Self Assessment on Consumer Protection Guidance
International College of Contemporary Sciences (ICCS)
Policies & Procedures
- Assessment and Academic Misconduct Policy
- Student Attendance and Progression Policy
- General Data Protection Policy
- Academic Governance and Management Policy
- Appeals Policy
- Complaints Policy and Procedures
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy
- Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy
- First Aid Policy and Procedures
- Health and Safety Policy
- Malpractice, Maladministration and Fraud Prevention Policy and Procedures
- Quality Assurance Policy
- Reasonable Adjustment and Special Consideration Policy
- Blended Learning Procedures Policy
Statement of compliance
- ICCS has given due regard to consumer protection law and considers itself compliant.
- Policies, procedures and student terms are clear, accessible and shared before application.
- Onerous terms are highlighted in plain language on application materials.
Governance and oversight
- Academic Board, Admissions Committee and Disciplinary Committee oversee relevant matters.
- Senior management conducts an annual review of student contracts and policies with legal scrutiny before Board approval.
Information and marketing
- Public information reflects ICCS mission and strategy, is accurate, current and easy to access.
- Website, portals, programme specifications and student handbooks are regularly reviewed.
- Social media and promotional materials are planned, monitored and compliant with advertising codes.
- Recruitment agents, where used, are selected carefully and monitored.
Contract terms and conditions
- Terms are transparent, fair and balanced between ICCS and the student.
- Any potentially surprising terms are clearly signposted and explained.
Complaints and appeals
- Separate Academic Appeals and Complaints and Grievances procedures align with the OIA Good Practice Framework.
- Three stage model applies with defined timescales and written outcomes.
- Staff can advise students on routes to raise concerns and on external escalation where eligible.
Staff training
- Induction and refresher training cover consumer law essentials, complaints handling and public information standards.
Continuous improvement
- Feedback from cases, committees and student surveys informs updates to policy, training and information.
- Reviews occur annually and following any regulatory change.
External reference points
- UK Quality Code advice on Concerns, Complaints and Appeals.
- Competition and Markets Authority guidance for higher education providers.
- Office of the Independent Adjudicator Good Practice Framework.
- Advertising Standards Authority and Committee of Advertising Practice codes.
Related ICCS Documents
- Academic Appeals Procedure
- Complaints and Grievances Procedure
- Public Information Policy
- Review and Sign Off of Public Information Procedure
- Staff Development Policy and Procedure
- Student Handbook
