Supported Study Procedures

Contents

1. INTRODUCTION
2. WHAT IS SUPPORTED STUDY?
3. SCOPE
4. PURPOSE
5. CONFIDENTIALITY
6. STAGES OF INTERVENTION
   6.1 Who can instigate the procedure?
   6.2 Emerging concerns – Stage 1
   6.3 Meeting
   6.4 Failure to engage
7. CONTINUING OR SERIOUS CONCERNS
   7.1 Supported Study Review Panel
   7.2 Notification of Supported Study Review Panel outcomes
   7.3 Supported Study Co-ordinators for Stage 2
   7.4 Student approved for Stage 2
8. STAGE 2
   8.1 Meeting
   8.2 Failure to engage
   8.3 Review meeting
9. STAGE 3
   9.1 Significant or ongoing concerns
   9.2 Referral to Stage 3
   9.3 Case Conference Membership
   9.4 Case Conference meeting
   9.5 Stage 3 Outcomes
   9.6 Student Appeal against the Decision
   9.7 Periodic Review
10. TAKING ACTION IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY
11. REQUEST FOR MEDICAL EVIDENCE REGARDING SUPPORTED STUDY
12. RETURNING TO STUDY
13. APPENDIX 1 SUPPORTED STUDY REFERRAL FORM
14. APPENDIX 2 STUDENT MEDICAL CONSENT TO SHARE FORM

1. Introduction

This procedure outlines the support available to students experiencing difficulties due to their physical, mental, or emotional wellbeing, which have a significant impact on their overall wellbeing and/or studies.

This procedure has been developed as an alternative to the Investigatory Procedures for Student Matters / Disciplinary Procedures for Student Matters. The University however reserves the right to invoke either the Investigative or Disciplinary procedures where students’ health or behaviour poses a risk of harm to either themselves or others, or where aspects of the Student Code of Conduct have been breached.  For some professional programmes it may be necessary to invoke Fitness to Practise Procedures instead of, or in addition to, this procedure.

It is possible that a student’s mental, emotional, or physical wellbeing is so extreme that the student needs emergency assistance outside of these procedures.  In such cases, staff should advise the student to contact emergency services or external support agencies such as the Samaritans.  Please refer to the Student Welfare Guide for University Staff.

2. What is Supported Study?

Supported Study Procedures (SSP) relate to the additional support required to enable a student to fully and satisfactorily participate in relation to their academic studies and student life at the University.

The University is committed to supporting students’ wellbeing, to sustain progress in a supportive environment and recognises that positive approach is sometimes required in order to assist an individual during a period of need while being mindful of the need to ensure all are safe.

3. Scope

These procedures:

• are not punitive but are designed to support students.  They may include an action plan and support to enable the student to continue their studies.  They may require the student to suspend their studies following stage 3 case review but with a clear plan of the conditions under which a letter from the students GP, stating they are fit to return to study, will be required to consider ‘a return to study’
• are intended to provide suitable and co-ordinated response where other internal procedures have been explored and either identified as inappropriate (e.g., Disciplinary Procedures for Student Matters) or exhausted (e.g., extenuating circumstances procedures)
• are intended to empower staff to make a positive intervention at the earliest sign of concern about a student’s wellbeing

4. Purpose

These procedures will be invoked where there have been significant concerns raised regarding a student’s health, wellbeing, or behaviour. It should be noted that for some professional programmes it may be necessary to invoke Fitness to Practise Procedures in addition to, or instead of, these procedures. This may arise as a result of a series of issues accumulating over a period of time or as a result of a single incident/circumstance including but not restricted to:

• behaviour which would usually be dealt with as a disciplinary matter, or suitability to study at the University and/or within a placement which may be known or suspected to be the result of an underlying physical or mental health difficulty.
• a student’s physical or mental health difficulties are causing significant disruption of the teaching, learning or wellbeing of themselves or other students.
• the student’s academic performance or personal conduct is not acceptable and may be known to be or suspected to be the result of an underlying problem, which may include physical or mental health difficulty.

Examples of when the procedures may be used include:

• students who are receiving support via their Personal Tutor, Senior Tutor, or member of Student Support Services e.g., Disability, Dyslexia and Learning Support Service and are struggling to manage their studies or other elements of their course.
• students who have been identified as requiring additional support as a result of having been referred into the University Instigated Withdrawal Procedure following non-attendance and academic engagement.
• students with complex personal circumstances (for example, health, family and/or financial issues).
• students who regularly submit applications for extenuating circumstances as a result of ongoing health concerns.
• students whose health, wellbeing and behaviour is causing concern to others, although there may be no negative impact on their academic work and progression.
• students whose behaviour is impacting on the health and safety of other people.
• students who may be exhibiting deterioration in health, changes in appearance and attitude, where there is an impact on attendance, ability to meet deadlines, succeed academically, or participate in normal student life.

5. Confidentiality

During the procedure, confidentiality must be maintained as far as is consistent within the stage.

All information obtained within the process of the procedure will be held in accordance with Data Protection legislation and the Student Privacy Notice.

Students must note that information about their situations will be dealt with sensitively and will be kept confidential, except where the disclosure is necessary to progress the procedure or implement an intervention.

6. Stages of intervention

There are three stages of intervention. Students may be supported at any stage and may remain at that stage or progress up or down through the stages depending on whether the cause for concern escalates or is improved as a result of actions taken.

Early intervention in student health, wellbeing/behaviour and recommendations for support can avoid a crisis situation. If a member of staff is unsure as whether to make a referral, they should seek advice and discuss their concern with the Head of Student Wellbeing or Student Welfare Lead.  This may be done anonymously if needed.

1. Stage 1 – emerging concerns where a student’s health, behaviour, mental or emotional wellbeing is causing concern that may be adversely affecting or have the potential to affect their own or other student’s studies or personal physical or mental health and wellbeing but does not present an immediate crisis. Initial support is best delivered through the Personal Tutor in conjunction with the Academic Course Leader and Senior Tutor.
2. Stage 2 – continuing or serious concerns where a student’s behaviour, mental or emotional wellbeing is not improving despite stage 1 intervention or they are refusing to access support, or their behaviour is adversely affecting their own or other students’ studies or personal physical or mental health and wellbeing.  For some professional programmes it may be necessary to invoke Fitness to Practise Procedures in addition to, or instead of, completing stage 2 of this procedure. 
3. Stage 3 – significant or persistent concerns that a student’s behaviour, mental or emotional wellbeing is not improving, despite a stage 2 intervention or a student’s behaviour is seriously adversely affecting their own or other students’ studies or personal physical or mental health and wellbeing.  For some professional programmes that require fitness to practise it is likely that the student would need be referred to Fitness to Practise Procedures in addition to, or instead of, completing stage 3 of this procedure.

6.1 Who can instigate the procedure?

Stage 1 may be initiated by anyone who has primary responsibility and/or knowledge of the student.  This includes but is not limited to:

• Academic Course Leader, Module Tutor, Personal Tutor, or Senior Tutor
• Research Supervisor, PGR Lead
• Student Services Helpzone Adviser
• Student Services staff providing first line support e.g., Counselling, Disability, Mental Health, and Wellbeing

Stage 2 may only be initiated by the Senior Tutor or member of second line support service within Student Services.  Applications for referral are completed via the Supported Study Referral Form and submitted for review to the Head of Student Wellbeing.

Stage 3 may only be initiated by the Head of Student Wellbeing or in rare cases where the severity disclosed on the Supported Study Referral Form entry into Supported Study Procedures may be approved at stage 3.

Note: For relevant professional programmes, Fitness to Practise Procedures may need to be considered in addition to, or instead of this procedure. 

6.2 Emerging concerns – Stage 1

An appropriate member of staff should approach the student or find an opportunity to raise and discuss specific issues with them in a supportive and understanding manner.  This would usually be a member of staff with primary responsibility and/or knowledge of the student such as a Personal Tutor, Academic Course Leader, or Student Services Helpzone Adviser as appropriate.  At this point, action plans, referrals and management are not formally part of Supported Study.

6.3 Meeting

The nature of the concerns should be clearly identified to the student via a formal discussion either in person or if this is not practical or the student won’t agree to meet, then via phone, MS Teams, or email.  At the meeting or in the email/telephone discussion the nominated person will:

• indicate the nature of the concerns and where appropriate explain the context from which they have been raised.
• encourage the student to discuss the issues raised and to explore relevant impact these might have.
• seek clarification as to whether this has happened before and if so, what had previously been helpful.
• encourage the student to recognise their personal responsibility and ownership in seeking resolution to the issues/concerns raised e.g., to be well enough to study and/or respectful of others I need to…
• where appropriate provide information about sources of professional support and advice available within the University.
• encourage the student to make use of the support services available and the benefits this may provide.
• explain the potential consequences should the concerns not be resolved and the continuing impact this might have (University boundaries).
• where appropriate draw up an action plan to be agreed with the student. This could simply include engagement with support services, attendance at lectures, tutorials, submission of work, participation in group work, presentations etc.
• agree a date and time to meet again to review any actions agreed upon.
• subsequent meetings where concerns might be continuing or showing little improvement – explain that a continuation could result in an escalation to the next stage of support within the Supported Studies Procedures or lead to Fitness to Practise Procedures being invoked (if relevant).

The intention is to encourage the student to engage with their studies, their life as a student and with other fellow students, to access available support and/or modify behaviour, as appropriate.  It is likely that the student will respond positively, and where appropriate, co-operate fully, access the available support, or modify behaviour.

6.4 Failure to engage

In cases where the student is invited but fails to attend a stage 1 meeting:

• the situation should be discussed in the student’s absence with relevant colleagues.
• if there are straight forward options about how to proceed, agreed expectations, support options and plans should be communicated to the student with a timescale for completion and date for review.
• if the situation is more complex or unclear, further steps should be explored to engage student, discussions with Head of Student Advice and Guidance and/or Head of Student Wellbeing/Student Welfare Lead.
• the student should be made aware that if he/she fails to take the opportunity to meet to discuss the concerns and/or fails to provide any supporting evidence of an underlying issue and continues to fail to engage with their academic programme, then it may be necessary to consider making a referral to the University Instigated Withdrawal Procedures as an alternative route to investigate concerns or Fitness to Practise Procedures may be invoked (if relevant).

7. Continuing or serious concerns

A student may present with serious concerns or have already been supported under stage 1.  Discussions should be held with the student to discuss the concerns and the impact upon both themselves and other students.  The student should be advised of the availability of further support through Supported Study Procedures, and they should be informed that a referral is being made on their behalf.  The Senior Tutor or member of Student Services staff must submit the Supported Study Referral Form for consideration by the Supported Study Review Panel.  See Appendix 1

Note: For relevant professional programmes, Fitness to Practise Procedures may need to be considered in addition to, or instead of this procedure. 

7.1 Supported Study Review Panel

The Head of Student Wellbeing will hold fortnightly Supported Study Review Panel Meetings to review referrals from staff.  The Supported Study Review Panel shall consist of the following:

• Head of Student Wellbeing
• Student Welfare Lead
• Head of Student Advice and Guidance
• Disability Services Manager

The panel may seek information or advice from others within the University to ascertain current engagement with support services.

The Supported Study Review Panel will consider each individual student case referred in relation to health, behaviour, mental or emotional wellbeing and its impact to determine its recommendations.

The outcomes available to the panel are:

1. no action required
2. referral to the University Instigated Withdrawal Procedures
3. student to be supported within the school, or by a first line support service, under stage 1 with guidance issued
4. student to be admitted into the Supported Study Procedure Stage 2 – SSP Co-ordinator allocated
5. student to be admitted into the Supported Study Procedure Stage 3

The Panel may also suggest to the School that Fitness to Practise Procedures (if relevant) are considered in addition to, or instead of, this procedure.

7.2 Notification of Supported Study Review Panel outcomes

• Outcomes (a) & (b) Head of Student Wellbeing will inform the staff member who had made the referral and inform them of the outcome with recommendations.
• Outcome (c) Student Welfare Lead will inform the staff member who has been allocated as the student’s Supported Study Co-ordinator by email, with the accompanying referral form and copy into the email the member of staff who made the referral and Personal Tutor/Senior Tutor
• Student Welfare Lead will place a note in SITS on the SPR notes screen to indicate that the student is under SSP providing, date, stage, and initials of allocated co-ordinator
• Outcome (d) Head of Student Wellbeing will inform the staff member who had made the referral and inform them of the outcome.  Stage 3 of the procedure will commence.

7.3 Supported Study Co-ordinators of Stage 2

• Student Welfare Lead
• Disability Services Manager
• Learning Support Manager
• Head of Student Advice and Guidance
• Student Services Helpzone Adviser

7.4 Student approved for Stage 2

Stage 2 of the procedure is used where there is continued and ongoing concern following stage 1 or when there is significant concern about a student’s health, wellbeing, behaviour, safety and/or ability to engage with their academic programme.

The Supported Study Co-ordinator allocated to the student should email them to invite to attend a meeting at least 2 working days before the meeting but where possible longer.  The email should include:

• a brief introduction as to the sender’s role
• the purpose of the meeting – introductions and gain student view
• a web link to the Supported Study Procedure
• advice on whether the student needs to bring anything with them
• who will be at the meeting?
• an explanation that the meeting will be confidential
• an explanation that the student can be accompanied by someone in a supportive capacity such as a friend or relative but not someone acting as an advocate
• date, time, and location of the meeting

8. Stage 2

8.1 Meeting

The first meeting should include introductions and an opportunity to put the student at ease.  An explanation of the Supported Study Referral should be explained to the student with emphasis on the procedure not seeking to be punitive.  The Supported Study Co-ordinator should provide the student with the opportunity to discuss what they feel might be impacting on their overall wellbeing and/or academic studies.  During the meeting the Supported Study Co-ordinator will:

• explain the concerns/issues that have been raised as part of the referral by using clear specific examples and background information obtained as part of the referral process
• provide an opportunity for the student to give their perspective on the issues/concerns raised and where appropriate explain background to events, past experiences and details of any support experienced in the past in managing these issues
• clarify University boundaries and regulations upon which behaviours, health and safety may impact
• clarify the student’s role within the procedure and their responsibility for their health, wellbeing, and behaviour
• where appropriate co-ordinate academic assessment deadlines for future and outstanding assessments in consultation with Helpzones and/or Senior Tutor
• consider what would be helpful to make the difference to the student in relation to his/her support in order to minimise the concerns
• signpost the student to any relevant University support services or external agencies e.g., GP appointments
• clarify agreed actions and support options to change and improve the current situation e.g., use of support services, GP appointment, extensions, change in mode of study
• explain fully potential consequences of failing to complete the agreed actions and or the continuation of the cause for concern e.g., academic success/progression; Fitness to Practise
• agree a date, time, and location to meet again and review plan
• provide a written summary of agreed actions via email which is copied to the student, and where appropriate, to their Personal Tutor, and Senior Tutor to update on progress

8.2 Failure to engage

In cases where the student is invited but fails to attend a stage 2 meeting:

• the student should be made aware that if he/she fails to take the opportunity to meet to discuss the concerns and/or fails to provide any supporting evidence of an underlying issue and continues to fail to engage with their academic programme, then it may be necessary to consider removing them from Support Study Procedures and making a referral to the University Instigated Withdrawal Procedures as an alternative route to investigate concerns or Fitness to Practise Procedures may be invoked (if relevant).
• information should be sought with relevant colleagues to see if the student is engaging with their academic programme and support services where appropriate
• where evidence has been obtained which supports academic success and engagement with support services, a referral to the Support Study Review Panel should be made with a recommendation that the student is removed from Support Studies Procedures.
• where the situation is more complex or unclear, a referral to the Supported Study Review Panel should be made with recommendations e.g. escalation Stage 3 or Fitness to Practise Procedures may be invoked (if relevant).

See Appendix 4 Failure to engage

8.3 Review meeting

Subsequent meetings held by the Supported Study Co-ordinator should include:

• review of how the student has been since the last meeting
• review whether the previous agreed actions have been completed
• explore any further concerns/issues that may have arisen
• consider any new or ongoing extenuating circumstances
• explore ongoing support/adjustments that might be necessary e.g., alternative assessments, further extensions
• if concerns appear to have been resolved and no further action is identified as necessary the Supported Study Co-ordinator may make recommendations to Support Study Review Panel for the student to move to Stage 1
• further action plan to be agreed upon where necessary with a further review date, time, and location agreed.  Action plan communicated via email with relevant staff copied
• in cases where a student has opted to interrupt their studies, it must be made clear as to what impact this might have regarding their academic progression, and completion date, along with any conditions that may be required in order for them to return e.g., fit note or other medical evidence.  The student should be advised to seek financial advice from the Student Money Advice Team in order to understand the financial implications. It should however be noted that some professional programmes have set completion period requirements and so an interruption of studies request would need to be discussed with the relevant School.
• in the case of international students, advice must be sought from the Immigration and Compliance Office where a student intends to interrupt their studies as this will have implications for their visa

9. Stage 3

9.1 Significant or ongoing concerns

Stage 3 of the procedure is used where there are serious or persistent concerns about a student’s health, wellbeing and/or behaviour, safety (of self or others) or ability to study and cope at University. For some professional programmes that require fitness to practise, it is likely that the student would need to be referred to the Fitness to Practise Procedures in addition to, or instead of, completing Stage 3 of this procedure.

In most cases, escalation to this level will have followed support at stages 1 and 2 and where all other options for support have been exhausted.  In some cases however, a referral into Stage 3 (or Fitness to Practise Procedures) may be necessary:

• where health, wellbeing, behaviour and/or ability to study is seriously compromised
• when all other options to support the student and address the concerns have been explored but serious issues remain requiring a broader perspective from the Head of Student Wellbeing and relevant parties
• where there are serious concerns regarding risk to health and safety of the student and/or where there is a perceived threat and risk to others

The Head Student Wellbeing will discuss the matter with the Student Registrar, and if in agreement, will call a ‘Case Conference’ to discuss the situation. The Student Registrar may also suggest to the School that Fitness to Practise Procedures (if relevant) are considered in addition to, or instead of, this procedure.

9.2 Referral to Stage 3

The student will be notified in writing of their referral to Stage 3 by the Head of Student Wellbeing and be invited to attend a separate meeting to explain:

• why the meeting is necessary
• an explanation of Stage 3 and that it represents serious concerns regarding their health, wellbeing, and behaviour
• the impact on their health, wellbeing and/or behaviour whilst at University
• the intention to offer support through this process
• the opportunity for the student to provide supporting medical evidence to the case conference and any written statement they might wish to be included

The Head of Student Wellbeing will document any relevant information provided by the student such as:

• the student’s understanding of the current situation and impact on their studies and/or personal wellbeing
• any activities the student may have taken to improve their physical/emotional or mental wellbeing
• any medical evidence that might be relevant for the case conference

9.3 Case Conference Membership

Present at the Case Conference will be at least 4 from the following:

• The Head Student Wellbeing (Chair)
• Student Welfare Lead
• Head of School (or nominated representative)
• Head of Housing and Welfare or nominee (as appropriate)
• Disability Services Manager (as appropriate)
• Head of Student Advice and Guidance
• Medical Officer (as appropriate)
• Mental Health and Wellbeing Adviser (as appropriate)
• GP or other relevant professional (with student’s consent)
• Appropriate Students Union elected representative

As well as relevant staff from:

• Other relevant Student Services staff members
• Other relevant staff members (e.g., Personal Tutor; Senior Tutor etc.)

9.4 Case Conference meeting

Where possible the objective of the case conference will be to ensure that the University has considered all possible options to enable the student to continue at University.  The meeting will consider:

• the student’s present situation considering any past academic/personal circumstances
• the impact of the student’s current situation in relation to the procedures and policy of the University
• any medical evidence or statement provided by the student
• the student’s ability to safely function within the University environment and successfully progress academically
• whether it is in the student’s best interest to continue studying or whether it would be beneficial for them to have an interruption to their studies with a period of deferral or change in mode of study
• what would be helpful or make the difference to the student in relation to the options discussed
• the continuation or commencement of Stage 2 with an agreement of any interim conditions and monitoring arrangements e.g., timescales
• a change in Supported Study Co-ordinator where it is recommended to continue or commence with Stage 2 action plan
• agree a date, time, and location to review the situation where relevant

In situations where an enforced interruption of study is deemed appropriate, the meeting should make explicit what is required in order for the student to be permitted to return to their studies.

The Head Student Wellbeing will inform the Student Registrar of the outcome from the Case Conference. 

9.5 Stage 3 Outcomes

9.5.1 Continuation of Studies

If the agreed recommended action is for the continuation of studies, an Enhanced Action Plan will be formulated using the recommendations from the Case Conference panel. This plan will have a review date from the outset, and the consequences of not adhering to the Action Plan will be explicit. A copy of the agreed Action Plan will be submitted to the Student Registrar. Members of the Case Conference panel will need to review the progress made once the Enhanced Action Plan has been agreed and implemented. This review should take place at an appropriate time, based on the plan and the timings of the academic year.

The student will be invited to meet with the Head Wellbeing to receive and discuss the recommended actions from the Case Conference. The student will be invited to bring along a person to support them at the meeting. 

9.5.2 Enforced Interruption of Studies

If the agreed recommended action is an enforced interruption of studies, the Head Wellbeing will make that recommendation to the Student Registrar.  If in agreement, the Student Registrar will arrange to temporarily interrupt the student with immediate effect and request Student Services Helpzone staff to process the interruption of studies. The Student Registrar will then inform the student in writing of his/her decision regarding the enforced interruption of studies; and subsequently inform University Executive and the Chair of Council within 10 working days.

In cases of an enforced interruption of studies, the following must be informed:

• Registrar’s Directorate: to ensure that any student records are amended accordingly
• Student Services Helpzone
• Director of Finance and Planning
• Head of School
• Head of Student Housing and Welfare (where appropriate)
• University Secretary and Registrar
• Relevant Student Services colleagues (e.g., Disability Services

Manager as appropriate)

• Academic colleagues (e.g., Personal Tutor, Senior Tutor)
• SU Chief Executive

9.5.3 Incomplete Assessments

If an enforced interruption of studies has been recommended at the Stage 3 Case Conference Meeting, the panel will consider the impact of any incomplete assessments held against the students record.

Following a detailed review of the students’ academic profile by the Senior Tutor, a recommendation for ‘W’ grades will be considered by the Head of School, and if approved, applied to outstanding assessments that would otherwise result in a ‘FAIL’ due to the enforced interruption of studies. Existing module grades and any fails recorded prior to the interruption, will not be changed.  ‘W’ grades will not appear on the students’ transcript and will not be counted for progression.

‘W’ grades, do not imply a fee-waiver has been applied. If the panel has recommended that a fee-waiver is applied due to extreme extenuating circumstances, an application to the Head of School should be made by the Senior Tutor.  The decision of a fee waiver rests with each Head of School and is not guaranteed. 

Future registrations against that module/assessment will be subject to charges according to the Tuition Fee Policy at the point of resumption of studies unless the Head of School has approved a fee waiver and communicated this to Finance and Planning.

9.6 Student Appeal against the Decision

A student may appeal against the outcome from the Case Conference within 10 working days of the issue of notification confirming the decision.  The appeal should be submitted in writing via email to the Pro Vice Chancellor Governance and Student Affairs.

Upon receipt of the letter the Pro Vice Chancellor Governance and Student Affairs or nominee will respond to the student within 10 working days. The decision of the Pro Vice Chancellor Governance and Student Affairs or nominee (after consulting with expert opinion) will be final.

Valid grounds for appeal are limited to the following:

1. that evidence is available which, for good and reasonable cause, the student was unable or unwilling to bring to the attention of the Panel previously.
2. that there has been a relevant and significant error in the operation of procedures of the Supported Study Procedure that has disadvantaged the student.
3. that the decision was unreasonable and/or a disproportionate sanction was imposed that was inconsistent with normal implementation of these procedures.

9.7 Periodic Review

Any enforced interruption of studies will be subject to periodic review by the Pro Vice Chancellor Governance and Student Affairs or nominee. Such periodic review may include consideration of medical evidence from the University’s Medical Officer and academic advice from the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Academic Enhancement and Research.

10. Taking action in the event of an emergency

In cases involving an emergency, where there is a perceived threat to the health and safety of the student or to other students or staff, decisions about any immediate actions that may be required will be delegated to the Student Registrar.

If the Student Registrar decides there is a risk to the health and safety of the student, other students or staff, the following actions are:

• To request that the University Secretary and Registrar exercises the authority granted under the University regulations to recommend a temporary suspension from the University (and/or placement)
• To request that the Pro Vice Chancellor Governance and Student Affairs exercises the authority granted under the University academic regulations to permanently exclude the student from the University

The student will be informed of the decision in writing as soon as practicable with information regarding the student’s right to request a review of the decision. 

11. Request for medical evidence regarding supported study

There may be occasions for a medical report to be requested in order to support a referral to Stage 2 or provide additional information by a Case Conference at Stage 3. The Head of Student Wellbeing or Student Welfare Lead will obtain consent from the student and request an independent medical report using the Student Medical Consent to Share form in Appendix 2

12. Returning to study

The requirements of a student returning to study should be made clear to the student at the time of their suspension.

In all cases, the student will be asked to provide satisfactory evidence that they have overcome the original difficulties and are well enough to return to study.  This must be in the form of independent medical evidence from a recognised health professional who is familiar with the student’s original difficulties resulting in their enforced interruption.  The report must also provide their assessment of any potential impact returning to study might have and support requirements.

Reports evidencing a student’s fitness to resume their studies should be forwarded to the Head of Student Wellbeing at least 20 working days prior to re-enrolment, or by the date specified as part of the outcomes of the Case Conference where there are specific course requirements. 

The Case Conference Panel will review the evidence and confirm (or deny) acceptance to enable studies to be resumed within 10 working days of receipt of evidence.

Any students returning to study from a period of enforced interruption of studies, who were being supported through these procedures, will return at a stage deemed appropriate by the Supported Study Review Panel.  Consideration and recommendations will be given to the ongoing support needs of the returning student. 

The Supported Study Co-ordinator will arrange to meet the student to ensure that their needs are being considered, support options explored and put in place with any relevant actions plans and timescales for review.

13. Appendix 1 Supported Study Referral Form

Supported Study Referral Form

14. Appendix 2 Student Medical Consent to Share Form

Student Medical Consent to Share Form