University of Stirling Work Placement and Project Policy (WPPP)
Policy contents
- Purpose
- Scope of the policy and its linkage with related policies and guidelines
- Principles
- University responsibilities and managing risk
- Key roles and responsibilities
- Further information
- Table 1 - Work based placement and collaborative project learning opportunities covered by this policy
- Appendix 1: Decision tree on securing work placements and collaborative projects with business
- Appendix 2: Additional templates associated with the policy
- Appendix 3: Additional guidance documents
Purpose
The experience and impact of work placement and work-based project learning is a significant factor in developing and enhancing student employability and the student experience. The University of Stirling aims to produce confident, aspirational graduates who can successfully compete in a global economy. One of the objectives of the University’s Employability Strategy is to ensure all programmes include work-based and/or work-related learning by 2021. Developing student employability not only impacts positively on the outcomes for the student, but influences the University’s ranking in higher education league tables and recruitment.
This policy is to support those developing or delivering a module or a programme which contains work placement and work-based project learning to ensure it is a positive, safe and successful experience for all stakeholders: staff, students, and external providers (Public, Private and Third sector organisations). It sets out the responsibilities of stakeholders to ensure that effective processes are in place to enable a high-quality learning opportunity, and to manage and mitigate any risk. All stakeholders involved in work placements and work-based project learning have a responsibility to do what they can to reduce the chances of harm to the student and others. Stakeholders generally include university staff, external business and students.
As this policy has been formed during Covid-19, consideration has been given to the need for flexibility and responsiveness to change in light of the pandemic. This is largely focussed on moving Work Placements (WPs) and Collaborative Projects with Business (CPBs) into a remote environment. The policy takes account of students working in a remote environment; however, staff should regularly check updated University of Stirling, government and professional body guidelines.
Scope of the policy and its linkage with related policies and guidelines
Definition
For this Work Placement and Project Policy (WPPP), which applies to both onsite (physically present on the business’s premises) and remote WPs and CPBs, the University has adopted the Quality Assurance Agency’s definition of work based and placement learning as outlined in its UK Quality Code for Higher Education Advice and guidance for Work-Based Learning:
“Work-based learning: This involves learning through work, learning for work and/or learning at work. It consists of authentic structured opportunities for learning which are achieved in a workplace setting or are designed to meet an identified workplace need. This type of learning typically has a dual function of being designed to meet the learning needs of the employees, developing their knowledge, skills and professional behaviours, and also meeting the workforce development needs of the organisation. Work-based learning is, therefore, learning which is distinguished from work-related or simulated learning activity that has not been formulated or commissioned by, or in partnership with, employer to address a current workforce need.”
UK Quality Code for Higher Education, Advice and Guidance, Work-based Learning. November 2019, page 1
Terminology
For the purpose of this policy, Work Placements will be referred to as ‘WPs’ and Collaborative Projects with Business as ‘CPBs’. While CPBs are based on the principles of the Making the Most of Masters (MMM) project, they include other opportunities for students to collaborate with businesses e.g. honours projects, group consultancy projects with business and undergraduate projects.
A WP is time students spend with a business or an organisation, onsite or remotely, to learn and gain insight into a sector and complete a designated piece of work or a role. This is typically referred to as work-based learning. There may be many reasons for undertaking a placement. Some examples are:
- to put teaching and learning undertaken at University into the context of the workplace;
- to learn more about a particular business, perhaps the students’ chosen industry for their anticipated future career;
- to gain practical 'on the job' training or experience,
The structure and timing of the placement and activities undertaken will vary depending on the module and the organisation, and is usually agreed in discussion with the placement supervisor. Hours will vary depending on the course requirements.
A CPB is a piece of work undertaken by students e.g. a dissertation or consultancy project, in conjunction with an organisation. The term ‘business’ refers to all sizes and types of external organisations: public, private, third sector. The CPB is assessed as part of the degree programme and is designed to meet identified learning outcomes.
WPs and CPBs can be delivered in a wide variety of ways and defined differently within an academic programme: short term; extended; part-time, full-time; paid, unpaid; credit bearing or not credit bearing; work-based onsite or remote; practice placement or internship. A WP or a CPB that is not part of an academic programme or credit bearing, for example part-time work which students organise themselves, falls outside the remit of this policy.
The general term work-based learning will be referred to as WBL.
In the pre-placement check list, risk assessment and project agreement forms, there is a differentiation as to whether the WP or CBP is:
- ‘Onsite’ - the student is based on site at the business premises
- ‘Remote’ all meetings, information sharing during the WP or CPB are conducted remotely, including when undertaking field work only, online or at a distance. This opportunity will still permit meetings to take place online to exchange information, review progress and make presentations;
- Hybrid, blended approach, there may be a blended approach, e.g. the placement or project may be largely remote, however the student may be expected to attend an onsite induction or presentation.
It is recognised that the way in which a WP or a CPB is organised and managed, will vary according to specific module and programme aims, learning outcomes and assessment strategies. Vocational programmes, such as those in nursing, social work or education may be subject to additional and specific requirements for external or professional body compliance. The table below outlines what is covered by this policy. All other non-credit bearing internships (onsite and remote) are covered by the Careers and Employability Service (CES) vacancy handling policy.
Table 1 - Work based placement and collaborative project learning opportunities covered by this policy
Credit bearing WP courses: WP learning embedded into and assessed through a module. WP learning may be an optional or a compulsory element of a programme and could be work-based onsite or remote |
Credit bearing WPs out with semester: Placement learning embedded into and assessed through a module. Such placement learning may be an optional or a compulsory element of a programme and could be work-based onsite or remote |
Credit bearing Collaborate Projects with Business PGT (Including Dissertations) Remote projects or projects meeting an external need not necessarily based in an external environment are included. |
Credit bearing Collaborate Projects with Business UG (Including Dissertations) Remote projects or projects meeting an external need not necessarily based in an external environment are included. |
Credit bearing Group Projects – Credit bearing consultancy projects delivered by a group of students with outputs and outcomes for both the students and the business. Remote projects or projects meeting an external need not necessarily based in an external environment are included. |
Professional WPs that form part of the degree programme and are associated with the assessment of professional competency within a statutory or regulated profession (Teaching, Nursing, Social Work) |
Student sourced WPs and CPBs that are credit bearing for all of the above |
The delivery of Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) should follow the principles of this policy, however, separate guidelines will be developed to shape and monitor GAs. The University must adhere to regulations set by Skills Development Scotland in relation to quality, compliance, tracking and best practice. (See separate GA guidelines on located on GA Canvas site) |
The Policy links closely to key institutional policy and guideline documents: the ‘Off Campus Activities Policy’ (in draft July 2020); and the Ethics process and decision tree, and should be used in conjunction with these documents when appropriate. The decision tree in Appendix 1 guides staff to choose the relevant action associated with these policy and guideline documents.
An Equalities Impact Assessment (EIA) has been conducted for this policy. Specific guidelines relating to equalities issues have been integrated into this policy and actions arising that relate to wider university polices and procedure have been have been captured in the EIA.
Principles
In line with the UK Quality Code for Higher Education Advice and guidance for Work-Based Learning, the University’s key principles on WPs and CPBs are:
- To ensure that WPs and CPBs are designed and developed in partnership with business, students and stakeholders
- That WPs and CPBs contain learning outcomes that align with module outcomes and where relevant, business objectives and ensure a high-quality experience for all
- To undertake due diligence before a student undertakes a WP or CBP
- To ensure that students are equipped and prepared to undertake and manage WPs and CPBs onsite and/or in a remote environment
- To effectively manage the risks associated with off campus learning or remote arrangements
- To monitor WP and project management systems regularly and to keep clear and comprehensive records
- To have in place formal written agreements that clarify the responsibilities and expectations of each party (student, University, WPs and business provider) (remote or onsite)
- To remain responsible for academic standards and the quality of provision leading to academic awards, regardless of where the student learning is taking place
- To ensure that WPs and CPBs enhance the student’s learning experience and contribute to the development of their employability
- To have an appropriate number of suitable staff to fulfil the requirements of WP and CPB supervision
- To meet the requirements of any relevant professional, statutory and regulatory bodies as articulated in approved programme documentation
- To ensure that opportunities are inclusive and that the needs of disabled students are considered. That reasonable adjustments are in place, which meet the requirements outlined in relevant legislation
- To ensure that the WP or CPB is evaluated and reviewed in collaboration with the business and student to guarantee a cycle of continuous improvement
University Responsibilities and Managing Risk
Health, safety and risk
Ensuring the safety and well-being of students when they are taking part in learning on and off-campus is of paramount importance, and a risk-based approach should be taken when WPs or CPBs are being set up and monitored. The Health and Safety (Training for Employment) Regulations 1990 state that if you are having relevant training in the UK then for health and safety purposes you are treated as an employee. Clearly the risks will vary depending on the WP or CPB concerned and any risk assessment must be appropriate to the risk. WPs or CPBs undertaken abroad may have a different legal status. (Please refer to the Off-Campus Activities Policy)
It is the Faculty’s responsibility to ensure the health, safety and welfare of students when on a WP or a CPB. A risk assessment must be undertaken by the module co-ordinator or WP or CPB co-ordinator/organiser prior to the student going on WP or undertaking a project. In cases where the placement or project opportunity has been sourced by the student, some preparatory risk assessment may be done by the student using the risk assessment form, however, the placement/module co-ordinator must have the final sign off on the risk assessment and ensure the risk assessment has been conducted thoroughly all risk mitigated. A visit to all new WP or CPB providers should be undertaken by a member of staff wherever practical, particularly if the WP or CPB is to be undertaken onsite. If this is not possible, a risk assessment should be conducted through a remote meeting platform or face to face phone call with the business. The recommended platforms for doing this are Microsoft TEAMS or Skype.
The risk assessment form (Template 4) has a specific section relating to Covid-19. It is imperative that the business articulates its processes and approach to health and safety for staff in terms of Covid-19 and arranges an induction for students going onsite. This will impact largely onsite situations, however, if the student is to have any contact with staff onsite, this must also be discussed and risk mitigated.
There should be clear information provided on health and safety expectations to both WP and CPB providers and to students. This should be included at a student induction session and be covered in the preliminary meeting between the WP or CPB provider and the student.
There is a comprehensive good practice guide to managing the health and safety aspects of higher education student placements, including a risk profiling tool written by ASET. There is also guidance from the Universities and Colleges Business Association on Health and Safety Guidance for the placement of higher education students.
For work placements (WPs)
Risk assessment is an iterative process throughout the life cycle of securing a WP and should be raised during initial communication with the business, throughout the planning process and throughout the WP. The student should also take responsibility for this and be briefed on this process and given guidance on how and when to raise concerns.
A placement proposal form should be completed for WPs which clarifies the placement activity, goals and requirements (Template 1).
A pre-placement checklist (Template 3) and a Risk Assessment Form (Template 4) should be completed by the WP module co-ordinator/supervisor. If a student is initially negotiating a WP, these forms must be checked and approved by the WP module co-ordinator/supervisor before the placement commences.
If the WP is onsite, there must be a risk assessment for mitigating Covid 19. This should include an induction and guidelines for student’s onsite.
If the WP is remote and all meetings and sharing of data between the placement provider and the student are conducted online, the risk assessment form should still be completed appropriately.
Student evaluation of the module should be carried out in the normal way.
Businesses should be evaluated using the standard business evaluation form. A template of this form can be located in the Work Based Learning section on the . An online version of this form is also available on MS Forms.
For collaborative projects with business (CPBs)
Risk assessment is an iterative process throughout the life cycle of securing a CPB: initial communication with the business, throughout the planning process and throughout the project.
The Risk Assessment Form (Template 4) should be completed prior to the CPB start date. This applies to both remote and onsite projects. The risk assessment form/s allow for staff and students to put ‘not applicable’ for issues that do not apply to remote CPBs such as onsite risks.
If the CPB is onsite, there must be a risk assessment for mitigating Covid 19. This should include an induction and guidelines for students onsite.
A Project Agreement form should be completed for every CPB (Template 6). This can be adapted where suitable if the project is remote.
Student evaluation of the module should be carried out using either online or hard copy.
Businesses should be evaluated using the standard business evaluation form. A template of this form can be located in the Work Based Learning section on the Staff Careers and Employability Information Hub (staff only). An online version of this form is also available on MS Forms.
Approving and vetting a ‘Student sourced WP or CPB’
The Faculty must have a process in place to ensure any WP or CPB that has been sourced independently by the student is appropriate to the intended learning outcomes of the module/programme and that appropriate academic supervision is available.
The above points relating to health, safety and risk all apply to self-sourced WPs and CPBs
There are guidelines available for students and staff on how to self-source WPs and CPBs in Guidance documents 1 and 2.
Insurance and Liability
In the UK it is a legal requirement for most businesses to hold employer liability insurance. UK employer liability regulations classify work experience or placement students as employees. This means that in the event of an accident at work arising from the placement provider’s negligence, the student has the same rights as the placement provider’s permanent staff. This may not be the case if the placement is overseas and the University’s insurers should be approached for advice. Please also refer to the Off-Campus Activities Policy (draft at the time of this policy).
Sole traders are not legally required to have employer’s liability insurance. When they offer a placement or project to a student that is based on site, they will be asked to take out employer liability insurance. If they refuse, the placement should not go ahead as the student is not adequately covered. If the WP or CPB is entirely project based and delivered remotely, then only public liability insurance is required.
It is not a legal requirement in the UK for organisations to have public liability cover. However, most reputable businesses should have it. This insurance protects the student against claims brought against the WP or CPB provider by third parties in the event of negligence on the part of the student. The student has responsibility to act in an appropriate manner (as outlined in the Student Charter) and to keep in contact with the University to report any problems with the WP or CPB provider.
Faculties should check that WP or CBP providers have employer liability and public liability insurance as part of the risk assessment/approval process, and include relevant details on the standard university WP and or CPB Agreement Form (Templates 5 and 6)
While the University holds its own employer and public liability insurance, this only covers claims against our negligence and not someone else’s.
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
Where a course of study includes a compulsory WP or CPB element, or where the University makes a WP or CPB opportunity available to students, the University will share personal data relating to the student undertaking the opportunity for the purposes of administration, communication and overall operation.
Occasionally the personal data shared with the provider may include special categories of personal data, such as health information, to ensure that the WP or CPB provider can offer the necessary support and meet their obligations to the student.
All personal data must be processed by the University in line with GDPR requirements and the University policy on Data Protection.
EU and International WP and CPB Opportunities
Risk assessments must be made for all WP or CPB opportunities taking place abroad. The nature and complexity of the risk assessment will vary with the type of activity intended, and in many cases the work itself will not be unusually hazardous and consideration will primarily need to be given to local conditions. The assessment should be based on previous knowledge, information from the Foreign Office, travel agents and contacts in the place being visited. The Foreign Office, Reuters or the travel agent dealing with the booking will be able to provide information on the necessary vaccinations, local politics, and areas to avoid.
Please refer to the Off Campus Activities Policy and follow the appropriate guidelines. (The Off Campus Activities Policy is in draft form as of June 2020. This policy will be updated when the FTP has been approved.)
The findings and conclusions drawn from the Risk Assessment should be made familiar to all participants with any significant factors being relayed in writing whenever possible.
For placements outside the EU students should be aware that sharing their personal information with the WP or CPB provider will involve a transfer outside the EU and that the data protection laws in some countries may not provide the same level of protection as the EU legislation.
Students must be briefed prior to departure and this should include:
- Travel arrangements and accommodation
- Personal safety
- Climatic conditions
- Health risks and up to date vaccinations
- Cultural differences
- Obtaining medical or other emergency assistance
- Contacts back in UK
- Their personal data may be at higher risk in countries outside the EU which have different data protection standards
Key Roles and Responsibilities
The University |
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University Staff |
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Students |
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International students |
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This policy is based on UKVI policy guidance as of May 2020. This may be subject to change. Please check with the immigration for up to date guidance (internationaladvisor@stir.ac.uk)
Name of the business Address and contact number for the business Location of placement if address of business is different Start date and end date of placement Number of Hours per week student will be working on the placement Details of how the placement will be assessed
Any questions or queries should be directed to the Student Immigration Team (internationaladvisor@stir.ac.uk) |
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Providers |
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For Work Placements:
For CPBs
For both
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Further information
Careers and Employability Service: stir.ac.uk/careers
Pam Crawford, Head of Careers and Employability: pamela.crawford@stir.ac.uk
Insurance advice: insurance@stir.ac.uk
International Students: Internationaladviser@stir.ac.uk
Health and Safety: Safety, Environment, Security and Continuity (SESC)
Off Campus Activities Policy, Alison Morrison: alison.morrison@stir.ac.uk
Appendix 1: Decision tree on securing work placements and collaborative projects with business
Appendix 2: Additional templates associated with the policy
The policy refers to additional templates to be used in conjunction with the policy guidelines. There are to ensure consistency, adherence to quality standards and health and safety advice. These are available at the Staff Careers and Employability Information Hub (staff only).
- Template 1 - Work Placement Proposal Form
- Template 2 - Project Proposal Form - Collaborative Projects with Business (CPB)
- Template 3 - Pre-placement checklist
- Template 4 - Risk Assessment Form for Work Placements
- Template 5 - University Standard WP Agreement Form
- Template 6: Agreement form- Collaborative Projects with Business
Appendix 3: Additional Guidance Documents
The policy refers to the following important related policies and guides for reference. These are available at the Staff Careers and Employability Information Hub (staff only):
- Off Campus Activities Policy (in draft)
- Student Dissertations guidance
- ASET Good Practice Guide for Health and Safety for Student Placements
- Universities Safety and Health Association Guidance on Health and Safety of Placements for Higher Education Students
- Guidance document 1: Guidelines for sourcing your own credit bearing work placement
- Guidance document 2: Guidelines for sourcing your own credit bearing collaboration
- Guidance document 3: Stakeholder roles and responsibilities
- Guidance document 4: A guide to insurance for placements and collaborative projects with business