Examination Handbook & Regulations

Preparation for the Examinations

Success in all examinations set by the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers (WCSM) calls for an understanding of the theories governing optical manufacturing and optical practice.

It is entirely a matter of personal choice how those wishing to acquire a WCSM qualification prepare themselves for the examination. Some candidates may feel that the experience that they have gained through their employment is sufficient preparation. Others, however, may feel they require preparatory training.

As the WCSM awards are accredited national qualifications, those requiring preparatory training can apply to the Skills Funding Agency (SFA), through their Training Provider, for help in meeting the cost of that training.  Please be advised, however, that the SFA has total discretion as to which training programmes it will support, so there can be no guarantee that preparation to sit one or other of the WCSM’s qualifying examinations will attract Government funding.

For those with no local source of training, the WCSM Education Trust runs a series of year-long correspondence courses, starting in September/October and January/February.  Each course involves a student in the completion of a number of papers and their submission to a tutor, in accordance with a timetable agreed between each student and tutor.  All papers submitted will be marked and returned with comments.  Full details may be obtained from:

The Company Secretary
The WCSM Education Trust
Apothecaries' Hall
Black Friars Lane
London EC4V 6EL

Tel: 020 7236 8645 or 2932
Fax: 020 7329 3249
email: administrator@spectaclemakers.com

Assessment

The WCSM conducts all its assessments (examinations) in English.

Candidates seeking a Level 2 qualification (Level 5 in Scotland) may have the option of examination by on-line assessment.  Again, full details may be obtained from the Administrator at the address shown above (but see page 15 below).

Copies of past examination papers will not be made available to candidates, as they cannot be taken as any form of indication as to what candidates themselves may be confronted with when they sit their examination. The examiners will expect them to be able to answer questions based on the entire range of a syllabus, and reserve the right to alter the format of future papers without notice. However, a few sample questions may be obtained from the WCSM office at Apothecaries’ Hall; details on application.

Unitization

All qualifications may be achieved through passing the qualifying examination unit by unit, as opposed to trying to pass the whole examination at one sitting, provided all units are achieved within five years of the candidate’s achieving the first one.  However, this would clearly be a longer and, because of the increased administrative overheads, a more expensive way of obtaining a qualification.

All WCSM Application Forms will allow candidates to specify how many units they wish to attempt at that particular time.

The time allowed in the examination room to complete each unit will be determined by the time allocated to the whole paper, the total number of units into which that paper is divided, and their respective credit value.

THE EXAMINATIONS

Accredited by OFQUAL and available throughout the UK

 
The Level 4 Diploma for Optical Technicians
(QCF accreditation no: 500/9706/4).

To obtain the Level 4 Certificate for Optical Technicians, a candidate must successfully sit each of three interrelated examinations; written papers for both Parts I & II and a practical examination, which will include questions on a practical project that second-year candidates undertake as part of their studies.

Between them, the two written papers comprise 11 units:

Unit 1	Mathematics for optical manufacturing
Unit 2	The eye & the principles of optics
Unit 3	The properties of ophthalmic lenses
Unit 4	The theory of lens surfacing
Unit 5	The properties of ophthalmic lenses
Unit 6	Spectacle lens materials
Unit 7	The properties of spectacle frames & glazing
Unit 8	Optical workshop tasks & glazing spectacle frames
Unit 9	Optical workshop tasks & surfacing spectacle lenses
Unit 10	Spectacle lens treatments
Unit 11	The spectacle industry & standards

The Part I Examination

• a three-hour paper on units 1 & 2, with four questions, or sets of questions, on each unit.
• a two and a half hour paper on unit 3, with five questions, or sets of questions.

The Part II Written Examination

• a three-hour paper on units 4,5 & 6, with:
  two questions or sets of questions on each of units 4 & 6, and
  
• a three-hour paper on units 7,10 & 11, with:
  four questions, or sets of questions on unit 7, and
  two questions, or sets of questions, on each of units 10 & 11.

The Part II Practical Examination

The practical examination is based on Units 8 or 9 depending on the candidate’s choice of pathway, and is made up of: 

A Practical Project – each candidate will be assigned tasks, in the form of a project, to be completed by arrangement with the examiners.

(a) Unit 8 - Glazing frame or
(b) Unit 9 - Lens surfacing

Each task will be timed and supervised. Records of timing, etc. and completed tasks are to be submitted to the examiners.

A Viva and Practical Examination to include:

(a) A viva examination (2 x 20 minutes) on workshop practices and problem solving.

(b) A practical examination (60 minutes) on –

1. The measurement of frames
2. The description of frames
3. Repairs and setting up

(c) A practical examination (90 minutes) on the verification of completed spectacles, the use of the focimeter, recording lens power and laying off lenses for glazing

Passing the examination

To obtain the qualification, a candidate must achieve a minimum of 50% in each unit of each paper.

The Practical Examination is one unit, comprising five sections, one of which has five subsections. To pass, a candidate must attain a minimum of  50% in each section or subsection. A candidate failing a subsection will be required to retake that whole section.

Candidates will only be able to retake a written unit or section of the Practical Examination three times, and only within three years of their first sitting the unit or section concerned. Those who have still not achieved a pass by that stage will be required to re-sit the whole examination.

Candidates will not be permitted to sit the Part II examination until they have passed Part I.

Grading

Results are not graded. A candidate either passes an examination, or fails it.

Prizes

Both the WCSM and the Optical Industry award prizes to those obtaining the best marks in each part of the examinations held throughout the same calendar year.

 
The Level 2 Certificate in Optical Production Processes (QCF accreditation no: 500/9437/3).

To obtain the level 2 Certificate in Optical Production Processes a candidate must successfully sit two two-hour written papers, one in the morning, and the other in the afternoon.

The papers are:

Paper 1 (Two hours)
The following six mandatory units, each of three questions or sets of questions:

Unit 1	Working in the optical industry.
Unit 2	Preparing to make ophthalmic appliances.
Unit 3	Label & despatch optical orders.
Unit 4	Health & Safety in an optical production workshop.
Unit 5	Efficiency & effectiveness at work.
Unit 6	Creating & maintaining effective working relationships.

Paper 2 (Two hours)
The second two-hour paper will depend on which one of the following four pathways the candidate has opted to pursue:

• Spectacle surfacing: Unit 7 (five questions or sets of questions), Unit 8 (three questions or sets of questions) and one of Units 9, 10 ,11, 12 or 13 (three questions or sets of questions).
• Spectacle glazing: Unit 7 (five questions or sets of questions), Unit 9 (three questions or sets of questions) and one of Units 8, 10, 11, 12 or 13 (three questions or sets of questions).
• Lathe-cut contact lenses: Unit 14 (five questions or sets of questions), Unit 15 (three questions or sets of questions) and one of Units 10, 13 or 16 (three questions or sets of questions).
• Moulded contact lenses: Unit 14 (five questions or sets of questions), Unit 16 (three questions or sets of questions) and one of Units 10, 13 or 15 (three questions or sets of questions).

	Spectacle Surfacing pathway
	Mandatory units
Unit 7	The eye and spectacles
Unit 8	The surfacing of spectacle lenses
	Optional units - Choose one unit from:
Unit 9	The glazing of spectacles
Unit 10	Receive, store and monitor stock
Unit 11	Special lens treatments
Unit 12	Providing an optical repair service
Unit 13	Machine-based optical production processes

	Spectacle Glazing pathway
	Mandatory units
Unit 7	The eye and spectacles
Unit 9	The glazing of spectacles
	Optional units - Choose one unit from:
Unit 8	The surfacing of spectacle lenses
Unit 10	Receive, store and monitor stock
Unit 11	Special lens treatments
Unit 12	Providing an optical repair service
Unit 13	Machine-based optical production processes

	Lathe-cut Contact Lens pathway
	Mandatory units
Unit 14	The eye and contact lenses
Unit 15	The manufacture of lathe cut contact lenses
	Optional units - Choose one unit from:
Unit 10	Receive, store and monitor stock
Unit 13	Machine-based optical production processes
Unit 16	The manufacture of moulded contact lenses

	Moulded Contact Lens pathway
	Mandatory units
Unit 14	The eye and contact lenses
Unit 16	The manufacture of moulded contact lenses
	Optional units - Choose one unit from:
Unit 10	Receive, store and monitor stock
Unit 13	Machine-based optical production processes
Unit 15	The manufacture of lathe cut contact lenses

Question Format

Questions will be in the form of either MCQs, or short-answer questions requiring short sentences, diagrams and/or labelling.

Passing the examination

To pass the examination, a candidate must achieve a minimum of 50% in each unit of each paper.

Candidates will only be able to retake a unit three times, and only within three years of their first sitting for the examination. Those who have still not achieved a pass by that stage will be required to re-sit the whole examination.

Grading

Results are not graded. A candidate either passes an examination, or fails it.

Prizes

Both the WCSM and the Optical Industry award prizes to those obtaining the best marks in each part of the examinations held throughout the same calendar year.

 
The Level 3 Certificate in Optical Practice Support
(QCF accreditation no: 500/9705/2).

To obtain the Level 3 Certificate in Optical Practice Support, a candidate must successfully sit the following four papers:

Unit 1	(30 minutes) – "The legal requirements in an optical practice": up to 15 MCQs.
Unit 2	(One hour) – "Managing people in optical practice": three out of four questions, or sets of questions, to be answered.
Unit 3	(One hour) - "General optics and optical screening": up to 30 MCQs.
Unit 4	(90 minutes) – "Supporting the provision of spectacles in optical practice": four out of five questions, or sets of questions, to be answered.
Unit 5	(One hour) – "Supporting the provision of contact lenses in optical practice": three out of four questions, or sets of questions, to be answered.

Passing the examination

To pass the examination, a candidate must achieve a minimum of 50% in each unit of every paper.

Candidates will only be able to retake a unit three times, and only within three years of their first sitting for the examination. Those who have still not achieved a pass by that stage will be required to re-sit the whole examination.

Grading

Results are not graded. A candidate either passes an examination, or fails it.

Prizes

The WCSM awards a prize to the candidate obtaining the best marks in the examinations held throughout the same calendar year.

 
The Level 2 Certificate in Optical Practice Support
(QCF accreditation no: 500/9138/4).

To obtain the Level 2 Certificate in Optical Practice Support, a candidate must successfully sit a two-hour written paper comprising the following five units, and achieve a mark of at least 50% in each unit:

Unit 1	Responsibilities in optical practice.
Unit 2	The eye and ametropia.
Unit 3	Supporting the provision of spectacle frames in optical practice.
Unit 4	Supporting the provision of spectacle lenses in optical practice.
Unit 5	Supporting the provision of contact lenses in optical practice.

Questions will be a mix of MCQs, diagrams and short answer questions, with 3 questions, or sets of questions, on each unit.

Candidates will only be able to retake a unit three times, and only within three years of their first sitting for the examination. Those who have still not achieved a pass by that stage will be required to re-sit the whole examination.

Grading

Results are not graded. A candidate either passes an examination, or fails it.

Prize

The WCSM awards a prize during the annual Awards Ceremony in October to the candidate obtaining the best marks in the two examinations held in December and June.

 
Level 2 Certificate in Optical Customer Services (Spectacles) (QCF accreditation no: 500/9473/7).

To obtain the Level 2 Certificate in Optical Customer Services (Spectacles), a candidate must successfully sit a two-hour written paper comprising the following five units, and achieve a mark of at least 50% in each unit:

Unit 1	Responsibilities in optics.
Unit 2	Communication in optical customer service.
Unit 3	The eye and ametropia.
Unit 4	Supporting the provision of spectacle lenses in optical practice.
Unit 5	Supporting the provision of spectacle frames in optical practice.

Questions will be a mix of MCQs, diagrams and short answer questions, with three questions or sets of questions on each unit.

Candidates will only be able to retake a unit three times, and only within three years of their first sitting for the examination. Those who have still not achieved a pass by that stage will be required to re-sit the whole examination.

Grading

Results are not graded. A candidate either passes an examination, or fails it.

Prize

The WCSM awards a prize during the annual Awards Ceremony in October to the candidate obtaining the best marks in the two examinations held in December and June.

 
Accredited by the Scottish Qualifications Authority

 
Certificate in Optical Care at SCQF Level 5
(SCQF accreditation code: R096 04)

[please note that “SCQF Level 5” equates to “QCF Level 2”]

To obtain this Level 5 Certificate in Optical Care, a candidate must successfully sit a two-hour written paper comprising the following five mandatory units, and achieve a mark of at least 50% in each unit:

Unit 1	Responsibilities in optics.
Unit 2	Communication in optical customer service.
Unit 3	The eye and ametropia.
Unit 4	Supporting the provision of spectacle lenses in optical practice.
Unit 5	Supporting the provision of optical screening.

Candidates will be expected to answer three questions or sets of questions from each unit. Questions will be a mix of MCQs, diagrams and short answer questions, all taking no more than 7-8 minutes to answer.

Candidates will only be able to retake a unit three times, and only within three years of their first sitting for the examination. Those who have still not achieved a pass by that stage will be required to re-sit the whole examination.

Grading

Results are not graded. A candidate either passes an examination, or fails it.

Award in Supporting the Provision Of Contact Lenses in Optical Practice
(SCQF accreditation code: R097 04)

This award has not been credit-rated for the SCQF, but the content is identical to that of the unit that is available on the QCF at level 2 and credit level 7.

Aim: To provide an understanding of the different types and wearing modalities of contact lenses, their advantages and disadvantages, the general principles of fitting and lens care, and the importance of good record keeping, patient hygiene and aftercare visits.

Unit	Supporting the Provision of Contact Lenses in Optical Practice

Examination will be by written or e-assessment with a range of question types including MCQs, diagrams and short answer questions. The format of the written and e-assessment examinations will be similar, and the questions may be taken from a bank and then set at random.

Each question may cover items from different sections of the assessment criteria for that unit.

The pass mark is set at 50%. Candidates who fail may re-sit at specified times within 5 years.

No grades are awarded.

 
Award in Supporting the Provision of Spectacle Frames in Optical Practice
(SCQF accreditation code: R098 04)

This award has not been credit-rated for the SCQF, but the content is identical to that of the unit that is available on the QCF at level 2 and credit level 7.

Aim: To provide an understanding of the components of a spectacle frame, the materials used in their construction and manufacture, the standard measurements of a frame and how to assist patients in choosing suitable frames to match their facial shape and features.

Unit	Supporting the provision of spectacle frames in optical practice.

Examination will be by written or e-assessment with a range of question types including MCQs, diagrams and short answer questions. The format of the written and e-assessment examinations will be similar, and the questions may be taken from a bank and then set at random.

Each question may cover items from different sections of the assessment criteria for that unit.

The pass mark is set at 50%. Candidates who fail may re-sit at specified times within 5 years.

No grades are awarded.

 
EXAMINATION REGULATIONS FOR CANDIDATES

(ANY BREACH OF THESE REGULATIONS MAY RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION)

Registration of Students

WCSM examinations will be advertised on the WCSM website, and in Optician, Optometry Today and Dispensing Optics three months in advance. Potential candidates will be invited to apply to the SMC Office for a registration form within the next four weeks, although such forms may always be downloaded from the website, which will also display the fees payable. Enrolment forms will automatically be sent to those known to the Office to be on a course of preparatory training.

All application forms should be returned, with payment for the examination fee, to the Company’s Office in Apothecaries’ Hall by no later than two months before the date of the examination. Whilst late applications may be accepted, failure to meet that deadline may result in candidates’ choice of venue being severely curtailed.

Each form will require the candidate to certify that he has received a copy of this handbook, and that he or she has read and understood the regulations governing WCSM examinations.

Each form will also require the candidate to decide whether he or she intends to sit for the whole examination, or merely a number of specified units.

Claims for Reasonable Adjustments

The WCSM will look sympathetically on all requests for reasonable adjustments to its examinations from those with disabilities or other impairments, such as dyslexia and the use of wheel chairs, and will do everything practicable within the prevailing circumstances to facilitate their sitting of the examination without additional charge.

Such claims should be submitted to the Company’s Office with the application to sit the examination, and be accompanied by proof of the disability or impairment in the form of a medical practitioner’s certificate and, where appropriate, a certificate from the employer. The contact details are displayed on the front cover of this pamphlet.

Claims will be considered and assessed by the WCSM, who will respond to the candidate(s) concerned within 2 weeks.

 
WRITTEN EXAMINATIONS

Arrival at the Examination Venue

Candidates should arrive at the examination venue at least 15 minutes prior to the examinations’ published start time, but wait outside until called in by the invigilators. Before entry, they will be asked by the Chief Invigilator to provide proof of identity in the form of, e.g. , a valid passport or photo-driving licence.

Those who arrive at the examination venue more than 30 minutes after an examination has started will be denied entry, except in the most exceptional circumstances. Those who arrive up to 30 minutes late may be permitted to sit the examination at the discretion of the Chief Invigilator. No one permitted to start late will be allowed any extra time at the end to complete the examination.

It is probable that more than one written examination is being undertaken simultaneously. Candidates should therefore listen carefully to the instructions given by the invigilators to ensure that they know exactly where they may sit, and what colour examination paper to expect.

After entering the examination room, candidates may not speak to anyone except the invigilators.

Coats, bags and cases are to be left at the front or back of the room as directed.

Mobile telephones, iPods, Blackberries etc

All portable electronic communication systems are to be left switched off OUTSIDE the examination room, and left with coats and bags at one end of the room as directed by the invigilators. Anyone caught in possession of such a device during the examination will have his or her script annotated at that point, and no marks will be awarded for questions already answered. Anyone detected using such a device during the course of the examination will be totally disqualified.

Conduct during the Examination

Candidates are not allowed to bring any books or paper into the examination room. All rough work is to be carried out using the pages provided in the examination script booklet.

Candidates must bring their writing implements into the examination room in a clear plastic bag. Pencil cases or boxes are not permitted.

Candidates are to provide their own calculators. These must be of the non-programmable type, and should be removed from their case.

Apart from the examination paper, writing materials and calculator, candidates must have nothing on their desk.

As the clock in the examination room may not be visible from all desks, candidates should wear a watch, and ensure that it is synchronised with that of the Chief Invigilator.

Candidates are not to touch or turn over their examination paper(s) until given permission to do so by the invigilators.

Communication or attempted communication with any other candidate will automatically result in disqualification.

Candidates should make sure that they cross out any rough work that is not to be marked.

If a candidate wishes to speak to an invigilator, he or she should raise a hand and wait.

Candidates must not leave their desks without permission from the invigilators. This particularly applies to those only sitting some units as opposed to the whole of an examination paper. They will be told when they must stop writing, and when they may leave, by the invigilator in a manner that poses the least disruption to the other candidates.

A candidate wishing to leave the examination room prematurely should raise a hand and wait until an invigilator has taken and checked his or her papers and given permission to leave. He or she should then leave quietly, and avoid disturbing the other candidates.

No candidate will be permitted to leave during the last 10 minutes of the full examination.

Candidates leaving the examination room early are not to congregate immediately outside. They are to move well clear of the area before talking to one another.

Conduct at the end of the Examination

When the invigilator tells them to stop writing, candidates are to lay down their pens/pencils immediately. They are then to wait in their seats until all papers have been collected, and the invigilators have given them permission to leave.

Since there may be more than one examination in progress at the same time, and they may not all finish simultaneously, those whose examination is over should leave quietly out of consideration for those who are still completing their papers.

 
ON-LINE (E-) ASSESSMENT

Candidates seeking a QCF Level 2 (SCQF Level 5) award may be offered the option of on-line assessment, to be sat on the same date and at the same time as the written examination. The format of the examinations will be identical. Assessment will be conducted at the candidate’s place of work under the supervision of someone who is currently registered with the Royal College of Ophthalmologists or the College of Optometrists or who holds the qualification FBDO, and who has been approved to act as such by the WCSM prior to the examination taking place.

Candidates wishing to exercise this option should complete the appropriate section of the examination application form, giving their own details and those of the proposed supervisor, and return it to the WCSM no later than the advertised final date for submission of applications.

Each candidate will be required to provide a passport style photograph for endorsement by the supervisor.

Between a month and two weeks before an examination, the Administrator will despatch a password to candidates by post or e-mail to allow them to access the computer system. It will be accompanied by an Authentication Certificate. Each candidate will then download the Questionmark Secure software, and attempt a test examination, typically comprising three questions, which will then be submitted to the Administrator to prove that the candidate is ready and able to sit the real assessment.

On the day of the examination, the candidate will hand the supervisor a full face photograph of him/herself; this can be a photocopy of a passport, driving licence or similar identification photograph. It will be endorsed by the Supervisor and forwarded to the WCSM by post, together with the Authentication Certification form which the candidate will download once logged in. Failure to supply a properly endorsed photograph will nullify the examination.

Each candidate will be allowed a 30-minute window in which to log-in. Failure to log-in during that period will nullify the examination. Once logged-in, the candidate will have two hours in which to complete the assessment

Where more than one candidate is sitting the examination in the same room, the Administrator will arrange for either:
- a WCSM-appointed invigilator to be present in addition to the supervisor; or
- separate sets of questions to be generated on adjacent screens.

The Administrator will also arrange for no-notice visits to e-examination venues during examinations by WCSM-approved auditors.

REQUESTS FOR SPECIAL CONSIDERATION

As notified above, a candidate who arrives at an examination venue more than 30 minutes after the start of the examination will be denied entry. If the WCSM subsequently judges that there were mitigating circumstances behind that late arrival, it may, after reviewing the evidence, allow the candidate to sit the examination at the next available opportunity free of charge. Requests for such consideration must be lodged at the Company’s Office in Apothecaries’ Hall within 7 days of the examination, together with as much supporting evidence as is available.

A candidate who attends and completes the examination on time, but feels that his or her performance was impaired by a unforeseen and unforeseeable change in personal circumstances occurring over 48 hours before the examination that seriously affected his or her ability to prepare for it, may petition the WCSM within 7 days after the examination. Such a petition must be accompanied by supporting evidence, including where appropriate, documentation from the employer and/or GP.

Receipt of a request for special consideration will be acknowledged immediately, and the WCSM will endeavour to provide a definitive response within a month, and preferably alongside publication of the examination results.

A candidate who is prevented for illness or other circumstances beyond his or her control from sitting an examination will be allowed to resit it at no additional cost at the next scheduled opportunity. The WCSM does not make aegrotat awards.

 
NOTIFICATION OF RESULTS

The WCSM’s examinations are held in June and December, and the Company will endeavour to notify candidates of their results by the end of July and January respectively.

 
ENQUIRIES

An enquiry concerning the WCSM’s examination procedures and policies should be addressed to the Company’s Administrator, whose contact details appear on the front cover of this pamphlet. It is the Company’s policy to reply to such enquiries within a month.

Enquiries about examination results must be lodged with the Company within one month of the date shown on the letter notifying those results. They will be acknowledged immediately with a request for a fee, and a definitive answer given within one month of receipt of that fee, which will be refunded should the enquiry show the Company to have been at fault.

Where the outcome of an enquiry brings into question the accuracy of other results, the WCSM will take immediate steps to protect the interests of all candidates who sat the paper in question by reviewing their results in the light of findings on that enquiry.

 
COMPLAINTS

A student (or an employer) who wishes to complain about some aspect of the WCSM’s administration and/or assessment procedures, whether the perceived error be one of omission or commission, should submit the complaint in writing (giving as much detail as possible) to the Company’s Office in Apothecaries’ Hall, as soon as he or she feels aggrieved.

It is the Company’s policy that a definitive answer will be given to each complaint within a month of all the facts being established.

Candidates sitting for qualifications accredited by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) (or their employer) may complain direct to that Authority, but if they do so they should copy their complaint to the Company.

 
APPEALS

An appeal against examination results must set out the grounds for the appeal clearly and in detail, and should be lodged with the WCSM’s Office in Apothecaries’ Hall within a month of the date shown on the letter notifying the student of his or her result. The full contact details will be shown on the letterhead conveying the results, and are repeated on the front cover of this pamphlet. Where the appeal arises out of dissatisfaction with the Company’s response to an enquiry, then it must be lodged within two week’s of the date of that response.

The Appeal will be acknowledged immediately, with a request for a fee, and a definitive reply sent with a month of receipt of that fee. The fee will be refunded if the appeal is upheld.

In the first instance, appeals will be referred to the Chief Examiner concerned and then to the Moderation Group. If the candidate is not satisfied with their response the matter will then be referred to the Company’s Qualifications Committee, who will include two independent arbiters in their deliberations. If the appellant is still not satisfied, the appeal will be referred to a totally independent review panel, whose findings will be considered final. Again, in each case, the Company will aim to respond within a month.

Where the outcome of an appeal brings into question the accuracy of other results, the Company will take immediate steps to protect the interests of all candidates who sat the paper in question by reviewing their results in the light of findings on that appeal.

Again, candidates sitting for qualifications accredited by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) (or their employer) may appeal directly to that Authority, but if they do so they should immediately let the Company know the substance of the appeal.