Supervision of Simulations for Distance Learning Students

Concerning the implementation of the AAT policy requiring distance learning students to complete simulations in a supervised environment, the AAT has received some queries.

These have focused on the options for those students who are not in a position to be supervised either at a study centre or in the workplace, for example those who are unemployed.

To assist centres in advising these students, the following criteria should be used to judge the suitability of potential supervisors:

Acceptable

• Former employer
• Employer at work placement
• Professionally qualified person bound by ethical code
• Teacher / lecturer
• Librarian
• Member of the clergy
• Careers officer
• Job Club official
• Referee (excluding personal referee) used for job applications
• Member of AAT District Society

Not Acceptable

• Family member
• Friend
• Former colleague whose status was not senior to student
• Fellow student, even if nearly qualified

Supervision does not mean that the student must sit in a room with the supervisor at all times. An option which might be more acceptable in terms of the time commitment required of the supervisor is that the supervisor takes the responsibility for ensuring the student undertakes the simulation in an environment where they do not have access to any other materials other than those detailed within the simulation.

To take the example of a library, the student could sit in a reading room separate from other library users, with access only to the material contained within the simulation. The supervisor would start the student on the simulation and would need to be available in case of any problems. At the end of the time allowance specified in the simulation, the supervisor would need to return to the student and oversee the packaging and despatch of the simulation to the Approved Assessment Centre.

Students sitting assessments in the workplace will be required to provide Premier Training with full details of their supervisor's qualifications and experience. The supervisor should be a qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA or CIPFA) or a member of the AAT. Supervisors belonging to other professional bodies will be considered, however Premier Training reserves the right to request students to attend the centre if we are not entirely satisfied with the devolved assessment arrangements.

Furthermore Premier Training will undertake oral questioning of students as a further check that it is the students own work.

If you have any queries of this policy or require further details please contact Rose Crockett on 01469 515444.