At A Glance:
Chris Garland Training takes the integrity of assessment and the validity of certificates seriously. This policy explains how we prevent, report, investigate and deal with maladministration and malpractice, in line with Awarding Organisation and Ofqual requirements.
Maladministration and Malpractice Policy
Last review: August 2026
Chris Garland Training is committed to the integrity of assessment and the validity of certificates. This policy sets out how we prevent, identify, investigate and deal with maladministration and malpractice. It applies to all staff, associates, learners and anyone involved in the delivery or assessment of our courses.
Definitions
Maladministration is any activity or practice that results in non-compliance with administrative regulations and requirements. Examples include failure to keep accurate records, failure to follow invigilation or assessment procedures, late or incomplete submissions to an Awarding Organisation, or failure to maintain the security of assessment materials.
Malpractice is any deliberate activity, practice or omission that compromises the integrity of the assessment process or the validity of certificates. Examples include cheating or collusion by candidates, impersonation, falsification of records or results, unauthorised assistance, disclosure of assessment materials, deliberate destruction or alteration of evidence, and staff misconduct that undermines assessment integrity.
Prevention
We reduce the risk of maladministration and malpractice through clear assessment and invigilation procedures, secure storage of assessment materials, staff training and induction, identity checks, sampling and internal quality assurance, and a culture that encourages the reporting of concerns.
Reporting a concern
Anyone who suspects maladministration or malpractice must report it immediately to the Director. If the concern involves the Director, report it instead to the Internal Quality Assurer. You can make the report in writing or verbally, and we will treat it seriously and confidentially.
Investigation
When someone raises a concern, the Director (or a nominated investigator) will take the following steps. First, they will secure any relevant evidence and assessment materials. Next, they will notify the relevant Awarding Organisation in line with its published requirements. They will then conduct a fair and proportionate investigation and give those involved the opportunity to respond. Throughout the process they will keep a clear written record of the investigation and findings, and finally decide on appropriate action.
We will also cooperate fully with any external investigation that an Awarding Organisation or regulator requires.
Possible outcomes
Depending on the findings, outcomes may include a written warning, further training, removal from assessment duties, invalidation of results, or referral to the police or other authorities. In serious cases we may also refer the matter to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Anyone affected by a decision under this policy may use our Appeals Policy. For regulated qualifications, further escalation to the Awarding Organisation and ultimately Ofqual may also be available.
Whistleblowing
Staff who wish to raise a concern outside the Company should normally contact the relevant Awarding Organisation. If the concern is about the Awarding Organisation itself, they should make the disclosure to Ofqual instead. Whistleblowers have protection under the Public Interest Disclosure Act in certain circumstances. We will endeavour to keep a whistleblower’s identity confidential where requested, although we cannot always guarantee this.
Ofqual: Ofqual’s whistleblowing policy