Learner Disciplinary Policy

1 Introduction

MTC Training has created an environment where learners feel safe, demonstrate
excellent behaviours and flourish to contribute positively to society.
To maintain our high standards and expectations of learners, on certain occasions, we
will take action to regulate and discourage behaviour that is detrimental to our culture.

1.1 Purpose & Scope

1.1.1 The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all learners are able to complete their
programme successfully without disruption caused by their own or others’ misconduct.
Learners are expected to take responsibility for their own learning whilst developing the
behaviours that will support them into further learning or sustained employment.
We operate within an environment of mutual respect and the Learner Disciplinary Policy
outlines our expectations of learners. We hold high expectations of all colleagues in
MTC Training and learners can review what they can expect from us within The Pledge.

1.1.2 This policy sets out the conduct that we expect from all learners at MTC sites and
explains the sanctions that may be applied should the policy be infringed.

1.1.3 For the purpose of this policy, the definition of a learner at an MTC site is any individual
studying on an apprenticeship, HNC, commercial or Skills Boot Camp programme and
will be applied in consultation with employers and parents/guardians of learners under
the age of 18. This is applicable for all MTC Training sites: currently Ansty, Culham and
Liverpool.

2 Internal and external policies and legislation

2.1 The Learner Disciplinary Policy should be read alongside all relevant MTC and MTC
Training policies, especially but not limited to;
2.1.1 Health and Safety Policy
2.1.2 MTC Training’s Personal and Protective Equipment Leaflet
2.1.3 IT Policy
2.1.4 Learner Handbook
2.1.5 Code of Conduct for Learners
2.1.6 Safeguarding Policy
2.1.7 Pledge
2.1.8 Malpractice and Maladministration Policy
2.1.9 Prevent Policy

3 Communication, Training, CPD and Monitoring

3.1. Communication

3.1.1 The Learner Disciplinary Policy is reviewed annually by the Curriculum and Quality
Committee for approval.
3.1.2 The approved policy is published on the MTC’s Business Management System (BMS)
and communicated to relevant MTC Group colleagues via internal channels. New
colleagues joining MTC Training are required to review this policy during their induction
programme. The relevant line managers should monitor this.

3.1.3 Learners are made aware of this policy during their induction programme and are asked
to confirm that they have read and understood the contents in the ‘documents I have read
section’ within Pro Monitor.

3.1.4 Learners under 18 years of age should inform their parents/legal guardians about this
policy.

3.1.5 The Learner Disciplinary Policy is published on the MTC Training and OAS websites. The
Apprentice Programme Manager should ensure it is also available to all employers.

3.2. Training and CPD

3.2.1 Learners must read the Disciplinary Policy during their induction week or, in situations
where this is not possible (e.g. learners who join the programme late), as soon as
practicably possible after their programme start date.

3.2.3 MTC Training colleagues are responsible for familiarising themselves with this Policy and
ensuring they are aware of their responsibilities both in relation to the Policy and how to
apply it.

4 Responsibilities

4.1 Behavioural Expectations.

Learners must endeavour to:

✓ Follow MTC Training’s Code of Conduct.
✓ Behave in a professional and respectful manner at all times. We expect that all
learners follow instructions from any member of staff and are courteous to all
colleagues, their peers, visitors or guests. We will not tolerate any incidents of
physical or verbal abuse.
✓ Attend all sessions on time, both in centre and in the workplace, and be prepared to
learn.
✓ Refrain from behaviour or expressing views that are contrary to fundamental British
Values.
✓ Wear their identification badge at all times.
✓ In the AMTC, leave all bags, coats and unnecessary belongings in lockers or the
area designated. At OAS, learners must keep bags with them, ensuring they are
stored safely at all times. In Liverpool, learners must keep all belongings where
directed by the lead Trainer.
✓ Dress professionally and appropriately at all times when in centre or participating in
online classes.
✓ Avoid using any offensive or inappropriate language in class, progress reviews or
assessments, in any written work, or around the training centres.
✓ Use equipment safely and correctly at all times.
✓ Follow the MTC Right Way standards.
✓ Adhere to the MTC and OAS campus rules when on site.

4.2 Academic Expectations.

Learners must endeavour to:

✓ Adhere to MTC Training’s Plagiarism Policy.
✓ Inform the attendance line if they are absent before sessions start, or at the earliest
opportunity where this is not possible. If they are unable to attend a scheduled
meeting with their Assessor, the learner should advise the Assessor 48 hours in
advance of the appointment.
✓ Submit all assignments and assessments by the deadline set. Where this is not
possible, learners should raise this with the Trainer or Assessor at the earliest
opportunity and apply for mitigating circumstances if directed to do so.
✓ Ensure all work produced is original or correctly referenced from the internet source
or textbook used. Plagiarism or cheating by use of model answers will result in
disciplinary procedures being applied.
✓ Refrain from using mobile phones during training. This is not permitted unless
authorised by a Trainer or Assessor.
✓ Achieve a minimum weekly score for behaviours and performance of 3 or higher.
Any repeated scores of 2 or below will result in disciplinary procedures being
applied.
✓ Respond to contact from MTC Training in a timely manner. Learners who do not
engage or respond to MTC Training for a period of 4 weeks or longer may be
withdrawn from their programme of study

4.3 Health and Safety Expectations.

Learners must endeavour to:

✓ Adhere to all aspects of MTC’s Health and Safety Policy.
✓ Be responsible for the health and safety of themselves and others.
✓ Check all equipment before use and immediately report to a Trainer or Technician if
they see a fault or believe the equipment is not safe to be used.
✓ Follow instructions from staff on safe use of equipment.
✓ Refrain from the unlawful use, possession or distribution of drugs or consumption of
alcohol onsite, before or during days of attendance.
✓ Wear full PPE and correctly when in the training workshops.
✓ Clean down cafeteria areas after use.
✓ Refrain from having chewing gum on site and disposing of this correctly into a litter
bin.

Learners should be aware that a breach of any of the above will result in disciplinary action
being taken.

5 Definitions

5.1. Gross misconduct

A serious case of misconduct may be considered by MTC Training as gross misconduct
and may result in a learner entering the final stage of the disciplinary procedure
immediately. This will be considered in consultation with employers and parents/guardians
if appropriate.

Examples of gross misconduct include (but are not limited to) a learner:

✓ Bullying or intimidation of other learners or any members of staff.
✓ Endangering themselves or others.
✓ Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol in the training centre.
✓ Being a cause of concern for the safety of staff or other learners.
✓ Bringing the training centre into disrepute.
✓ Damaging buildings or equipment.
✓ Directing abuse towards members of staff or learners.
✓ Carrying out unauthorised interference with software or data, or accessing explicit or
extremist material.
✓ Expressing extremist views or engaging in extremist activities.
✓ Exhibiting repetitive low level misbehaviour and not addressing improvement targets.
✓ Committing theft.

Where a case of gross misconduct is alleged, the Managing Director of MTC Training or
Deputy Director - Delivery may agree to a learner being suspended from programme while
a full investigation takes place.

A suspension may be considered appropriate to protect the safety of learners and/or MTC
Training colleagues or to remove a learner from a potentially dangerous or difficult
situation. MTC Training will inform all relevant employers and parents/guardians (if
appropriate) in writing if a suspension is required

6 Process Description

6.1 Disciplinary procedure

The actions below will be undertaken by the persons responsible for areas of misconduct.

Action Taken	Person Responsible
Verbal Reprimand	Any MTC Training Colleague
Verbal Warning	Lead
Written Warning	Manager
Final Written Warning	Deputy Director
Immediate Exclusion	Deputy Director

6.2 Recording of sanctions:

Any sanctions that are issued will be recorded on Pro Monitor, held on the learner’s Pro
Monitor record, and communicated to their employer and parents/guardians if under 18.

These records may be referred to should any further breaches or incidents occur. Written
warnings will stay on a learner’s file for the duration of their apprenticeship programme.

In all cases, the learner’s employer will be notified of the action taken.

6.3 Appeals against suspension or exclusion:

A learner may appeal against the decision to suspend or exclude them within 10 working
days. To do this, the learner must write to the Quality Enhancement, Compliance and
Systems Manager outlining the reasons for their appeal against the sanction.

The Quality Enhancement, Compliance and Systems Manager will acknowledge receipt of
the appeal within 2 working days and will arrange an Appeal Meeting to take place within
10 working days of the acknowledgement of receipt of the appeal.

The Appeal Meeting will be chaired by the Quality Enhancement, Compliance and Systems
Manager who has not been previously involved in the process.

The Appeal Meeting will give the learner a fair and full opportunity to discuss their reasons
for appeal. Where a learner is under 18, parents/carers are also encouraged to attend the
meeting to offer support.

The appeal decision will be notified in writing within 5 working days of the meeting taking
place. The appeal decision is final.