Policy Principle
iungo Solutions (“iungo”) provides employer-led accredited training programmes, workshops and learning design services. As a small business, it is imperative to iungo’s reputation that any scenarios or actions which contravene internal policies or raise doubt over its integrity are swiftly investigated and rectified.
This Policy sets out the principles upon which any alleged act of maladministration or malpractice will be investigated thoroughly and in accordance with any external framework including but not limited to Ofqual’s General Conditions of Recognition.
Scope of Policy
The scope of this policy applies to employees, contractors and volunteers involved in the administration, delivery, and support of iungo’s training solutions. It is the responsibility of all iungo representatives to be vigilant to any events or circumstances which may lead to malpractice or maladministration.
It also applies to participants, employees and guest speakers engaged in iungo’s training provision, irrespective of the programme or mode of delivery.
Definitions
‘Malpractice’, which includes maladministration and non-compliance, refers to any activity or practice, which deliberately contravenes regulations and compromises the integrity of the internal or external assessment process and/or the validity of certificates. It covers any deliberate actions, neglect, default or other practice that compromises, or could compromise:
- The assessment process
- The integrity of a regulated qualification
- The validity of a result or certificate
- The reputation and credibility of iungo Solutions
Malpractice may include a range of issues from the failure to maintain appropriate records or systems, to the deliberate falsification of records to claim certificates. It also includes any activity or practice, which results in non-compliance with administrative regulations and requirements and includes the application of persistent mistakes or poor administration.
‘Maladministration’ is defined as any activity, practice or omission which results in centre or participant noncompliance with administrative regulations and requirements. For example, persistent mistakes or poor administration within a centre resulting in the failure to keep appropriate participant assessment records
Policy Commitments
The objectives of this policy are to:
- Ensure that participants are adequately supported to engage fully in the learning experience and assessment process and to minimise any disadvantage or barriers that prevent them from achieving their potential.
- identify and minimise the risk of malpractice by iungo representatives or participants.
- identify and minimise the risk of maladministration by iungo representatives.
- respond to any incident promptly and objectively.
- standardise and record any investigation to ensure openness and fairness.
- impose appropriate penalties and/or sanctions on participants or iungo representatives where incidents are proven.
- protect the integrity of iungo Solutions and awarding bodies.
- Engage in restorative approaches to ensure that we foster good relations with employees, contractors, volunteers, students and awarding bodies, and to promote a better understanding of this policy.
To achieve this, iungo will:
- seek to avoid potential malpractice by using the induction period and the participant handbook to inform participants of the policy on malpractice and the penalties for attempted and actual incidents of malpractice.
- show participants the appropriate formats to record cited texts and other materials or information sources.
- ask participants to declare that their work is their own
- provide support to participants to develop the skills required to evidence that they have interpreted and synthesised appropriate information and acknowledged any sources used.
- conduct investigations thoroughly, objectively, and impartially, and in a form commensurate with the nature of any allegation.
- ensure that the handling of individual cases takes account of the needs of the participant.
Responsibilities
The Executive Chair will be responsible for:
- Ensuring that the Policy is reviewed at least annually, or upon an update to the regulatory framework, and appropriate advice is given on content.
- Approving the Policy and seeking reassurance from the Chief Executive that it is being implemented correctly.
The Chief Executive will be responsible for:
- Establishing the culture and overall values conducive to promoting fair and transparent practices and high integrity.
- Developing effective governance arrangements and ensuring that relevant policies, procedures, and training are in place across the organisation.
- Reviewing this Policy and the attached procedures.
- Ensuring sufficient resources are in place to conduct the duties outlined.
- Ensuring that employees, contractors, and volunteers understand and feel equipped to discharge their responsibilities under this policy.
Employees, contractors, and volunteers are responsible for:
- Behaving in accordance with the Policy and associated procedures and informing their line managers of any activity contrary to the principles outlined.
- Attending relevant training and CPD events.
Participants are responsible for:
- Behaving in accordance with the policy and associated procedures and informing their tutor of any activity contrary to the principles outlined.
Review and Sign-off
This Policy is subject to 12-month review. The next review is due on 01 November 2024.
| Name: | Tom de Vall |
| Position: | Executive Chair |
| Signature: | T. de Vall |
| Date: | 01 November 2023 |
