Introduction
This policy is aimed at all administration staff, current registered approved ITEC tutors, and learners who are involved in teaching or studying ITEC-approved qualifications either now or in the future at The School of Natural Therapies Ltd and within the UK.
The policy covers those who are:
- Involved in;
- Suspected of;
- Actually involved in malpractice/maladministration.
Because this policy applies to all of the above, all malpractice/maladministration matters are dealt with in a consistent manner.
This document sets out the steps we follow when we receive notification or a report of malpractice/maladministration and our responsibilities in dealing with such cases; it also sets out the steps we follow when reviewing these cases.
Our Responsibilities
It is important that we make our staff and tutors aware of the management, assessment, and quality assurance of the qualifications we offer and that our learners are also fully aware of the policy. This is to minimise the risk of and investigate actual instances of malpractice/maladministration. Details of this policy are made available to all learners via our students’ charter and on our school website under the heading of “Policies and Procedures.”
- Administration staff and tutors are issued with a copy of this document.
- As a school involved in delivering ITEC-approved courses, sanctions may be placed on us by ITEC if an investigation identifies consistent malpractice/maladministration or if we fail to address previous incidents and recommendations.
- Compliance with this policy and reasonable steps to avoid or investigate maladministration/malpractice will be reviewed annually.
Definition of Malpractice
Malpractice is any activity or practice that deliberately contravenes regulations and compromises the integrity of internal or external assessment processes and/or the validity of certificates. It includes deliberate actions, neglect, or default that compromises:
- The assessment process
- The integrity of a regulated qualification
- The validity of a result or a certificate
- The reputation and credibility of both The School of Natural Therapies Ltd and ITEC as an awarding body
- The qualification or the wider qualifications community
Examples include:
- Deliberate falsification of records to claim certificates
- Failure to maintain appropriate record systems
- Discrimination or bias towards certain groups of learners
- Misconduct by administration staff or tutors
Malpractice can occur at:
- Centre level
- Centre staff level
- Candidate (Learner) level
Definition of Maladministration
Maladministration is defined as any activity or practice that results in:
- Non-compliance with administrative regulations
- Poor administration at the centre, e.g., poor learner records
- Persistent mistakes
Examples include:
- Failure to carry out internal assessment or verification in accordance with ITEC requirements
- Allowing students to use inappropriate materials during examinations
- Collusion between staff and students or among students
- Plagiarism or fraudulent claims for certificates
- Breach of confidentiality or misuse of logos and trademarks
Centre’s Responsibilities
The centre is responsible for:
- Notifying ITEC immediately of any allegations of maladministration or malpractice.
- Informing staff or candidates suspected of malpractice that an investigation will be launched and allowing them a right to reply and appeal.
- Complying with ITEC requests for information and cooperating during investigations.
- Conducting independent investigations and retaining relevant records for a minimum of five years.
- Taking action to prevent recurrence and respecting the confidentiality of investigative information.
Reporting Malpractice or Maladministration
Anyone can report suspected malpractice/maladministration via email or in writing to:
Marc Innes – School Principal
Email: info@schoolofnaturaltherapies.co.uk
Phone: 0203 544 6544
Reports should include supporting material and relevant details such as:
- Learner/ITEC candidate number
- Staff/tutor name
- Details of the course/qualification
- Nature and dates of the suspected case
- Written statements, evidence, and extenuating circumstances
Investigation Process and Timelines
The School Principal will:
- Acknowledge receipt of notifications within 2 working days.
- Complete investigations within 10 working days, unless additional time is needed (e.g., for centre visits).
- Notify complainants and ITEC of outcomes and steps taken to ensure compliance and prevent recurrence.
Principles of Investigation
Investigations will ensure:
- Fairness, legality, and impartiality
- Consideration of all relevant evidence
- Confidentiality of whistleblowers
- Identification of trends or systemic issues and implementation of remedial action
All records related to investigations will be retained for at least five years.
For queries about this policy, contact: Marc Innes at 0203 544 6544.
