Regulatory appeals
This guidance explains AAT's appeals process if you wish to challenge a regulatory decision. It should be read alongside the Appeals Regulations and your decision letter. If there is any inconsistency, the Appeals Regulations will apply.
Appeal at a glance
The appeals process has five stages:
1. Check that you can appeal
Not all regulatory decisions can be appealed. Your decision letter will tell you whether you have a right of appeal and the grounds on which an appeal can be made.
2. Submit your appeal
If you have a right of appeal, you must send your appeal application, supporting documents and the £100 appeal fee to the Appeals Secretary at regulatoryappeals@aat.org.uk. Appeals must normally be submitted within 14 calendar days of the decision being served.
3. Permission to appeal is considered
AAT will review your application to decide whether it meets the requirements of the Appeals Regulations and has a real prospect of success. Permission to appeal does not mean the appeal has been successful.
4. Your appeal is determined
If permission is granted, the appeal will be considered by an Appeals Assessor or Appeals Committee, depending on the type of decision being appealed.
5. Receive the outcome
You will receive a written decision explaining the outcome of your appeal and any next steps.
Important: If your decision letter states that there is no right of appeal, the appeals process does not apply.
Frequently asked questions
When can I appeal?
You may be able to appeal if you are the subject of an appealable decision made under AAT's regulatory framework. Examples include decisions relating to membership, licensing, or disciplinary action.
An appeal is not a second opportunity to meet the requirements after a decision has been made. You must show that one or more of the permitted grounds of appeal applies to your case.
How long do I have to appeal?
You must submit your appeal within 14 calendar days of the date the decision was served. Late appeals will only be considered where exceptional circumstances prevented you from appealing on time or requesting an extension before the deadline.
What are the grounds of appeal?
You must explain why the decision should be reviewed. Permitted grounds of appeal include:
- the decision was unreasonable because relevant information was not properly considered, or incorrect conclusions were drawn
- there was a serious procedural irregularity
- the decision was wrong in law
- for disciplinary cases, there is significant new evidence that could not reasonably have been provided earlier
- for disciplinary cases, the sanction imposed was disproportionate.
How do I apply?
Your written appeal must include:
- your name and address
- the details of any representative acting for you
- the decision you are appealing
- the grounds of appeal
- the reasons supporting those grounds
- any documents you want AAT to consider
- the £100 appeal fee.
You must also explain why your appeal has a real prospect of success.
What happens after I submit my appeal?
AAT will first check that your appeal is complete, has been submitted on time and meets the requirements of the Appeals Regulations. Permission to appeal will then be considered.
If permission is granted, AAT will provide a response, usually within 28 calendar days of receiving a compliant appeal. The response will explain whether AAT opposes the appeal and will include any documents relied upon.
How is an appeal decided?
Appeals relating to membership or licensing decisions are normally determined by an Appeals Assessor on the papers.
Appeals against Disciplinary Tribunal decisions are considered by an Appeals Committee and may involve an oral hearing if requested. If a hearing is required, you will normally receive at least 28 calendar days' notice.
What are the possible outcomes?
The Appeals Assessor or Appeals Committee may:
- dismiss the appeal
- allow the appeal
- quash the original decision
- substitute a different decision or sanction
- return the matter for reconsideration
- make an order about costs, including whether the appeal fee should be refunded.
Written reasons will be provided for the decision.
Do you offer reasonable adjustments?
Yes. If you require information in an alternative format or need a reasonable adjustment, please contact AAT as early as possible. Requests will be considered in line with relevant policies.
