Introduction:

Prevention of Malpractice:

• Adequate guidance is provided to learners regarding plagiarism and collusion.
• All staff and learners are familiar with this policy.
• Staff receive comprehensive induction and training for qualification delivery and assessment.
• Robust assessment and internal quality assurance procedures are in place, along with accurate records that meet awarding organization requirements.
• All registration records, assessment documentation, and achievement claims undergo appropriate internal review before submission to the awarding organization.

Malpractice and Maladministration:

• Compromises, or attempts to compromise, assessment processes, the integrity of any qualification, or the validity of a result or certificate.
• Damages the authority, reputation, or credibility of Britsafe™ Qualifications UK Limited, its employees, associated regulators, or other stakeholders.
• Undermines confidence in Britsafe™ Qualifications UK Limited and/or its associated regulators.

Reporting Malpractice and Maladministration:

• Name, position, and contact details of the individual making the report.
• Learner’s full name (if applicable).
• Date and time of the incident.
• Names and roles of those involved (e.g., assessor, parent).
• Details of any qualification affected or the nature of the service affected.
• Description of the suspected malpractice, including when and how it was discovered.
• Outcome of any preliminary investigation and any actions taken.
• Information on whether learners may have been unfairly advantaged or disadvantaged, with supporting reasoning.

Investigation Procedure:

• Investigations will follow the awarding organization's malpractice procedures.
• If Britsafe™ is leading the investigation, a senior staff member, with no connection to the incident, will be appointed as the investigating officer.
• The investigating officer will review evidence, conduct interviews, and determine actions to mitigate adverse effects.
• An initial investigation will typically be completed within three working days of receiving the allegation, though complex cases may take longer.

Rights and Responsibilities:

• Individuals accused of malpractice/maladministration will be informed of the allegations and supporting evidence and will have an opportunity to respond in writing.
• Britsafe™ reserves the right to withhold learners’ results pending the investigation conclusion.
• If evidence of criminal activity emerges, Britsafe™ will report it to the appropriate authorities.
• Staff members under investigation may be suspended or reassigned until the investigation concludes.

Notification of Findings:

• Findings will be communicated in writing to the individuals involved, typically within 15 working days.
• Individuals may request factual corrections or amendments, but Britsafe™ reserves the right to decline requests without supporting evidence.

Decision:

• Confirmed incidents of malpractice or maladministration may lead to actions such as exclusion, de-registration, disciplinary procedures, or certificate withdrawal.
• Should new information arise, Britsafe™ reserves the right to review and amend decisions.

Right of Appeal: