This policy outlines Hair by Kissa’s commitment to ensuring that all clients, particularly those with disabilities or physical or mental health conditions, are not substantially disadvantaged during training or assessment when working towards CPD (Continuing Professional Development) certification. It sets out our processes and procedures for identifying, implementing, and reviewing reasonable adjustments.

1. Our Commitment

Hair by Kissa is committed to providing an inclusive and equitable learning environment. We believe that all individuals should have fair access to our courses, workshops, and assessment processes, regardless of disability or health condition. This policy ensures that we take proactive steps to remove barriers and provide the necessary support to enable all clients to demonstrate their knowledge and skills effectively.

2. Definition of Reasonable Adjustments

A Reasonable Adjustment is a modification or alteration to a process, assessment, or environment that helps to reduce or remove a substantial disadvantage faced by an individual with a disability or physical or mental health condition. The aim is to put the disabled person on as equal a footing as possible with a non-disabled person, without fundamentally altering the integrity of the assessment or the learning outcomes.

Reasonable adjustments are distinct from Special Considerations, which are applied when a learner has suffered a temporary illness, injury, or other event outside their control at the time of assessment which may have impacted their performance. Special Considerations are addressed separately and are typically applied post-assessment.

3. Scope of Policy

This policy applies to all clients participating in Hair by Kissa’s training courses, workshops, and assessment processes leading to CPD certification. It covers both physical adjustments to premises and equipment, as well as adjustments to assessment methods and materials.

4. Principles of Reasonable Adjustments

Hair by Kissa will apply the following principles when considering reasonable adjustments:

• Proportionality: Adjustments will be reasonable and proportionate to the needs of the individual and the nature of the course/assessment.
• Effectiveness: Adjustments should aim to remove substantial disadvantage without compromising the competence standards or integrity of the qualification/certification.
• Individualised: Adjustments will be considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the specific needs of the individual and the requirements of the course or assessment.
• Confidentiality: All information regarding a client’s disability or health condition and their reasonable adjustment needs will be treated with strict confidentiality.

5. Types of Reasonable Adjustments

Reasonable adjustments may include, but are not limited to, modifications such as:

• Extended Time: Allowing additional time for assessments or practical tasks.
• Alternative Formats: Providing materials in alternative formats (e.g., larger print).
• Communication Support: Use of sign language interpreters or assistive listening devices.
• Environmental Adjustments: Providing a quiet assessment space, accessible workstations, or modifications to lighting.
• Breaks: Allowing supervised rest breaks during assessments.
• Assistive Technology: Permitting the use of assistive technology where appropriate.
• Support Personnel: Allowing a reader or scribe (who does not assist with answers).
• Method of Assessment: Adjusting the method of demonstrating skills (e.g., verbal instead of written responses, where appropriate and without compromising assessment objectives).

Please note that an adjustment is not considered ‘reasonable’ if it fundamentally alters the requirements of the qualification, compromises the integrity of the assessment, or poses an undue burden on Hair by Kissa.

6. Requesting a Reasonable Adjustment

Clients requiring a reasonable adjustment should:

• Inform Hair by Kissa Early: Ideally, requests for reasonable adjustments should be made at the time of booking or enrolment, or as soon as the need is identified, to allow sufficient time for consideration and implementation.
• Submit in Writing: Requests should be submitted in writing via email to support@hairbykissa.co.uk or through our website contact form, clearly stating it is a “Reasonable Adjustment Request.”
• Provide Supporting Evidence: Requests should be accompanied by relevant supporting evidence, such as a medical certificate, diagnostic report, or a letter from a qualified professional detailing the nature of the disability or condition and its impact on learning or assessment.

7. Process for Considering Requests

Upon receipt of a request for a reasonable adjustment:

• Acknowledgement: The request will be acknowledged within 10 working days.
• Review and Assessment: Kissa, the business owner, will review the request and the supporting evidence. This may involve:
  • Discussion with the client to fully understand their needs.
  • Consultation with relevant assessors or instructors.
  • Seeking expert advice if necessary.
• Decision: A decision will be made on whether the requested adjustment is reasonable and appropriate, considering the client’s needs, the requirements of the course/assessment, and Hair by Kissa’s resources.
• Communication: The decision will be communicated to the client in writing, usually via email, outlining the adjustments to be put in place or the reasons for denial, within 15 working days of the acknowledgement.

8. Implementation and Monitoring

Once a reasonable adjustment has been agreed upon, Hair by Kissa will take all reasonable steps to implement it effectively. We will monitor the effectiveness of the adjustment during training and assessment to ensure it continues to meet the client’s needs.

9. Appeals

If a client is dissatisfied with a decision regarding a reasonable adjustment request, they may appeal the decision in accordance with Hair by Kissa’s Appeals Policy.

10. Confidentiality and Data Protection

All personal information provided in support of a reasonable adjustment request will be handled in accordance with Hair by Kissa’s Data Protection Policy and Privacy Statement. This information will be used solely for the purpose of assessing and implementing reasonable adjustments.

11. Policy Review

This Reasonable Adjustments Policy will be reviewed and updated annually, or as necessary, to ensure its continued effectiveness, compliance with relevant legislation (e.g., Equality Act 2010), and alignment with best practice in inclusive education.