stage does not resolve the enquiry, then the issues are documented before moving to stage 2.
Stage 2 – APPEAL:
The student must raise an appeal request in writing within a period of 2 weeks following the Stage 1 discussion. The grounds for appeal are reviewed and where appropriate a review/remark of assessment decisions takes place by an individual suitably qualified to make an assessment decision for that qualification. The student will be notified of findings and is required to agree or disagree, in writing, with the outcome within a period of 1 week. If unresolved, move to stage 3.
Stage 3 – APPEAL HEARING: A panel (people not previously involved and without a personal interest in the outcome) will hear the appeal within a period of 2 weeks of the candidate’s written response. The grounds for appeal, any remarked assessments and any supporting documentation will be reviewed to determine if the initial outcome is to be upheld or overturned. This will be communicated to the candidate in writing within 2 weeks.
The decision of the stage 3 appeal hearing is final.
Recording appeals: each stage will be recorded, dated and show either agreement or disagreement with decisions.
APPLICATION PROCESS
STEP 1: Once you have decided you would like to apply for one of our courses please complete the following application form by clicking on the button provided. It is an online application form and is also available on all of our course pages.
It is the same form for all courses, you will pick in the course detail as you work your way through it.
Once your form is completed, click submit and a copy will be automatically sent to the Way Forward Centre.
We aim to get back to you within 7 working days (not including weekends) of your application being submitted, this may be slightly longer at busy admission times or during school holidays. The Centre does close during all school holidays, however at busy times your application may still be processed but it may take longer than expected. We aim to respond as quickly as possible.
Applications for Level 2 Applications:
The application assessor will telephone to speak to you before processing your application. There is no formal interview for Level 2.
If you are successful you will be asked to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place and sent a Learning Agreement which details the dates of your course, the cancellation policy, fees and various other information you need to know.
Once you have paid your deposit and completed a Learning Agreement then you place on the course is reserved for you. The following Step 2 and 3 are not applicable to Level 2 Applicants.
STEP 2: INTERVIEWS: Applications for Level 3, Level 4 and Level 5 only
The application assessor will need to decide if your prior learning and work experience meets the entrance requirements for your chosen course.
You will be asked to provide evidence of your previous training (Certificates) and a detailed understanding of your work experience.
You will be offered an interview, either face to face or via zoom, to assess your knowledge and experience.
During your interview, the assessor will talk through aspects of the course to help you understand course expectations and an overview of what you will need to do to achieve the award. The assessor will also answer any questions you may have.
The training offered at the Way Forward Centre is of a high standard and there is a lot of competition for places. Your assessor will inform you of the outcome of your interview as soon as possible.
Existing students have priority regarding progression to higher levels. Because of this, we sometimes have to delay the application process until we know how many spaces we have available for external students. If a delay is necessary we will keep you informed about this and let you know as soon as we can.
STEP 3: If your application is successful you will be asked to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place and sent a Learning Agreement which details the dates of your course, the cancellation policy, fees and various other information you need to know.
If you are not selected, you will be informed why this decision has been made.
STEP 4: UNSUCCESSFUL APPLICANTIONS
As an Approved CPCAB Centre we are tasked with the responsibility to recruit students to our courses, any discontent surrounding this does not fall under the jurisdiction of the CPCAB or the BACP, it is a Centre decision.
There are many reasons why an application may not be successful, the most common reasons for an unsuccessful application are:
Applying for the wrong level of study
Not understanding the nature of counselling training and how emotionally demanding it can be
Active mental health difficulty (e.g. a mental health diagnosis which is not managed/stable) or emotional challenges (e.g. a recent bereavement, significant ill health or relationship breakdown) all of which may impact on your ability to study (Counselling training is emotionally demanding and the application process is designed to help applicants understand whether they are ready in themselves ).
Previous training not meeting the entrance requirements (Approved Prior Learning or APL)
(This is not an exhaustive list however it provides examples that may be helpful)
APPLICATION APPEALS:
If you wish to appeal the outcome of your application then you can write to the Centre Manager (Dr Kirsty Bilski) : The Way Forward Centre, Suite 2 RVB House, Phoenix Way, Swansea Enterprise Park, SA7 9FG or email: kirstybilski@wayforwardcentre.com and detail your concerns about the experience.
The Centre Manager will review your concerns and respond within 14 working days from receipt of your appeal.
The Centre Manager’s decision is Final.
You are very wwelcome to ask questions around the outcome to help you better understand the decision which has been made.
The CPCAB defer all decisions regarding accepting applications to the Centres, it is not a CPCAB decision who is accepted on a course.
FEE PAYMENTS & CANCELLATION POLICY
The following information relates to all levels of study.
Fee Payments
Once your application has been accepted and you have been offered a place to study on your chosen course, you will be invited to pay a non-refundable deposit.
This payment can be made direct to our bank account or via a secure payment link, this will be sent to you along with your offer of a place. This deposit will secure your place on your chosen course.
There are 2 options to pay the remaining balance
At enrolment you will be able to choose how you would like to pay your fees, you have the following 2 options. Enrolment appointments are offered to new students for one week prior to the start of the course. Here are the 2 options you will be offered:
1. Full Payment Option
At this point you can settle the remainder of your balance
OR
2. Instalment Option
If you prefer to pay in instalments you will be invited to pay the following:
Pre-course fee: made up of the CPCAB registration fee, and an admin fee, details of these are published on our website, and also in your Learning Agreement.
Direct Debit installments:
For Levels 2 and 3 the remainder of the fees is paid by 5 monthly direct debit payments.
For Level 4, the remainder of the fees is collected through 10 monthly direct debit payments, for the duration of each academic year (10 payments per year for 2 academic years)
For Level 5, the remainder of the fees is collected through 10 monthly direct debit payments.
Fees must be paid in full before the end of the course in order to achieve the award and secure progression to the next level
Direct Debit payment terms
The course fees become due, in full at the start of the course and are non-refundable.
We recognise that some students prefer to pay their fees via regular installments, hence we offer direct debit payments as an interest free option to collect the fees over the duration of the course.
If you choose to leave before the course finishes, we ask that you do not cancel the direct debit mandate so the outstanding fees can still be collected. If you do cancel the mandate you will be liable for the full balance on the day the mandate is deleted. Any late payments will be charged at 2% per month.
You will need to make sure funds are available on the day the direct debit is due. You will have an email reminder a few days before the payment is due. If funds are not available we are charged a fee for non-collection, this fee is passed back to you plus a £5 admin fee.
Cancellation Policy
For withdrawals up to one week before the course start date, the initial £100 and the Way Forward Centre admin fee (paid at enrolment), are both non-refundable. Any additional fee payments you made prior to the start of the course will be refunded in full.
For withdrawals within 7 days prior and up to 4 weeks after the commencement of the course, the first month’s tuition fee is payable. If paying by direct debit, your mandate will need to be left open to collect this payment.
If you have already paid your fees in full, you will receive a refund for all of your fees Less the first months tuition fee, your original non-refundable deposit and the admin fee payment.
For withdrawals your centre will apply to the CPCAB for a refund of the registration fees if you leave within the first 4 weeks of the course. These will be returned to the student Less any administration charges the CPCAB may make. After week 4 the CPCAB do not offer a refund of the registration fee.
For withdrawals that occur after the initial 4 week period, the full cost of the course is payable as outlined in this policy.
POLICY ON MALPRACTICE & MALADMINISTRATION
Any complaints regarding malpractice and maladministration will be managed in line with the CPCAB policy on malpractice and maladministration which can be downloaded from the CPCAB website: https://www.cpcab.co.uk/public_docs/malpractice_maladministration
CPCAB Definition of Malpractice:
‘CPCAB defines malpractice as an intentional act that threatens the integrity and/or validity of delivery, assessment or certification of one of its qualifications’
CPCAB Definition of Maladministration:
‘CPCAB defines maladministration as a lack of care, judgment or competence by anyone involved in the development, delivery, assessment or award of its qualifications. On-going maladministration could constitute malpractice.’
In the event of malpractice or maladministration being suspected at The Way Forward Centre:
The person concerned is required to:
Inform Centre Manager straight away: Dr Kirsty Bilski – kirstybilski@wayforwardcentre.com
Inform the Centre manager is writing, so that the person concerned can be informed of the nature of the alleged event.
You may choose to remain anonymous although we would always encourage open communication in taking your concerns forward.
You will need to allow time for the Centre Manager to respond (in writing);
The Centre Manager will keep you informed of their progress and outcome of the centre’s investigation;
Co-operate with any further investigation that may be required
The Way Forward Centre will:
Listen carefully to your concerns
Will set an appropriate timeframe for the investigation to take place.
Will investigate your concerns
Liaise with the CPCAB concerning the investigation and take guidance where needed.
Will initiate a plan for mitigating any adverse effect that may have resulted which may include the recall of certificates that were issued prematurely or in error.
Initiate an action plan to avoid any repetition of the event in the future.
Will come back to you within the agreed timeframe to inform you of the outcome.