1. Scope
This policy relates to maladministration and malpractice and covers all of our staff and learners; this document sets out our formal procedure for dealing with such incidents.
Magic Training will strive to ensure that all work carried out by our staff, training centres and contractors are of the highest quality.
Magic Training LTD is committed to providing a fair and transparent assessment process for all learners enrolled in our NVQ qualifications. This policy outlines our procedures for dealing with maladministration and malpractice during the assessment process.
2. Definitions
2.1 Maladministration
Maladministration refers to any act or omission by Magic Training LTD or an assessor that could unfairly advantage or disadvantage a learner during the assessment process. Examples of maladministration include:
- Inaccurate or unclear assessment materials
- Failure to provide a learner with reasonable adjustments
- Errors in the marking or recording of assessment results
- Delays in the assessment process
2.2 Learner Malpractice
Malpractice refers to any deliberate attempt by a learner to gain an unfair advantage in the assessment process. Please note that these examples are not exhaustive and are only intended as guidance on our definition of malpractice:
- Copying another learner’s work
- Collusion with other learners or assessors
- Falsifying assessment records
- Submitting work that is not the learner’s own
2.2.1 Workbooks and Knowledge Assessment
As part of the NVQ assessment process, learners will be required to complete workbooks to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the relevant units. These workbooks will be designed to assess a learner’s ability to apply their knowledge in a practical context.
2.2.2 Measures to Detect Copying and Malpractice
Magic Training LTD will take a number of measures to detect copying and malpractice during the assessment process. These measures include:
- Reviewing assessment evidence: Assessors will carefully review all assessment evidence, to identify any inconsistencies or patterns that may suggest copying:
- Sudden shifts in writing style or quality: Unexplained changes in vocabulary, sentence structure, or argumentation could indicate copied sections
- Identical wording or phrasing: If multiple learners use identical language for complex concepts, it may warrant investigation.
- Cross-referencing: Assessors can compare learner responses across different assessment components to identify inconsistencies or patterns that suggest copying.
- Viva voce questioning: Learners may be required to attend a viva voce questioning session to discuss their workbooks and demonstrate their understanding of the assessed knowledge.
- Invigilated Assessments: For certain assessments, learners may be required to complete them under supervision in a controlled environment. This reduces the opportunity for collaboration or external assistance.
2.2.3 Reporting Malpractice
If Magic Training LTD suspects that a learner has committed malpractice, the learner will be informed of the allegations and given the opportunity to respond. We will investigate the allegations thoroughly and take appropriate action.
2.2.4 Responding to Suspected Malpractice:
- Opportunity to Explain: If a learner is suspected of malpractice, they will be informed of the allegations and given a fair opportunity to explain their actions. This may involve a meeting with the assessor or a designated member of staff.
- Supportive Measures: Where appropriate, Magic Training LTD may offer learners support to improve their understanding and avoid future instances of malpractice. This could include:
- Resubmission: Learners may be allowed to resubmit the affected assessment component after completing additional training or guidance.
- Extension: In some cases, an extension may be granted to allow the learner to complete the assessment independently.
2.2.5 Taking Action:
We will investigate the allegations thoroughly. Following the learner’s opportunity to explain and any offered support measures, we will take appropriate action, which may include:
- Formal Warning: A formal warning will be issued to the learner, outlining the seriousness of the offense and the potential consequences of further malpractice.
- Disqualification from the Assessment: In cases of serious malpractice, the learner may be disqualified from the current assessment.
- Withholding of Certification: Certification may be withheld until the learner successfully completes a reassessment or demonstrates a clear understanding of the relevant knowledge and skills.
- Reporting to the Awarding Body: Serious cases of malpractice may be reported to the awarding body for further investigation and potential sanctions.
2.2.6 Learner Responsibilities
Learners are responsible for ensuring that they understand and comply with this policy. Learners should:
- Complete all assessment work independently
- Seek clarification from their assessor if they are unsure about any aspect of the assessment process.
3. Centre malpractice
Please note that these examples are not exhaustive and are only intended as guidance on our definition of malpractice:
- Unethical Assessment Practices: Staff altering learner assessment results, providing learners with unauthorized access to assessment materials, or failing to follow proper assessment procedures.
- Fabrication of Learner Records: Intentionally falsifying learner attendance records, qualification certificates, or other documentation.
- Collusion with Learners: Staff members collaborating with learners to gain an unfair advantage in the assessment process.
- Financial Misconduct: Misappropriating funds allocated for training or qualifications.
3.1 Preventing Centre Malpractice:
Magic Training LTD takes proactive steps to prevent centre malpractice. These measures include:
- Staff Training: All staff involved in the assessment process receive comprehensive training on assessment regulations, ethical conduct, and the consequences of malpractice.
- Clear Policies and Procedures: Clear and well-defined policies and procedures are established to guide staff conduct and ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
- Whistleblowing Policy: A confidential whistleblowing policy is implemented to encourage staff to report any suspected malpractice without fear of reprisal.
- Regular Audits: Regular internal audits are conducted to identify and address any potential areas of non-compliance.
3.2 Taking Action
Magic Training LTD takes a serious view of any allegations of centre malpractice. Following a thorough investigation, appropriate action will be taken, which may include: - Disciplinary Action: Disciplinary action will be taken against staff members found to have committed malpractice, potentially including dismissal.
- Reporting to Awarding Bodies and Regulators: Serious cases of malpractice will be reported to the relevant awarding body and regulatory authorities for further investigation and potential sanctions.
3.3 Record Keeping
Magic Training LTD will maintain a record of all allegations of maladministration and malpractice. These records will be kept confidential and will only be disclosed to those who have a legitimate need to know, such as relevant staff members, awarding bodies, or regulatory authorities investigating a complaint.
By implementing these measures, Magic Training LTD strives to maintain the integrity of its assessments and ensure a fair learning environment for all learners. We believe in providing learners with the opportunity to learn from their mistakes and demonstrate their competence through legitimate means.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about this policy, please contact Magic Training LTD at 01206 688043 or info@magic-training.co.uk
Version Control
This policy will be reviewed and updated annually or more frequently if there are significant changes to ensure it remains effective and aligned with best practices.