Given the existence of procedures for complaint and redress during the study period (which should normally be dealt with through the Director of Doctoral Programmes as and when they arise), alleged inadequacy of supervisory or other arrangements during the period of study should not constitute grounds for an appeal unless there are exceptional reasons for it not having to come to light until after the examination, in which case it may be considered under paragraph 15.1.

Paragraph 15 of Regulation XXVI lays down the procedure to be adopted for the filing and hearing of appeals. Whilst the Appeals Committee, constituted under Paragraph 15, is permitted to determine its own method of proceeding the following basic practices will be adopted:

• The appellant and the Director of Doctoral Programmes of the School or the Examiners whose decision is being questioned (the respondents), will be invited by the Committee to submit written statements on the subject of the appeal. The statements and any additional documents will be circulated to all those attending the hearing at least 5 working days prior to the hearing. Papers will be circulated after this period only with the permission of the Chair. Tabled papers will not be accepted.
• The appellant and the respondent will be invited by the Committee to appear before it, both to present their written submission and to be subjected to questioning by the Committee. The appellant may be accompanied by a friend of his/her own choosing.
• The hearing will be conducted as follows:
• The Appellant and/or his/her friend presents the doctoral researcher's case for Appeal.
• The respondent(s) will be invited to make a statement.
• The Appeal Committee may ask questions of the Appellant and Respondent(s).
• The Appellant/friend and Respondent(s) may ask questions through the Chair.
• The Appellant will be given the opportunity to make a final statement.
• The Committee deliberates and reaches its decision in private (accompanied by its Secretary).
• Should the Committee wish to seek advice or information from an individual not present or to see documentation not circulated for the meeting it may decide to adjourn the meeting and meet again at a later date. However, this procedure will only be used when absolutely necessary to avoid prolonging the appeal process.
• The Committee may arrive at its decision by a simple majority. In the event of a tied vote the Chair may use a casting vote. If he/she chooses not to exercise his/her right to a casting vote, the Committee will inform the Academic Registrar of its inability to make a firm recommendation.
• The appellant and the respondent(s) will be informed of the Committee's decision which will then be communicated in writing to both parties without delay.