Conflict of Interest Policy

1. Purpose

This policy provides guidance and support to all individuals involved with Quality Academy (“the company”) in managing actual or potential conflicts of interest. It ensures that the integrity of the company, its qualifications, and its stakeholders is upheld at all times.

The core principle of this policy is transparency: when in doubt, individuals must disclose any activity or relationship that might be perceived as a conflict of interest.

The objective is not only to prevent impropriety but also to protect the organization and all individuals involved from the appearance of impropriety.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• Full-time and part-time employees
• Tutors, assessors, examiners, internal verifiers
• External or associate staff
• Any individuals involved in training delivery, assessment, administration, learner support, or quality assurance within Quality Academy

It covers all interactions, including:

• Devising or setting assessments
• Delivering training
• Marking or grading
• Administering exams or managing learner records
• Any related academic or operational activity

The policy is not exhaustive and should be interpreted with good judgment. Where uncertainty arises, individuals must raise the matter with their line manager or the Managing Director.

3. Objectives

• Ensure any potential or actual conflict of interest is disclosed immediately
• Identify and mitigate risks arising from conflicts of interest
• Respond to incidents promptly, fairly, and consistently
• Maintain transparent records of reported conflicts
• Protect the integrity of training delivery, assessment, and certification services

4. Definition of Conflict of Interest

A conflict of interest arises when an individual’s personal interests (financial, professional, family-related, or otherwise) could compromise — or appear to compromise — their professional duties or the impartiality of their decisions.

Examples include:

• Assessing or tutoring a family member or close friend
• Holding a financial interest in a supplier or training competitor
• Making a decision that favors personal or non-academic interests
• Following a practice that contradicts the policies of Quality Academy or its awarding bodies

5. Procedure for Disclosure

• Any conflict of interest must be declared in writing to the Managing Director (Mr. Ayman Barakat).
• Failure to declare may result in disciplinary action.
• Once declared, the individual will be withdrawn from the affected activity (e.g., marking, tutoring, or administrative task).
• Information disclosed will be handled confidentially in accordance with data protection regulations and will only be used to manage the conflict appropriately.

6. Actions and Consequences

• If a conflict is confirmed and not appropriately managed, the company may take internal disciplinary action in line with its policies.
• Actions will be proportionate to the severity of the conflict and may include removal from duties, written warnings, or escalation to external awarding bodies.
• In cases where a conflict breaches external accreditation or awarding body regulations, penalties or sanctions may be imposed by those bodies in addition to internal measures.

 

Scope: Training Services

Next Review Due: September 2026 or earlier if required