As we near July, and I pause to look back at the first six months of this year, no one could have predicted the challenges that professional bodies, and educational institutions, have had to face in 2020. From making decisions around whether to postpone exams to later in the year, move rapidly to a remote invigilation method (which is no mean feat), or cancel exam sittings completely, it has not been an easy time for our sector to decide the best way forward. Ultimately though, while thinking through the operational and financial impacts on our organisations, our students have to be first and foremost in our minds.
The ACT was a trailblazer back in 2016, when we decided to move to online assessments and utilise remote invigilation. While the transition was challenging initially, that decision has left us in a stable and unique position to be able to carry on almost unaffected with our online learning and assessments. April exams ran successfully as normal, despite a 10% decrease in exam bookings due to the impact of COVID-19, and we are now moving rapidly towards our July exam session.
However, since the lockdown, when working from home became the default option for most professionals, and despite the ability for people to sit at home and take their exams as usual, we started to see other challenges coming through. Studying and taking an exam in a house with a family, dependents, small children, or even teenagers, and pets around provided its own challenges. Broadband usage going through the roof due to everyone at home, and around the world, being online 24/7, with video calling the communication method à la mode. Work-life balances changing and lines blurring between home and work. All of these situations are impacting individuals differently.
In addition to the personal challenges, we know that many students are under pressure to do well and complete their qualifications quickly. We also recognise that with the impact of COVID-19 potentially affecting job security across many sectors, there will be a need for people to ensure they have the right professional knowledge and skills to ensure they can deal with the challenges facing their businesses, teams and themselves.
With this in mind, the ACT took the approach to put our students first, providing as much support and flexibility as possible in the face of an unpredictable, and seemingly on-going, situation. While we continue to run exams as normal, we have allowed students to move to different exam sessions, if needed, at no extra cost. We have moved our face-to face revision, and residential, schools to an online delivery method and seen increased uptake in that space. We quickly and efficiently moved all forms of student support to a home-based model, so students can still get in touch with us using the same lines of communication as before, with no interruption. During exam week we provided almost 24-hour support to our students through phone and email, in case there were issues – technical or personal. A number of discounts have been applied to our qualifications, training and eLearning courses and we continue to review how best we can support our students and members. While the longevity and sustainability of the ACT is key, we also recognise and understand the importance of working with our students and members and ensuring we can provide the necessary flexibility and support during this time. As the year moves onwards and we all work towards new ways of working, learning and living, the ACT is here to support you, encourage you and provide you with a wide range of support and resources on both a professional and personal level. If we can do more, please do get in touch with the team on +44(0)20 7847 2527 or by emailing assessment@treasurers.org.
