Moderation
ASAC, as a moderating body, ensures the reliability of individual reports and the consistency of report recommendations across the range of providers inspected.

Instances where the inspectors’ final recommendation is not accepted
When clarification or further information is needed, reports are returned to the inspectors and decisions are reached through chair’s action where appropriate or at the following ASAC meeting.

Although the vast majority of inspectors’ recommendations are accepted, ASAC does not accept the inspectors’ recommendation if this recommendation is not consistent with the content of the report (for example, where the report states that the section standard has been met despite the seriousness and number of individual criteria which are not met within the section. These criteria are normally those for areas where non-compliance puts students at risk – for example fire safety precautions and care of under-18s).

The ASAC ensures that inspectors interpret the handbook correctly.

The rationale is fully minuted.

Postponement of inspections
Postponement of an inspection is not normally acceptable.

Postponement may be allowed if serious grounds are presented to the ASAC; for example, a move to new premises, a merger or a change in management. The case for allowing a postponement is stronger if the provider making the request is, to the knowledge of the committee, operating to the standards of the Scheme and provision for students remains unaffected. The committee exercises its professional judgement in arriving at a decision.

Postponement of a spot check may be allowed if the provider making the request is in the process of resolving particular technical problems, such as moving to improved premises, that had been the cause for recommending a spot check in the first instance.

A limited time period for the postponement is agreed.

The reason for the decision is fully minuted.

Under review (formerly deferral)
The ASAC, in order to provide opportunities for continued accreditation where appropriate, may use the status of ‘under review’ positively. The committee will use its judgement in recommending that accreditation be placed under review, rather than being withdrawn, even if one or more of the section standards are not met. This option is exercised only where the reasons for failing to meet the section standard are technical rather than structural and can be remedied within the specified time period.

Major changes in provision leading to an inspection
If the ASAC is notified by the provider of the change (3.2 Between inspections), an inspection is not requested if a planned inspection is due within the following 12-month period, unless there are serious concerns.

If the ASAC is not notified of the change directly by the provider and learns of the change from another source, an immediate inspection is normally requested.

Inspection of new applicants
Where the inspection of a provider seeking accreditation is inconclusive in that ASAC receives insufficient evidence to reach a decision, the ASAC may withhold the report and recommendation and offer the provider a supplementary inspection (at the provider’s expense) to seek additional information. The provider will be informed of the area(s) of concern so that they have the opportunity to offer more evidence of quality provision before the supplementary inspection takes place. A final recommendation will be made by the ASAC on receipt of the original report and an account of the supplementary inspection.

Confidentiality
All committee papers and all discussion are confidential to the meeting. Content may only be discussed with the ASB and the Unit.

Expertise rather than representation
Committee members are selected by the Board for their personal expertise rather than as representatives of particular interests.

Declaring an interest
Committee members are required to declare an interest in any provider under consideration. An interest may be personal connection, previous employment or consultancy. The member is normally expected to withdraw for the duration of the discussion. The significance of the interest declared is at the discretion of the Chair.

Consensus and observer status
Decisions are reached in practice by consensus and observers are encouraged to participate in discussion. Should the need for a vote arise, observers are not allowed to vote.

Written operating principles concerning decisions made and conduct at committee meetings will continue to be developed in other areas as they arise.