It should be noted that not all current PSRB requirements will meet the criteria of a genuine competence standard, and it should not be assumed that they do. Where it is uncertain whether a PSRB requirement is a genuine competence standard, clarification should be sought from the PSRB.
Competence standards that are PSRB requirements must be clearly communicated to students and applicants in pre-course information, the programme catalogue, module handbooks, and placement guidance. The Provider is still obligated to ensure their practices are not discriminatory in terms of admission to study, provision of education and access to benefits, services, and facilities. It must continue to make reasonable adjustments and ensure that disabled students are not disadvantaged. This includes making adjustments to assessment methods[1].
Questioning PSRB requirements and competence standards
Professional bodies also have a responsibility under the Equality Act 2010 to review their competence standards to ensure they are not discriminatory. If the Provider considers that a competence standard is not valid, it should raise this with the relevant body[2]. HEPs should act in the interest of their students and take the relevant steps to ensure they avoid discrimination.
[1] Equality Challenge Unit, Understanding the interaction of competence standards and reasonable adjustments (2015) p23: https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/knowledge-hub/understanding-interaction-competence-standards-and-reasonable-adjustments
[2] Equality Challenge Unit, Understanding the interaction of competence standards and reasonable adjustments (2015) p23: https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/knowledge-hub/understanding-interaction-competence-standards-and-reasonable-adjustments
