Memorandum of Understanding

This memorandum covers the practice placement/practice education element of any course within the University of Gloucestershire where a student may complete compulsory or optional placement activity associated with their programme of study. Additional information can be sought through Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies where appropriate.

1. Scope of agreement

1.1 This agreement relates to the provision of placement/internships for Students or Learners hosted by the provider for programmes run by the University of Gloucestershire, where the placement experience is relevant and available within the partner organisation. Placement partners are not expected to host students outside of their scope of practice, nor are they expected to host more students than they have safe capacity available.

2. Student groups

2.1 This agreement covers all programmes delivered by the University of Gloucestershire, though separate agreements are in place to cover the additional requirements of Health and Social care programmes, as well as Education/Initial teacher training courses. The scope of this document is to cover non-regulated courses whereby students have the opportunity to seek placement experience with an employer outside of the University of Gloucestershire

3. Safeguarding/health and safety

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance

3.1 For programmes with regulatory requirements requiring DBS clearance as a condition of enrolment, this will be carried out through the University as part of the recruitment and selection process at a cost to the applicant, in accordance with university policy, which is available to read on our Policies and Procedures page.

Where a programme of study does not require DBS clearance as a condition of enrolment, but a placement provider requires this for a student-selected placement, the responsibility for sharing and checking the DBS is between the student and the placement provider

3.2 Previous convictions or cautions would not necessarily prevent an applicant from enrolling on a programme of study; however, if the University has reason to believe the applicant has been dishonest in this process, they maintain the right to withdraw any offer of study made.

Manual handling and Basic Life Support

3.3 Where required by the Placement Provider, training will be provided by the placement provider and will not be the responsibility of the University, with the exception of Health and Social care students who will have Manual Handling and Basic Life Support training provided as part of their mandatory training package.

Health and Safety

3.4 In signing this agreement the Placement Provider confirms that they have a Health & Safety policy and accept responsibility for the student in respect of the requirements of the Health and Safety Act 1974.

First Aid

3.5 Should the student be expected to work with machinery, equipment, or substances hazardous to health, all appropriate precautions will first have been taken by the placement provider. First aid facilities will be available, and the Placement Provider will provide all appropriate training, supervision, and protective clothing.

Injury and/or damage

3.6 The Placement Provider will advise the University immediately of any injury or damage involving the student. This will be managed in accordance with local policy and reported into the University of Gloucestershire central system.

Occupational Health Policy

3.7 Programmes and placements requiring occupational health clearance to be in place as a condition of enrolment will be carried out through the university as part of the recruitment and selection process. Where clearance is required for a student-selected placement, this should be discussed at the point of placement agreement between placement provider and student, with the responsibility of this clearance remaining with the student or placement provider.

Reasonable Adjustments

3.8 Where a student identifies with the placement provider that reasonable adjustments are required within the placement setting, this should be discussed between the student and the placement provider in the first instance. No information regarding student well-being or disability will be shared with any external party without the student’s written consent.

4. Placement Agreement

By digitally signing this agreement, placement providers agree to work collaboratively with the University of Gloucestershire by providing Safe and Effective Learning Environments to University of Gloucestershire students.

The placement provider agrees to:

4.1 Provide sufficient numbers of suitably qualified and experienced staff to supervise and assess Learners or Students whilst on placement, in line with the requirements of the programme of study.

4.2 Raise any concerns in relation to the student’s performance or well-being to the student themselves in the first instance and to the University of Gloucestershire if concerns remain via [email protected]

4.3 Where relevant, participate in annual quality assurance processes, including completing quality audits in conjunction with the University placement team where necessary, and provide information to regulators such as OfSTED should this be required.

4.4 To fully complete all documentation as required by the programme relating to the assessment of the student or learner, including attendance timesheets.

4.5 To provide an induction for the student including health and safety awareness, the organisation and its working practices, fire precautions and emergency evacuation arrangements, as a minimum.

4.6 Comply with and complete health and safety legislation documentation as required by the University of Gloucestershire and in line with legal requirements.

4.7 In cases of serious accidents or incidents involving the student or breaches of discipline by the student, advise and consult with the University at the soonest possible time.

4.8 To share all relevant information relating to placements with the University in accordance with the requirements of the programme and within the guidance of the General Data Protection Regulation (2018).

4.9 Maintain appropriate levels of public liability insurance and, where required, share evidence of their public liability insurance to ensure students are protected whilst on placement activity

5 The University of Gloucestershire agrees to:

5.1 Ensure that students understand the standards of behaviour expected whilst on a placement with the University of Gloucestershire.

5.2 Ensure that all staff responsible for the delivery of the taught components of the programme are appropriately qualified to prepare students for placement activity.

5.3 Provide information, documentation and guidance relating to learning outcomes for students and practice placement providers.

5.4 Provide specialist advice and guidance to placement providers for students with additional support needs.

5.5 Where relevant, administer payments for placements accurately and in accordance with the programme requirements and receipt of timesheets approved by the placement provider.

5.6 To implement agreed procedures and processes for addressing issues related to the student experience whilst on placement.

5.7 Where required for the needs of the programme, use appropriate quality assurance/audit procedures.

5.8 Share evidence of public liability insurance where required by the placement provider.

6. Insurance and Indemnity

6.1 Students / Learners are deemed to be employees of the placement provider for the purposes of insurance and indemnity.

6.2 Both the University of Gloucestershire and the placement provider will maintain sufficient insurances and/or indemnities to cover their liabilities in respect of any claims resulting from the actions of the Learner/Student(s).

All signatories agree that:

The operation of the placement providers and the terms of this placement agreement will be reviewed as required.

By digitally signing this agreement, we, the undersigned, agree in full to the above placement agreement.