Dispute Resolution and Appeals

General Principle

WEQSC provides a fair and transparent procedure for the resolution of disputes and the hearing of appeals. Any person affected by a decision of WEQSC may seek a review of that decision in accordance with the procedure set out in this page.

Scope of the Procedure

This procedure applies to:

• Decisions on applications for accreditation;
• Decisions on the imposition of conditions on accreditation;
• Decisions on the renewal of accreditation;
• Decisions on the suspension or termination of accreditation;
• Decisions on appeals against examination outcomes;
• Decisions on appeals against findings of Examination Irregularity;
• Decisions on the imposition of sanctions under the audit framework;
• Any other decision of WEQSC that affects the rights or obligations of a person.

Internal Review

A school, candidate, parent, or other person affected by a decision of WEQSC may request an internal review of that decision.

A request for internal review must be submitted in writing within thirty days of the date of the decision, stating the grounds for the request.

Appeal to the Accreditation Committee

Where the internal review confirms the decision, or where the internal review is not conducted within the specified period, the person may appeal to the Accreditation Committee.

An appeal must be submitted in writing within thirty days of the date of the internal review decision, stating the grounds for the appeal.

Grounds for Appeal

An appeal may be made on the grounds of:

• Material Error of Fact — The decision was based on a factual finding that is incorrect;
• Procedural Unfairness — The procedure leading to the decision was not conducted fairly;
• Failure to Consider Relevant Matters — The decision-maker failed to take into account a matter that should have been considered;
• Disproportionality — The sanction imposed is disproportionate to the breach.

Procedure

The procedure for the conduct of an appeal provides for:

• Notice to the appellant of the matters to be considered;
• An opportunity for the appellant to make written submissions;
• An opportunity for the appellant to request an oral hearing, which may be granted at the discretion of the Committee;
• A decision by the Committee, with reasons;
• Notification of the decision to the appellant.

Further Appeal

A decision of the Accreditation Committee is final, subject to any right of arbitration under Swiss law.

Examination Irregularities

A candidate may appeal against a finding of Examination Irregularity under the procedure set out in this page. The appeal must be submitted within thirty days of the date of the finding.

Re-evaluation of Examination Results

A candidate may request a re-evaluation of a WISE Examination result under the procedure set out in this page. The request must be submitted within thirty days of the publication of the result.

Re-evaluation may result in:

• Confirmation of the original result;
• An increase in the result;
• A decrease in the result, where the re-evaluation identifies an error in favour of the candidate.

Breach — Consequences

A breach of any provision of this page is subject to the audit regime and, where applicable, to the suspension and termination regime set out in this section.

Conclusion

The dispute resolution and appeals provisions set out in this page ensure that any person affected by a decision of WEQSC has access to a fair and transparent process for the review of that decision. All dispute resolution procedures not expressly set out in this portal must follow the Secretariat's official bylaws.