Irrespective of the underlying cause or the people involved, all allegations of malpractice or maladministration in relation to qualifications and assessment need to be investigated in order to protect the integrity of the qualifications and to be fair to all ATC’s and learners.
Malpractice can be defined as ‘any attempt to gain unfair advantage in a qualification for oneself or for another.’
Examples of malpractice include:
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A learner copying another learner’s work
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A learner bringing into an assessment room aids (e.g. notes, mobile phone) that could be used to help answer the examination questions
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A learner using others’ ideas and words in an assignment without clearly acknowledging the source of the information (plagiarism)
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A tutor giving a learner unfair assistance with an assessment
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An invigilator revealing the questions in an examination to learners before the time of the examination.
To define maladministration and your understanding of what constitutes such practices, this could be considered as ‘any activity or practice which results in non-compliance with Safety Training Awards’ regulations and requirements constitutes maladministration.’
Examples of maladministration include:
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An ATC failing to return all examination materials after an examination
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An ATC failing to issue learners with appropriate notices and warnings in an examination
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An ATC not ensuring the assessment venue conforms to requirements
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Errors or omissions in information supplied to Safety Training Awards
In accordance with the Awarding Body’s policy in such matter, found here, the following process shall apply;
Process for Making an Allegation of Malpractice or Maladministration
Anybody who identifies or is made aware of suspected or actual cases of malpractice or maladministration at any time must immediately notify Safety Training Awards. In doing so they should put this in writing/email and enclose appropriate supporting evidence (centres can submit details of potential/actual cases of malpractice via the malpractice form which is available on the ATC’s Synergy account) and other parties such as learners, parents or whistle-blowers may contact us directly.
All allegations must include (where possible):
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ATC name, address and ATC number
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Learner’s name and STA reference number
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ATC/Safety Training Awards personnel’s details (name, job role) if they are involved in the case
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Details of the STA course/qualification affected, or nature of the service affected
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Nature of the suspected or actual malpractice or maladministration and associated dates
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Details and outcome of any initial investigation carried out by the ATC or anybody else involved in the case, including any mitigating circumstances.
In addition, we ask that the person making the allegation declares any personal interest they may have in the matter to us at the outset.
If the ATC has conducted an initial investigation prior to formally notifying us, they should ensure that staff involved in the initial investigation are competent and have no personal interest in the outcome of the investigation. We would expect that such investigations would normally involve the centre co-ordinator (if there is an investigation into allegations of malpractice and/or maladministration or irregularities against the centre co-ordinator or the management of the ATC then such investigations should be carried out by the chair of the governing body of the ATC or his/her nominee). However, it is important to note that in all instances the centre must immediately notify us if they suspect malpractice or maladministration has occurred as we have a responsibility to the regulatory authorities to ensure that all investigations are carried out rigorously and effectively.
As an ATC, we will report any suspicious activities to the Awarding Body’s Head of Compliance and Assurance.