Grants Scheme appeals policy

The Appeals Policy defines how Grants Scheme Appeals shall be managed. This policy promotes efficiency, fairness and consistency in determining Grants Scheme Appeals.  

An Employer may appeal a rejected grant claim if ALL outstanding Levy Returns have been correctly completed and submitted to CITB and ALL levy liability has been paid in full or there are arrangements in place to pay the Levy.

There is no right of appeal against a rejected grant claim where:

• the training or qualification does not meet the grant eligibility criteria;
• the individual undertaking the training or qualification is not eligible to receive grant (for example where the individual is not employed at the time of training or has already reached their maximum grant allocation for a specific grant type);
• the employer is not eligible for grant (for example where an employer has already reached the maximum grant allocation for a specific grant type or ceased to trade at the point when the training or achievement was completed);
• the provider supplying the training is not approved or does not meet the Grants Scheme eligibility criteria;
• the training or qualification that grant is being claimed for has not been undertaken, completed, passed or achieved;
• grant support for a trainee has already been received for the training or qualification being claimed; or
• there is insufficient evidence to support the grant application.

Appeals are only allowed in respect of grant claims for the current Grants Scheme year or the last closed Grants Scheme year. Appeals must be received within 90 days of notification of a rejected grant claim or such further time as CITB may allow.

Appeals must be submitted in writing setting out the grounds of the appeal, include all supporting evidence and be sent via email to GrantsScheme.Appeals@citb.co.uk or by letter to Grant Scheme Appeals, CITB, Bircham Newton, Norfolk, PE31 6RH.

The notice of appeal should detail the grounds upon which the appeal is made and provide all supporting evidence necessary to hear the appeal. Further information may be requested in order to progress the appeal.

Appeals shall be determined, within 30 days of receipt, on the written submissions and supporting documentation provided by the Employer. There shall be no representation in person.

Once a determination has been made, the Employer shall be informed within 30 days. If the appeal is allowed, payment of grant shall be made in accordance with the terms set out in the Grants Scheme Terms and Conditions provided all outstanding Levy Returns have been received and all Levy has been paid or there are arrangements in place to pay.

As CITB Levy and Grant are two distinct schemes, whilst CITB’s current financial operating system automatically sets off grant against outstanding Levy liability, once it is replaced, grant payments shall no longer be set off against Levy liability, save for in exceptional circumstances. 

Subject to any reduction or withdrawal of grant payments and/or rates, grants (excluding apprenticeship grants) will be paid at the rate given in the Grant Type Specifications at the time the training took place or the qualification was achieved. 

CITB reserves the right to withhold grant payments during the period in which an employer has a pending Grant appeal.

If an Employer is dissatisfied with the appeal decision and can provide further information not previously submitted, an Employer may request a review of the appeal decision. 

This review shall be determined, within 90 days of receipt, by CITB, and at least one independent industry representative. 

Once a determination has been made, the Employer shall be informed within 30 days. This determination shall be final. 

Should a review be successful, payment of grant shall be made in accordance with the terms set out in the Grants Scheme Terms and Conditions provided all outstanding Levy Returns have been received and all outstanding Levy has been paid or there are arrangements in place to pay.

Subject to any reduction or withdrawal of grant payments and/or rates, grants (excluding apprenticeship grants) will be paid at the rate given in the Grant Type Specifications at the time the training took place or the qualification was achieved.

CITB reserve the right to withhold payment of grant during the period in which an employer has a pending Grant appeal.