Quality Academy treats all cases of suspected malpractice and maladministration very seriously and will investigate all suspected and reported incidents. This policy outlines how allegations related to any training or assessment activity, whether under an awarding body or Quality Academy’s internal certification, are handled.

1. Purpose And Scope

This policy applies to all training and certification activities conducted by Quality Academy, including:

• Courses and assessments delivered under approval of awarding bodies.
• Internal training and certifications conducted solely by Quality Academy.

The goal is to ensure the integrity, fairness, and credibility of all training and qualifications delivered by or through Quality Academy.

2. Definitions

• Malpractice: Any act or omission that compromises the integrity of the training, assessment, or certification process.
• Maladministration: Any administrative error or practice that leads to the improper conduct or outcome of training or certification.

Examples include (but are not limited to):

• Plagiarism
• Impersonation
• Collusion
• Unauthorised assistance
• Tampering with assessments
• Forged documentation
• Failure to follow examination procedures

3. Malpractice By Learners

Examples include:

• Copying or plagiarism
• Impersonating another candidate
• Unauthorized communication during exams
• Possession of unauthorized materials/devices
• Falsifying information
• Disruptive or abusive behavior

4. Malpractice By Staff, Trainers, Invigilators, Or Administrators

Examples include:

• Assisting candidates inappropriately
• Failing to report malpractice
• Breaching exam security
• Altering assessment outcomes
• Improperly influencing results
• Failing to follow procedures

5. Reporting Procedure

Any suspected malpractice must be reported in writing to:

Mr. Ayman Barakat – Managing Director, Quality Academy

Reports should include:

• Date, time, and nature of the incident
• People involved
• Evidence and statements

Reports can be made by learners, staff, or third parties. Anonymous reports will be considered if sufficient detail is provided.

6. Investigation And Outcome

• QA will acknowledge receipt of the report within 5 working days.
• All involved will be contacted within 10 working days.
• The accused will be given 15 working days to respond.
• Investigations will follow fair and unbiased procedures.
• Outcomes will be shared, and if malpractice is found, sanctions will be imposed.

7. Possible Sanctions

For Learners:

• Written warning
• Course removal
• Notification to relevant parties

For Staff or Trainers:

• Written warning
• Suspension from roles
• Reporting to employers or regulators
• Restriction from involvement in assessments

8. Appeals

All parties have the right to appeal an outcome if:

• Procedures were not followed correctly
• Evidence was misinterpreted
• New evidence becomes available

9. Records

All malpractice cases and actions will be recorded and retained for a minimum of three years.

10. Confidentiality And Data Protection

All reports and investigations will comply with data protection laws. Only relevant individuals will be informed on a need-to-know basis.

 

Scope: Training Services
Next review: September 2025 (or sooner if required by awarding body updates or internal changes)