The responsibilities of the External Examiner are set out as per UKCP guidelines, the HIP College Learning Outcomes and against the Post Graduate marking Scale.

They include monitoring all aspects of the assessment process, documentation and the standard and consistency of marking across a number of markers in line with UKCP guidelines.

Functions of External Examiner

1. External Examiners monitor the academic level of the training which is set by UKCP at Masters level. Clear identification of what constitutes Masters level must be in place. The trainers and external examiners need to have access to information indicating the agreed standard against which the teaching, examining and trainees performance is being measured. This may involve the observation of teaching and supervision sessions.

2. External Examiners ensure the consistency of the marking of written and oral work. Their role is to assess the level of the groups and cohorts rather than that of individual students. They thus monitor the overall standards of work within the organization. They examine samples of students work and benchmark the academic standards. They evaluate whether the internal markers are awarding grades in a consistent and fair way, that they are clearly identifying the reasons for the marks awarded against the grade descriptions provided, and that there are clear distinctions between grade bands. There needs to be clear grade descriptors appropriate to Masters level (National Occupational Standards Level 7) against which the internal examiners and external examiners can set their marks.

3. The External Examiner monitors the final examination process. This may include samples of work, vivas and tapes (audio and visual) depending on the nature of the final assessment. They may also attend some oral examinations.

4. External Examiners may also review the practical assessments and comment on these in the same way as they do with the academic work.

5. The External Examiner makes a minimum of one annual visit to MIP followed by a brief report.

6. The External Examiner writes a report for the Quinquennial Review.

7. The External Examiner may become involved in the examination appeals process.

Criteria for External Examiners

In almost all circumstances the External Examiner will need to be a senior psychotherapist within a member organisation of the HIP College. If MIP were to choose an External Examiner who is not a psychotherapist from within the College, then MIP must show how the Examiner meets the requirements to perform the above roles. The minimum standard must be that they are:
• A senior psychotherapist
• Familiar with most, if not all, psychotherapy training
• Familiar with the HIPC criteria for membership
• Have an understanding of the specific model of psychotherapy practiced within the organisation
• Familiar with what constitutes MA level work which is the required standard for UKCP trainings.

The assessments of MIP which will need externally assessing are as follows:

* Essays : Two 2,000 word essays per year – first year, second year and third year.

* Placement reports: up to 1,000 words for each client seen.

* Research project: 8,000 words to be completed by 1st April of the fourth year.

* Case Study: 5,000 words study of a client seen for up to 50 client hours, to be submitted by 1st April of the fourth year.

* Following completion of the fourth year, in order to gain UKCP accreditation the graduate will complete a 10,000 words case study and an evaluation of a 20 minutes recording of their clinical work.

* The assessment board process requires the graduate to present the training portfolio, the 10,000 words case study and the 20 minutes recording of their clinical work. This will be presented to four Accreditation Board members who will make the assessment.

Revised September 2019 –
(to be reviewed again at the next committee meeting)

SUSPENSION AND EXCLUSION POLICY

Policy Statement

This policy applies to all students attending MIP.

Policy Aims

MIP is committed to providing the highest standards of teaching and learning for all of its students and tutors will do everything possible to see that the individual needs of students are met.  However, if a student:

*         consistently, does not meet our academic expectations,

*         displays poor behaviour for a sustained period,

*         or commits an act amounting to gross misconduct,

then it may be necessary to suspend or even exclude them from their course at MIP.  Failure to meet academic expectations may include repeated unexplained or unacceptable absence, persistent poor punctuality, a poor record of work submission or a failure to respond to measures put in place by the course tutor.

Suspensions

Suspensions and exclusions are wholly at the discretion of the Director of MIP.

A meeting will be arranged with the Director and the student to discuss the matter and make arrangements for the student  to return. This will involve a set of clearly stated conditions that the student will have to adhere to, in order to remain at MIP.

Exclusion

Excluding students on a permanent basis is a highly regrettable situation and  MIP will do everything in its power to avoid such a serious measure. Exclusion can occur if the conditions of a suspension are not met, or may be the result of a single act.

Students should be aware that any serious act of verbal or physical aggression, gross misconduct, or anything that compromises the safety of MIP students and staff members, will result in their immediate removal from MIP.

Appeals

It is the responsibility of the student to provide evidence to appeal their expulsion.

Gross Misconduct definition:

Theft

Fraud

Dishonesty

Breach of H&S Rules

Damage to property

Serious Incapacity

Alcohol and drug use

Offensive behaviour (see harassment policy).

Reviewed September 2019 

1. Introduction 

• To limit the risks of Health & Safety issues at MIP. 
• To provide and maintain safe equipment
• To ensure all designated individuals are competent to fulfil their roles. 
• To minimise the risks of accidents and to maintain safe and healthy working conditions

2.  Responsibilities:

1. Overall and final responsibility for health and safety is held by the Principal Director. 
2. Day to day responsibility for ensuring that this policy is put into practice is held by the Administrator. 
3. All employees, therapists, students, trainers and visitors must adhere to this policy, co-operate on all health and safety matters and take reasonable care of their own health and safety.

4. All health and safety concerns must be reported to the Administrator. 

3.  Risk Assessment:

1. Risk assessments will be the responsibility of the Administrator.  (see checklist). 
2. The findings of the risk assessment will be reported to the Principal Director who will action or approve any required amendments. 
3. The Administrator will reassess the risk. .
4. Assessments will be undertaken every 12 months. 

 4.  Induction:

Induction training will be provided for all employees by the Principal Director and the Administrator. 

5.  Accidents and First aid:

A first aid box is kept in both kitchen areas.

All accidents should be reported to the Administrator and reported in the first aid book which is kept in the main office on the shelf behind Administrator’s desk. 

6.  Emergency Procedures and fire evacuation:

The Administrator is responsible for ensuring that the fire risk assessment is undertaken and implemented.

Escape routes are checked by the Administrator regularly and fire extinguishers are checked and maintained every year.

Fire alarms are tested by the Administrator weekly. 

7.  Risk Assessment for MIP

i.  What are the hazards?

          Electrical equipment: microwave, heaters, kettles, computers, TVs, overhead projectors, lamps, light fittings, fans, dehumidifiers.

          Carpets, rugs well maintained.

          Boiler and heating system.

  ii.  Who might be harmed?

          Staff, therapists, clients, students, visitors, trainers.

iii.  What are we already doing?

          Maintaining records of fire alarm testing. Compliance with fire regulations.

          Maintaining furnishings and fittings.

          Maintaining records of maintenance /replacement of electrical equipment.

iv.  Implementation of the risk assessment

          Fire alarm testing record book kept in office

          Maintenance/replacement of electrical equipment indicated on equipment.

This policy is regularly reviewed every 18 months and updated a minimum of every 36 months as necessary.

                                                                                         Last revised May 2019 

Manchester Institute Data Protection Policyfinal copy