Malpractice/Maladministration Procedure & Misconduct Procedure for Learners
Harmonise Training Academy will investigate instances of alleged or suspected malpractice or maladministration and take appropriate action where required to maintain the integrity of units and qualifications.
Malpractice is defined as any deliberate activity, neglect, default or other practice that compromises the integrity of the assessment process and/or the validity of certificates.
Maladministration is any activity, neglect, default or other practice that results in Harmonise Training Academy not complying with the specified requirements for delivery of units and qualifications.
Should an alleged malpractice/maladministration arise on the part of learners, centre staff, or others involved in providing a YMCA qualification, Harmonise Training Academy will:
- Report immediately to YMCA any suspected case of malpractice/maladministration arising after learners have been registered.
- Investigate and record full details of the nature of the suspected malpractice/maladministration issue, including personnel involved and any action taken.
Malpractice / Maladministration Procedure (Centres)
Examples of Centre malpractice/maladministration could include:
- Failure of Harmonise Training Academy to report any suspected malpractice reported to YMCA awards from other sources
- Failure of Harmonise Training Academy to apply the YMCA awards recommended invigilation procedures for external assessment, thus affecting the validity of the assessment process
- Failure of Harmonise Training Academy to apply YMCA awards recommended assessment paperwork and procedures for internal assessment, thus affecting the validity of the assessment process
- Failure of Harmonise Training Academy to apply the YMCA awards recommended security procedures as identified within the centre approval declaration
- Failure on behalf of Harmonise Training Academy to comply with YMCA awards guidance relating to reasonable assessment adjustments
- Claims for certification being submitted by Harmonise Training Academy for units and/or qualifications that have not been approved for delivery by YMCA awards
- Delivery and assessment of units and/or qualifications that have not been approved by YMCA awards
- Claims for certification being submitted by Harmonise Training Academy for learners that have not been registered with YMCA awards
- Unauthorised replication of (or other tampering with) externally assessed theory papers and/or e-assessment
- Harmonise Training Academy or any part (if a consortium group) becomes bankrupt or insolvent or goes into liquidation, or undergoes a voluntary or compulsory winding up procedure
- There is any significant change in control of Harmonise Training Academy (or a change of membership if a consortium group). YMCA awards should be informed immediately if this occurs
Where an issue of malpractice or maladministration occurs, is discovered or reported Harmonise Training Academy will:
- Report the issue to YMCA awards Lead Quality Assurer who will investigate the suspected case of malpractice/maladministration
- Investigate the facts relating to allegation/complaints in order to determine whether any irregularities have occurred
Conclusions will be based on established evidence. A course of proposed actions will be identified, agreed, implemented and monitored in association with YMCA awards. All relevant evidence will be considered without bias.
For information regarding YMCA awards Malpractice Procedure follow this link.
Misconduct Procedure for Learners
Examples of learner misconduct could include:
- Non-compliance in observing the mandatory rules of conduct during an assessment
- Replication of another learner’s work in either the practical, theoretical or portfolio aspect of assessment
Where an issue of misconduct occurs and is discovered or reported the following action will be taken:
- The Invigilator is empowered to expel a learner from the assessment room
- The expelled learner’s assessment paper will be securely retained and a report filed to Harmonise Training Academy
- The report and assessment record will be available for submission to YMCA awards and the regulatory authority (Ofqual) upon request
If any of the rules of external assessment are deemed to have been broken by a learner, invigilator or other person involved in the assessment process, then Harmonise Training Academy and YMCA awards may declare the assessment void.
Non-compliance monitoring guidelines – malpractice
| Malpractice Occurrence | Procedure/Rationale | Action and Sanctions |
| Non-compliance in observing the mandatory rules of conduct during an assessment, resulting in fraudulent claims for certification. ___________________________ Replication of another learner’s work in either the practical, theoretical or portfolio aspect of assessment, resulting in fraudulent claims for certification. | – Learner expelled from assessment – Assessment paper retained and report filed securely – Assessment paper and report file made available to YMCA awards and regulatory authorities (Ofqual) | – Suspension of certification (tariff level 3) – Suspension of registration (tariff level 3) – Suspension of YMCA awards approval – Possible assessment void decision |
Reviewed: April 2025
