{"id":21139,"date":"2026-07-21T13:43:30","date_gmt":"2026-07-21T13:43:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.glos.ac.uk\/information\/?post_type=ht_kb&#038;p=21139"},"modified":"2026-07-21T13:43:33","modified_gmt":"2026-07-21T13:43:33","slug":"reasonable-adjustments-policy-for-students","status":"publish","type":"ht_kb","link":"https:\/\/www.glos.ac.uk\/information\/knowledge-base\/reasonable-adjustments-policy-for-students\/","title":{"rendered":"Reasonable Adjustments Policy for Students"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"heading wp-block-heading\">1. Purpose<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The University is committed to ensuring that all students have equitable access to learning, assessment, and wider university life. This policy sets out the University\u2019s approach to providing reasonable adjustments for students who are disabled or experience other protected characteristics, in accordance with UK legislation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The aim of reasonable adjustments is to remove or reduce substantial disadvantages and enable students to participate on an equal basis with others, whilst maintaining academic standards, competence standards, and the integrity of awards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The policy reiterates that there is an onus on the student to provide the university with the relevant information regarding any diagnosis in order to access reasonable adjustments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The policy also reinforces that reasonable adjustments can be made locally and informally by course teams where appropriate as well as formally via the Disability Support Team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"heading wp-block-heading\">2. Scope<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This policy applies to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">All enrolled students, including undergraduate, postgraduate, part\u2011time, full\u2011time, franchised and distance learners<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">All academic, professional, and support staff<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">All areas of provision, including:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8211; Teaching and learning<br>&#8211; Assessment and examinations<br>&#8211; Placements, fieldwork, and study abroad<br>&#8211; Digital and physical learning environments<br>&#8211; Student services and extracurricular activities<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"heading wp-block-heading\">3. Legal Framework (UK)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This policy is underpinned by the following legislation and regulatory guidance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"heading wp-block-heading\">3.1 Equality Act 2010<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Under the Equality Act 2010, the University has a legal duty to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Avoid discrimination, harassment, and victimisation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Make reasonable adjustments for disabled students<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Ensure disabled students are not placed at a substantial disadvantage compared to non\u2011disabled students<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The duty applies to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Disabled applicants<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Current students<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Former students in some circumstances<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This duty is anticipatory, meaning the University must proactively consider and plan for the needs of disabled students, not only respond to individual requests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"heading wp-block-heading\">3.2 Definition of Disability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For the purposes of this policy, a person is considered disabled if they have:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u201cA physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long\u2011term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day\u2011to\u2011day activities.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Physical or sensory impairments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Long\u2011term health conditions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Mental health conditions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Specific learning difficulties (e.g. dyslexia, dyspraxia)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Neurodivergent conditions (e.g. autism, ADHD)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"heading wp-block-heading\">4. What Are Reasonable Adjustments?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A reasonable adjustment is a change to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">A provision, criterion, or practice<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">The physical environment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">The provision of auxiliary aids or services<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Such changes are made to remove or reduce a substantial disadvantage experienced by a disabled student.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Adjustments are individual, proportionate, and based on assessed need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Reasonable adjustments do not:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Lower academic or professional standards<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Compromise competence standards required for awards or professional accreditation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"heading wp-block-heading\">5. Anticipatory Duty and Inclusive Practice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In line with the Equality Act 2010, the University will:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Design curricula, assessment, and learning environments to be as inclusive as possible<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Provide accessible digital and physical learning environments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Ensure policies and procedures do not inadvertently disadvantage disabled students<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Individual reasonable adjustments sit alongside, and do not replace, inclusive design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"heading wp-block-heading\">6. Requesting Reasonable Adjustments<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"heading wp-block-heading\">6.1 Disclosure and Application<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Students may request reasonable adjustments by contacting the University\u2019s Disability Support Team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Disclosure is voluntary; however, the University cannot make reasonable adjustments unless it is aware of the need for them. Requests can be made:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">At application or enrolment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">At any point during a programme of study<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Please note that reasonable adjustments will be implemented from the point at which they are agreed and cannot be applied retrospectively.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When a student discloses their disability on their UCAS application, they are automatically sent an email from the Disability Support Team asking them to complete some pre-entry information and provide supporting documentation if they wish to access support. Following completion of the pre-entry information request, if appropriate, they are also offered an appointment with a Disability Adviser.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Students who do not apply through UCAS are encouraged to disclose through the University\u2019s enrolment process, and they will be sent an automated email to encourage them to connect with the Disability Support Team, if they have not already done so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"heading wp-block-heading\">6.2 Supporting Documentation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Students may be asked to provide evidential documentation to support their request. This may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Medical evidence<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Diagnostic reports<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Professional assessments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Confirmation of ongoing impact<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Education Health Care Plan (EHCP)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The University will apply flexibility and recognises that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Diagnosis can take time<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Some conditions fluctuate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Not all disabilities require formal diagnosis to warrant adjustments, and a Disability Adviser can decide as to whether something is having a long-term effect on a student and whether this would therefore be considered as a disability under the Equality Act 2010.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"heading wp-block-heading\">6.3 Data Protection and Confidentiality<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The University is committed to protecting the privacy and security of personal data processed as part of the reasonable adjustments process. All processing of personal information, including special category data such as disability\u2011related health information, will be carried out in accordance with UK Data Protection legislation.\u00a0 Here is a link to our Privacy Notice<br><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.glos.ac.uk\/information\/knowledge-base\/studentprivacy-notice\/\">https:\/\/www.glos.ac.uk\/information\/knowledge-base\/studentprivacy-notice\/<\/a><br><br><strong>Right to amend or withdraw &#8211;\u00a0<\/strong>students can amend their personal data or withdraw their consent at any stage by emailing disability@glos.ac.uk. However, this may impact the support they are able to receive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"heading wp-block-heading\">7. Assessment of Reasonableness<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In determining whether an adjustment is reasonable, the University will consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">The nature and extent of the disadvantage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">The effectiveness of the proposed adjustment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Practicality and resource implications<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Health and safety considerations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">The impact on academic, competence, or professional standards<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Decisions will be made collaboratively, centering on the student\u2019s lived experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"heading wp-block-heading\">8. Reasonable Adjustment Plans<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Agreed reasonable adjustments will be documented in a Reasonable Adjustment Plan (RAP) individual to the student. The RAP:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Sets out recommended adjustments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Is shared with relevant academic and support staff on a need\u2011to\u2011know basis<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Staff are responsible for implementing adjustments outlined in the RAP. If it is felt that an adjustment is not reasonable within a specific context, the member of staff should consult the Disability Team as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"heading wp-block-heading\">9. Examples of Reasonable Adjustments<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Reasonable adjustments may include (but are not limited to):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Learning and Teaching<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Lecture capture or access to recordings<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Advance access to teaching materials<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Alternative participation methods<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Assessment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Extra time, rest breaks, or smaller exam rooms<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Alternative assessment formats<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Extensions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Physical and Digital Environment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Accessible teaching rooms<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Assistive technology or specialist software<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Adjustments to timetabling where possible<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Placements and Professional Practice<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Adjusted schedules or duties<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Modified supervision arrangements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Reasonable adjustments that comply with professional body requirements<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Adjustments for placements would be carried out by academic teams and discussed with the placement provider. The adjustments needed will be detailed in a Health Abilities Passport that is created by the student and academic team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>University of Gloucestershire courses are not validated for online or distance learning (apart from HEP online and blended programmes) therefore we will not normally consider remote attendance as an adjustment unless there are exceptional circumstances in which case a request for remote attendance will be considered on a case-by-case basis<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"heading wp-block-heading\">9.1 <strong>Compliance with implementation of reasonable adjustments<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>All staff are expected to implement approved reasonable adjustments accurately and with care, working closely with Student Support Services to help the University meet its responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010. This collaboration is essential to ensuring that disabled students can access equitable and inclusive learning experiences. Reasonable adjustments can be made informally at local level within the course team or formally via the Disability Support Team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If reasonable adjustments are not implemented, this may place the University at risk of not meeting its legal duties under the Equality Act 2010 and could disadvantage students academically or impact their wellbeing. For these reasons, the University treats the consistent delivery of reasonable adjustments as an important professional responsibility. Where concerns arise, they may be addressed through the University\u2019s usual support, training, or performance processes to ensure staff are fully equipped to meet these requirements in future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"heading wp-block-heading\">10. <strong>Competence Standards<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Under the Equality Act 2010, the University is not required to adjust genuine competence standards, defined as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>An academic, medical, or other standard applied to determine whether a person has a particular level of competence or ability.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, the method of demonstrating competence may be adjusted, where reasonable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"heading wp-block-heading\">11.<strong>\u00a0Roles and Responsibilities<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Students<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Engage with support services<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Inform the University if adjustments are not effective<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Notify changes in circumstances where relevant<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Academic and Professional Staff<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Implement agreed adjustments promptly<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Maintain confidentiality<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Seek guidance where adjustments are unclear<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Disability Support Team<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Assess and coordinate reasonable adjustments \u2013 creation of a Reasonable Adjustment Plan (RAP)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Advise staff and students<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Review support as required<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"heading wp-block-heading\">12. <strong>Review and Monitoring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Reasonable adjustments will be reviewed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Periodically<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">At key transition points<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">At the request of the student<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The University will monitor consistency and effectiveness to meet regulatory expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"heading wp-block-heading\">13. <strong>Appealing a decision<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If a student is dissatisfied with a decision or implementation of reasonable adjustments, they may request a review of the decision by the Disability Support Team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If they remain dissatisfied following this, they will be referred to the Student Complaints Procedure or Academic Appeals Procedure as appropriate. Students will not be disadvantaged for raising concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"heading wp-block-heading\">14. <strong>Policy Review<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure compliance with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">The Equality Act 2010<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Guidance from the Office for Students<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Sector best practice<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>1. Purpose The University is committed to ensuring that all students have equitable access to learning, assessment, and wider university life. This policy sets out the University\u2019s approach to providing reasonable adjustments for students who are disabled or experience other protected characteristics, in accordance with UK legislation. The aim of reasonable adjustments is to remove [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":43,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_searchwp_excluded":"","footnotes":""},"schools":[],"campuses":[],"subject_area":[],"ht-kb-category":[56,212],"ht-kb-tag":[],"class_list":["post-21139","ht_kb","type-ht_kb","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","ht_kb_category-procedures","ht_kb_category-student-support"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.glos.ac.uk\/information\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ht-kb\/21139","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.glos.ac.uk\/information\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ht-kb"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.glos.ac.uk\/information\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/ht_kb"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.glos.ac.uk\/information\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/43"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.glos.ac.uk\/information\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21139"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.glos.ac.uk\/information\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ht-kb\/21139\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21140,"href":"https:\/\/www.glos.ac.uk\/information\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ht-kb\/21139\/revisions\/21140"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.glos.ac.uk\/information\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21139"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"schools","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.glos.ac.uk\/information\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/schools?post=21139"},{"taxonomy":"campuses","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.glos.ac.uk\/information\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/campuses?post=21139"},{"taxonomy":"subject_area","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.glos.ac.uk\/information\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/subject_area?post=21139"},{"taxonomy":"ht_kb_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.glos.ac.uk\/information\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ht-kb-category?post=21139"},{"taxonomy":"ht_kb_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.glos.ac.uk\/information\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ht-kb-tag?post=21139"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}