BTEC Paralegal Programme · 1.3 Learning Objectives ... 3.4.2 Applying for an assignment submission ... learner will consequently fail the programme. 3.4.2 Applying for an assignment

BTEC Paralegal Programme

Learner Handbook and Assessment Regulations

March 2015 Page 1 of 21

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................. 4 Contacting Central Law Training .................................................................................. 5 Section 1 – Programme Outline and Registration Process ......................................... 6 1.1 Outline of the Programme ..................................................................................... 6 1.2 The Role of the Assessment Organisation ............................................................ 6 1.3 Learning Objectives .............................................................................................. 6 1.4 Programme Tutors & Tutor Support ...................................................................... 6 1.5 Learner On-Line Area (Learner Login) .................................................................. 6 Section 2 – The Syllabus and Materials ........................................................................ 7 2.1 The Syllabus ......................................................................................................... 7 2.2 The Structure of the Programme ........................................................................... 7

2.2.1 Units ......................................................................................................... 7 2.2.2 Tasks ........................................................................................................ 7 2.2.3 Multiple Choice Test ................................................................................. 7 2.2.4 Assignments ............................................................................................. 7 2.2.5 Results ...................................................................................................... 7 2.2.6 Length of programme ................................................................................ 7

Section 3 – The Assessment Procedures and Protocols ............................................ 9 3.1 The Aim and Purpose of the Programme .............................................................. 9 3.2 Types of Assessment ........................................................................................... 9

3.2.1 Self Assessment ....................................................................................... 9 3.2.2 Formal Assessment .................................................................................. 9

3.3 Assignments ......................................................................................................... 9

3.3.1 Assignment Requirements ........................................................................ 9 3.3.2 Answering the questions ........................................................................... 9

3.4 Assignment Submission ....................................................................................... 10

3.4.1 The Process .............................................................................................. 10 3.4.2 Applying for an assignment submission extension ................................... 10

3.5 Marking Process ................................................................................................... 11 3.6 The Procedure for Allegations of Cheating ........................................................... 11 3.7 Notification of Results ........................................................................................... 12 3.8 Failed Submissions .............................................................................................. 12

3.8.1 Resubmission ........................................................................................... 12 3.8.2 Failure of the Programme ......................................................................... 12


3.9 Mitigating and Extenuating Circumstances, Complaints and Appeals ................... 12

3.9.1 Mitigating and Extenuating Circumstances ................................................ 12 3.9.2 Complaints ................................................................................................ 13 3.9.3 Appeals ..................................................................................................... 13

Section 4 – Policies ........................................................................................................ 14 4.1 Equal Opportunities .............................................................................................. 14 4.2 Special Needs ...................................................................................................... 14 Section 5 – Successful Completion .............................................................................. 15 5.1 The Society of Specialist Paralegals ..................................................................... 15 5.2 Eligibility for the Specialist Paralegal Qualification ................................................ 15 Appendix A – Central Law Trainings Procedure for dealing with allegations of cheating .......................................................................................................................... 16 Appendix B – Assignment Submission Form .............................................................. 20


BTEC PARALEGAL PROGRAMME

LEARNER HANDBOOK

These Guidance Notes are provided for the use of learners who are enrolled on

the BTEC Paralegal Programme. Some of the content of these notes may be subject to change from time to time and it is advisable to confirm you are

referring to the most current set of guidance notes, particularly if you delay commencing the assessments.

Central Law Training can accept no responsibility for any loss or consequential

loss occasioned to any person or persons acting or refraining from any action as a result of this material.


INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the BTEC Paralegal Qualification Programme. The learning for this qualification is structured so as to give you the legal knowledge and skills to be able to carry out a paralegal role. How and when you study is up to you. The online material gives you a flexible way to study whilst helping you to get to grips quickly with your specific legal area. Central Law Training Central Law Training is authorised by Edexcel to provide assessments for the BTEC Paralegal Programme. Central Law Training is the UK’s largest provider of post qualification training and accreditation for professionals working in the legal sector. Central Law Training also provides training and qualifications for corporate, financial, property, human resources and other professional sectors. EDEXCEL BTEC qualifications from Edexcel are industry recognised flexible skills based vocational qualifications. The BTEC is a level 3 qualification - equivalent to an A level and is recognised by universities allowing progression into higher education.


CONTACTING Central Law Training

You can contact Stephanie Love, Paralegal Administration Manager, at any time to discuss any issue(s) or queries:

Telephone 0141 225 6703; or

Email: [email protected]

When submitting your assignments 1 & 2 please email these to [email protected]

SECTION 1 - PROGRAMME OUTLINE AND REGISTRATION PROCESS

1.1 Outline of the Programme

The BTEC Level 3 Advanced Diploma is studied via online distance learning. Each qualification has:

six units

each unit amounts to approximately 40 guided learning hours (about 9 hours of study per week – just 1.5 hours per day)

written material accessed via a website

multiple choice tests after each unit to enable self-assessment

two written assignments

The programme lasts for six months but can be completed in less time, as successful completion depends upon the submission of two assignments which achieve a grading of competent.

1.2 The Role of the Assessment Organisation

Central Law Training is validated by Edexcel as an assessment organisation to provide the BTEC Level 3 Advanced Diploma. In its role as an Assessment Organisation, Central Law Training sets the assignments and marks and moderates (quality assures the marking) the assignments you submit.

1.3 Learning Objectives

Each unit has a set of Learning Outcomes (what you are being taught) and a set of assessment criteria.

You are assessed against these criteria by the assessor as to whether or not you have fully met, partially met or failed to meet the requirements of the assessment criteria.

1.4 Programme Tutors & Tutor Support

The tutors are experienced solicitor practitioners. Some are in practice whilst others are university lecturers.

mailto:[email protected]


For tutor support you should email [email protected] with your query

You should expect to receive a response within 48 hours. If it is likely to be longer than this you will be emailed with a revised timeframe.

1.5 Learner On-Line Area (Learner Login)

Details of your unique login are set out in your registration letter. This login will give you access to the dedicated website where you will find your distance learning course materials and supporting documentation.

This login is live for 6 months from the date you enrol. To login go to www.paralegaldistancelearning.co.uk. If you encounter any problems accessing your Learner on-line area please contact Stephanie Love.



SECTION 2 - THE SYLLABUS AND MATERIALS

2.1 The Syllabus

Each programme has its own syllabus which can be accessed from the website.

2.2 The Structure of the Programme 2.2.1 Units

Each BTEC qualification has six units, which must be completed in numerical order.

2.2.2 Tasks

The materials contain a number of tasks. These tasks are designed to develop research and practical skills and the information that is gathered or the skill exercised will help you to answer the online multiple choice self-assessment questions at the end of each unit.

2.2.3 Multiple choice tests

The multiple choice tests are not compulsory but they do help with self-testing. You can attempt the multiple choice tests as many times as you wish, and print off your results to retain in your study folder. When you have completed the multiple choice questions, you will receive a score showing the number correctly answered. For questions answered incorrectly there are, for some questions, explanations as to why the answer is incorrect.

2.2.4 Assignments

There are two assignments. The first is submitted after unit 3 and the second after unit 6. Both of these assignments have to be passed in order to attain the qualification. Tutor support is available for all of the programmes and feedback will be given on assignments submitted.

2.2.5 Results

Learners will be sent their results usually within 30 working days of submitting an assignment via email.

2.2.6 Length of programme

You are enrolled on the programme for 6 months from your initial enrolment date. You will receive a reminder when you are approaching the end of your enrolment.


PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

UNIT 1

Study and complete distance learning materials. Complete Multiple Choice Test.

UNIT 2


UNIT 3


UNIT 4


UNIT 5


UNIT 6


ASSIGNMENT 1

Complete and submit Assignment 1. Assignment based on Units 1-3 and will

assess understanding of work in these units.

ASSIGNMENT 2

Complete and submit Assignment 2. Assignments based on Units 3-6 and will

assess understanding of work in these units.

CERTFICATE ISSUED UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE PROGRAMME

6 M

ON

TH

S


SECTION 3 - THE ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES AND PROTOCOLS

3.1 The Aim and Purpose of the Programme

The programme aims to raise the candidate’s knowledge and understanding of the syllabus topics and to test their ability to apply the knowledge and skills acquired through their studies to the problems presented to meet the assessment criteria of each unit.

3.2 Types of assessment

3.2.1 Self assessment

You can do this by completing the multiple choice questions at the end of each unit.

3.2.2 Formal assessment

To complete the programme you must successfully complete two assignments by obtaining a grading of “competent”.

Assignment 1

This tests you on the knowledge and skills you have gained by completing units 1 to 3 by assessing you against the assessment criteria for each of these units.

Assignment 2 The second and final assignment calls for you to use the knowledge and skills you have acquired from units 4 – 6 and assesses you against the assessment criteria for each of these units.

3.3 Assignments

3.3.1 Assignment requirements

All assignments are blind marked to ensure a fair marking process. Please do not include your name in any part of your assignment. The maximum length for each assignment is typed 20 pages of A4 paper. This is 20 pages for assignment 1 and 20 pages for assignment 2. All answers should be typed using font size 12 and using 1.5 line spacing. It is at the discretion of the marker to mark anything after the 20 pages.

3.3.2 Answering the questions

It is important to read the questions carefully and ensure your answer relates to what is being asked. Remember to refer to the assessment criteria.


If you are unsure what a question means, then in your answer you should state what your understanding of the question is and that you are answering it on that basis. If you do this, you will get merit for a correct answer even if your interpretation of the question is different from that of the question setter. The Qualifcations Co-ordinator is unable to give guidance as to the meaning of any of the questions in the assignment.

3.4 Assignment Submission

3.4.1 The process

When submitting your assignments you must submit:

via email to [email protected]

all answers in one attachment and forward it to the Qualifications Co-ordinator for marking.

a completed ‘Assignment Submission Form’. The Assignment Submission Forms can be found on the Learner on-line area. A copy of the form is attached at Appendix B.

You will receive an acknowledgement of your assignment submission by email. You are strongly advised to keep a copy of your assessment in case of loss. Failure to submit either one or both assignments during the six month period, without an agreed extension of time, will count as a failure to submit and the learner will consequently fail the programme.

3.4.2 Applying for an assignment submission extension

Circumstances may arise which mean you are unable to submit an assignment within the six months' time period. If you are aware that you are not going to be able to submit both assignments within the six month period you should immediately contact the Qualifications Co-ordinator - [email protected] To request an extension you need to apply in writing setting out the reason for the request. Some of the common reasons for a request are ill health, bereavement, personal circumstances. If your request is due to ill health then please submit medical evidence to support this and also say what length of extension is required. If it is due to bereavement or other difficult personal circumstances, again, please let us know the length of extension that is required. Work pressures will not normally be accepted as a reason to grant an extension unless there are exceptional circumstances such as an


organisation merging with another or a major internal re-organisation. If you wish to apply on this ground you will need to supply written evidence from your employer as to the reasons for the late submission. There is a fee for requesting an extension of £50 +VAT, although this may be waived depending on the circumstances for the request.

3.5 Marking Process

Assessments are blind marked, this means that the assessor does not know your name or any other details about you. The assessor only receives your candidate number. All assignments are first marked by the designated programme tutor, or another approved assessor. The assignment is marked against a marking scheme which is set using the assessment criteria in each unit. An assignment will be second marked where it is:

borderline between “competent” and “not yet ready”

the first marker asks for it to be second marked

it is selected for second marking as part of Central Law Training’s quality assurance process

Internal verification Once the results are verified and you have successfully completed assignments 1 and 2, your details will be submitted to Edexcel and your certificate issued.

3.6 The Procedure for Dealing with Allegations of Cheating

Any allegation of cheating whether from an assessor or third party shall be considered under The Procedure for Dealing with Allegations of Cheating (this is Central Law Training’s standard procedure for all types of assessment), which can be found at Appendix A. A candidate who is found to have cheated in any assessment shall normally fail that assessment. Assessment offences include (but are not limited to):

Copying, stealing, appropriation or use of the work of another

Permitting or assisting another to copy, appropriate or use one’s own work

Being party to impersonation where another person submits an assessment in the place of the actual candidate or a candidate is knowingly impersonated by another

Using, attempting to use, assisting another to use or attempting to assist another to use any other unfair, improper or dishonest method to gain advantage in any part of the formal assessment process

Making false declarations in order to receive special consideration


Falsifying information

Plagiarism i.e. where the published work or ideas of another person are presented as a candidate’s own

Presenting or submitting work that is not the candidate’s own unaided work

Note: The above list is not exhaustive. 3.7 Notification of Results

Results and feedback will be provided usually within 30 days of receipt of the assignment. On successful completion of assignment 2, it may take up to four weeks, after you have received your result, for you to receive your Edexcel certificate

3.8 Failed submissions

3.8.1 Resubmission

Should a candidate not attain the competency threshold in either one or both assignments, he/she will be given the opportunity to retake the failed assignment(s) on one further occasion, subject to the payment of the resubmission fee*.

3.8.2 Failure of the programme

If a candidate fails after re-submitting the assignment(s), then the whole course is failed. At this point a candidate may re-register and take the programme again, subject to the payment of a fee**. * £50 + VAT for each assignment **395.00 + VAT for each assignment

3.9 Mitigating and Extenuating Circumstances, Complaints and Appeals

3.9.1 Mitigating and Extenuating Circumstances

Given that candidates can submit assignments at a time convenient to them there are no mitigating circumstances that will be considered, except:

a major administrative error on the part of Central Law Training

To make a claim for mitigating circumstances in relation to the above exception, candidates must put their application in writing to the Programme Co-ordinator.


Your marks may not be increased, nor can a failure be condoned or compensated by other assessments in response to extenuating circumstances or otherwise. If a claim is received, a Board will be convened to review the application which will consist of the Professional Qualifications Division Director and another Central Law Training Director. This Board’s decision is final.

3.9.2 Complaints

Any complaint relating to the assessment process must be lodged in writing within seven days of the receipt of your result. The complaint must be in writing and Sent to [email protected]

3.9.3 Appeals

There is no appeal available against the academic judgment of the assessor and/or internal verifier.


SECTION 4 – POLICIES

4.1 Equal Opportunities

Central Law Training is fully committed to the active promotion of equality of opportunity in the provision of all its services. In implementing this commitment, Central Law Training aims to ensure that no person receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, home responsibility, disability, political and religious belief. Assessment materials will take account of the needs of different groups. Central Law Training takes care to ensure that all assessment materials are non-discriminatory and positively reflect the diversity of learners.

4.2 Special Needs

Candidates with a disability/special need must inform Central Law Training at the commencement of the programme and prior to submission of any assignment if reasonable adjustments are being requested. This information will be recorded on Central Law Training’s central booking system and on a Central Law Training tracking spreadsheet and will only be used for dealing with the request and for statistical purposes.

The request for any reasonable adjustment must be accompanied by an appropriate medical certificate or psychological/needs assessment that is no more than 12 months old which should refer to the nature and degree of the condition and recommendations as to its management during the assessment process and the course, if appropriate.

If there is any doubt about the validity or accuracy of the assessment provided, Central Law Training may request a further assessment. A delegate with an assessment that is more than 12 months old will normally be required to obtain a review assessment.

In the case of accidental injuries or acute illness, or if a candidate’s disability is diagnosed after enrolment, for example, a broken limb which happens a short time before an assignment is due to be submitted, candidates are required to contact the Qualifications Co-ordinator as soon as possible if he or she wishes to apply for an extension of the submission date.

Each request should be accompanied by a medical certificate indicating the nature of the injury or illness and recommendations as to how it should be managed during the training/assessment.

The Qualifications Co-ordinator will ensure that the necessary arrangements to address a reasonable adjustment are put in place. However, there may be occasions where such needs cannot be met due to financial constraints and/or other constraints outside Central Law Training control. Confirmation will be sent to the candidate of arrangements made by Central Law Training in advance of the assessment / course.

Central Law Training will reserve the right to cancel or refuse a candidate’s enrolment for training /assessment where insufficient notice has been given to Central Law Traing to make the reasonable adjustments required.


Failure to notify Central Law Training about a disability prior to submitting an assignment cannot be considered as a mitigating factor when assessing the assignment nor can reasonable adjustments be made once the assignment has been submitted.


SECTION 5 - SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION

5.1 The Institute of Paralegals

On successful completion of the programme, we would recommend that you join the Institute of Paralegals (IOP), the foremost professional body for paralegals in the UK. The IOP are responsible for protecting and promoting the interests of paralegals in the UK. Recently they have championed the launch of the Professional Paralegal Register (PPR) which promotes standards for paralegals and legal support professionals throughout the UK.

Becoming a member of the Institute will confer a designation, for example, Q. Inst. Pa (Qualified Paralegal) and provides quality assurances for colleagues, employers and clients.

Amongst an array of membership benefits, you will receive complimentary access to

two free CLT online training webinars (worth £300 + VAT) of your choice every year, to keep you up to date with changes in your area of practice.

If you have any questions about the Institute at this stage, you can contact the Membership Secretary at the IOP on 020 7587 3919 or via [email protected]. It is best to check with the IOP re membership level – essentially your level of membership designation depends on your experience. You should note that this qualification satisfies for two years’ worth of legal practice experience when calculating your level. There is a thorough page on the website - http://www.theiop.org/membership/how-to-join/uk-applications.html - which goes through how to assess your level.

5.2 Eligibility for the Specialist Paralegal Qualification

CLT specialises in providing training for paralegals and legal support professionals of all levels of knowledge and experience. Now that you have completed the BTEC Online Diploma introducing you in this area, we would urge you to consider further developing your skills and expertise with a CLT Specialist Paralegal Qualification. As a BTEC Graduate, you are entitled to a significant reduction on the course fee, and you can also secure reductions for your peers and colleagues by recommending them to the course. For more details, contact the CLT Specialist Paralegal Qualification team via [email protected] or on 0141 225 5540.


http://www.theiop.org/membership/how-to-join/uk-applications.html



APPENDIX A – CENTRAL LAW TRAINING’S PROCEDURE FOR DEALING WITH ALLEGATIONS OF CHEATING

1. Introduction 1.1 It is fundamentally important that learners are assessed fairly and on equal terms

with each other for the same qualification. Any attempt by a learner to gain unfair advantage over another learner in the completion of assessment, or to assist someone else to gain an unfair advantage, is cheating.

1.2 Alleged academic dishonesty, which threatens the integrity of Central Law Training’s

assessment procedures and the maintenance of its academic standards, is viewed as a serious offence and will be thoroughly investigated.

1.3 Cheating is both an academic and a professional offence. Certain professional

bodies place upon learners, registered for a programme to which they give professional recognition, an obligation to adhere to principles or standards of professional conduct. Central Law Training reserve the right to contact the learner’s employer, where it is of the opinion that the offence has a bearing on the learner’s character and suitability to undertake legal work.

1.4 Central Law Training will investigate all allegations of cheating in accordance with the

procedure set out in this code and where the offence is admitted or proved will impose appropriate penalties.

2. Definitions and Examples of Cheating 2.1 A learner who obtains or attempts to obtain an advantage in an assessment through

unfair or improper means is guilty of cheating. 2.2 The following are indicative examples of cheating but the offence is not limited to the

examples given below:

(i) Copying, stealing, appropriation or use of the work of another.

(ii) Permitting or assisting another to copy, appropriate or use one’s own work.

(iii) Taking into an assessment any materials or aids other than permitted materials.

(viii) Being party to impersonation where another person sits an assessment in the

place of the actual learner or a learner is knowingly impersonated by another. (x) The submission of a piece of work which has previously been assessed for a

different award or assessment or at a different institution as if it were new work.

(xi) Using, attempting to use, assisting another to use or attempting to assist

another to use any other unfair, improper or dishonest method to gain advantage in any part of the formal assessment process.

(xiv) Commissioning another person to complete an assessment which is then

submitted as your own work.


(xv) The use of the material of another person stored on a hard or floppy disk as if it were your own.

(xvi) The inclusion of material in an assessment which is identical or similar to

material which has already been submitted for any other assessment within Central Law Training or elsewhere.

(xvii) Making false declarations in order to receive special consideration. (xviii) The presentation of information in assessments based on work purported to

have been carried out by the learner which has been invented by the learner or altered or copied or obtained by other unfair means.

(xix) Falsifying information. (xx) Collusion i.e. presenting joint work as the work of one individual, including

giving a false certificate that the work is the learners own unaided work. (xxi) Plagiarism i.e. where the published work or ideas of another person are

presented as a learner’s own. (xxii) Presenting or submitting work that is not the learner’s own unaided work. The above list is not exhaustive and should not be interpreted as such by learners.

The intention to deceive is not an essential element of the offence but may be relevant to the penalty imposed when an allegation of cheating is admitted or proved.

2.3 An examiner or an assessor shall report without delay his or her suspicions of

cheating or misconduct, together with any relevant evidence, to the relevant Course Director/Manager.

2.4 Pending an enquiry by or on behalf of the Course Director/Manager into any

allegation of cheating by a learner, the learner’s assessment result may be withheld. 2.5 Learner’s should be aware of the seriousness with which proven cases of cheating

will be dealt and the likely penalties which may be imposed. Learners who are unclear about any of the above definitions should seek advice from Central Law Training.

2.6 A lack of awareness or understanding, of these regulations will not constitute

grounds for a case of cheating to be dismissed by a Cheating Hearing Panel. 2.7 Penalties for cheating include:

(i) A warning. (ii) A reduction of any mark awarded for the part of the formal assessment

process in question. (iii) A reduction of total marks awarded. (iv) Treating the learner as having failed for the part of the formal assessment

process in question.


(iv) Treating the learner as having failed to attend or having failed to submit work for the part of the formal assessment process in question.

(v) Refusing to award the relevant qualification.

(vi) Recommendation to Edexcel for the withdrawal of any certificate awarded

(vii) Requiring the learner to withdraw from the course or assessments.

(ix) Refusing the learner any entitlement to any reassessment. Such other penalty as may be appropriate in the circumstances.

In deciding the appropriate penalty the following will be taken into account:

(a) Whether there was an intention to deceive rather than incompetence,

carelessness or failure to appreciate the assessment requirements. (b) The advantage which could have been gained by the offence. (c) Whether the learner has admitted the offence and shown remorse. Procedure for dealing with allegations of cheating 1. A Panel will be convened by the Course Director, consisting of the course

director and the assessors both first and second markers for the relevant area and the evidence will be examined.

2. The candidate may be required to attend the Panel meeting to present his/her

case and to answer questions. The candidate will be entitled to bring with him/her a representative who may assist the candidate to present his/her case but who will not be allowed to address the panel on behalf of the candidate.

3. The Panel may make a decision based on paper evidence and written

submissions if the particular circumstances of the allegation permit this.

The Panel’s decision on the cheating allegation will be final.


BTEC PARALEGAL APPENDIX B – ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSION FORM

Student Name: Student ID No:

Student Address: Student Email Address: Programme Area:

Assignment* 1 / 2 *please delete as appropriate Date Submitted:

Please return by email to [email protected] (NB. Please attach your completed assignment in a separate document. You are strongly advised to retain a copy for your records. If you do not receive confirmation of receipt within

48 hours please contact Stephanie Love on 0141 225 5540).

Originality The student warrants that his or her submission of work is original. Neither this work nor any similar work has been published nor has it been submitted for any other type of assessment nor has it been marked by any other assessment body. If you have used any other person’s work, it must be clearly marked as such – plagiarism is a serious offence and if it is discovered that you have submitted another person’s work any certificate awarded will be revoked. If you have colluded with another person to produce this work then if this is discovered, again, any certificated awarded may be revoked. Declaration: I confirm that the assignment that I am submitting is: My own work; It has not been submitted to any other assessment body; I have not colluded with any third party to produce the work; and I have correctly referenced any other person’s work referred to in the text of my assignment: Student Name: I confirm all of the above: yes/no


Documents

BTEC Paralegal Programme · 1.3 Learning Objectives ... 3.4.2 Applying for an assignment submission ... learner will consequently fail the programme. 3.4.2 Applying for an assignment