Stonebridge University is committed to maintaining the highest levels of integrity and accountability in all its academic and administrative processes. This policy defines the university’s approach to addressing incidents of malpractice and maladministration, outlining the responsibilities of staff, students, and other stakeholders and providing clear guidelines for preventing and managing such incidents.

2.1 Malpractice
Malpractice refers to any action by a student, staff member, or external partner that compromises the integrity and fairness of academic or administrative processes. Examples of malpractice include:

• Plagiarism, conspiracy, or cheating during assessments.
• Misrepresentation of qualifications or academic achievements.
• Falsification of documents or data related to academic records or applications.
• Breach of assessment regulations.

2.2 Maladministration
Maladministration refers to inefficient or improper handling of academic or administrative processes, which could lead to errors or irregularities. Examples include:

• Failure to comply with assessment regulations.
• Inaccurate or delayed record-keeping of student progress and results.
• Errors in issuing results, qualifications, or certificates.
• Mishandling student complaints, appeals, or disciplinary cases.

This policy applies to:

• All students enrolled in programs offered by Stonebridge University.
• All staff members, including academic, administrative, and support staff.
• External partners, contractors, or any individuals acting on behalf of the university in academic or administrative capacities.

4.1 Duties and Obligations of Centers

• Centers and their staff must report all suspected malpractice and/or maladministration to Stonebridge University.
• Centers and their staff members are duty-bound to supply any further information Stonebridge University requires in their investigations.
• Failure of a center to cooperate with a malpractice investigation may lead to penalties being imposed, as outlined in Stonebridge University Center Sanctions Policy.
• Center staff are reminded that failure to disclose malpractice or maladministration is a form of malpractice.
• Candidates enrolled in Stonebridge University qualifications are strongly encouraged to report all suspected instances of malpractice and/or maladministration to Stonebridge University in confidence.

4.2 Duties and Obligations of Stonebridge University

In all instances where malpractice and maladministration have been alleged, Stonebridge University will:

• Oversee all investigations into suspected or alleged malpractice.
• Withhold results until the conclusion of the investigation, or permanently, where the outcome of the investigation warrants it.
• Provide advice and guidance to centers on how to avoid and investigate malpractice and maladministration on request.
• Take such action as is necessary to preserve the integrity of the assessment, for example, the cancellation of assessment cycles and the arrangement of replacement exams or such other action as may be needed.
• Consider reporting the matter to the police if suspected or proven malpractice involves committing a criminal act.
• Consider reporting the matter to other appropriate authorities where relevant, e.g. Funding Agencies and Teaching Regulation Agencies.
• Report instances of malpractice to the regulators and other awarding bodies using the regulators’ Conditions of Recognition.

Where there is evidence that certificates may have been invalidated due to malpractice, Stonebridge University will report the matter to the regulatory authorities and cooperate fully with them in any required follow-up actions. If there is a reasonable probability that an instance of malpractice involved committing a criminal act, Stonebridge University will report the matter to the police.

• To safeguard the integrity of Stonebridge University’s academic and administrative processes.
• To ensure fair treatment for all parties involved in cases of malpractice or maladministration.
• To promote awareness among students and staff regarding the importance of upholding academic integrity.
• To provide clear procedures for reporting, investigating, and resolving incidents of malpractice and maladministration.

The procedure for dealing with malpractice claims and maladministration involves the following phases.

• The Allegation
• Stonebridge University Response
• The Investigation
• The Report
• The Decision
• The Appeal

6.1 Communications
Stonebridge University will typically engage with the Head of the Center regarding allegations of malpractice and maladministration unless the Head of the Center or the senior management team is subject to investigation. In these instances, Stonebridge University will engage with another relevant individual, such as the Chair of the Canter’s governing body or the Center owner. Stonebridge University retains the authority to engage directly with centers’ employees alleged to have committed malpractice or who may possess pertinent evidence related to an investigation, particularly in situations deemed necessary (for instance, if a center has ceased to employ an individual). Stonebridge University will communicate directly with a candidate or their representative only when the case circumstances require it, such as when there is contradictory evidence from candidates and centers or when the candidate is no longer associated with the center, for instance, after completing their qualification. In these situations, Stonebridge University will inform the Head of the Center of our intention to reach out to a candidate directly, and it is anticipated that the Head of the Center will assist in supplying the candidate’s address.

Stonebridge University retains the authority to disclose information pertinent to a malpractice investigation to third parties, including other awarding bodies, regulatory bodies, and other relevant authorities. Individuals interviewed or providing a statement should be aware that Stonebridge University retains the right to disclose their statements, records, or transcripts of any interviews conducted with other parties involved in the case and third parties. This information may be disclosed at any point throughout or following the investigation.

6.2 The Head of the Center Must:

• Notify Stonebridge University immediately of all alleged, suspected, or actual malpractice incidents. If staff malpractice is discovered in coursework or non-examination assessments, the head of the center must inform the awarding body immediately, regardless of whether the authentication forms have been signed by the candidate(s);
• Report malpractice using the appropriate communication line as outlined in Section 14.
• Be accountable for ensuring that the center and staff comply with Stonebridge University’s instructions regarding an investigation.
• Suppose it is necessary to delegate evidence gathering to an appropriate staff member. In that case, the staff member chosen should be independent and not connected to the department or candidate involved in the suspected malpractice. The head of the center should ensure no conflict of interest might compromise the investigation.
• Respond speedily and openly to all requests for an investigation into an allegation of malpractice. This will be in the best interests of center staff, candidates, and others involved.
• Make information requested by Stonebridge University available speedily and openly.
• Cooperate with an inquiry into an allegation of malpractice and ensure that their staff also do so, whether the center is directly involved in the case.
• Ensure staff members and candidates are informed of their responsibilities and rights.
• Forward any correspondence and evidence to center staff and/or provide staff contact information to enable Stonebridge University to do so.
• At all times, comply with data protection law.
• Pass on to the individuals concerned any warnings or notifications of sanctions and ensure compliance with any requests made by Stonebridge University due to a malpractice case.

7.1 Students

• Understand and adhere to the university’s academic integrity guidelines.
• Report any instances of malpractice or maladministration they witness or suspect.

7.2 Staff

• Follow and implement the university’s procedures and policies, ensuring students know academic integrity expectations.
• Report any suspected instances of malpractice or maladministration.

7.3 Management

• Provide leadership and ensure that policies and procedures for preventing and handling malpractice and maladministration are up-to-date and consistently enforced.
• Ensure that training is available for staff and that preventative measures are in place.

8.1 Staff Training
Regular training sessions will be conducted to ensure that staff understand the correct assessment procedures, record-keeping, complaint handling, and how to identify potential malpractice or maladministration.

8.2 Student Awareness
Stonebridge University will provide students with clear guidelines about what constitutes malpractice and the consequences of engaging in such activities. Educational resources, including workshops and materials on academic integrity, will be available.

8.3 Use of Technology
The university will employ plagiarism detection software and other technological tools to ensure the originality of students’ submissions and the accuracy of administrative processes.

9.1 Reporting Procedure
Any party (student, staff, or external partner) who suspects or witnesses malpractice or maladministration should report the incident using the Malpractice Reporting Form, available on the university’s website. Reports can also be made directly to a designated officer, such as the Head of Academic Integrity or the Registrar.

9.2 Confidentiality and Anonymity
Reports will be treated strictly, and individuals can submit reports anonymously. However, anonymous reports may be more challenging to investigate thoroughly.

10.1 Preliminary Review
Upon receipt of a report, the designated officer will conduct a preliminary review to determine whether a full investigation is warranted.

10.2 Formal Investigation
If necessary, an independent investigation committee will be formed. This committee will gather evidence, interview involved parties, and review relevant documents to establish the facts.

10.3 Decisions and Sanctions
After the investigation, the committee will make a decision. If malpractice or maladministration is confirmed, the committee will recommend appropriate sanctions, which could range from warnings to more severe penalties, depending on the severity of the offence.

11.1 For Students

• Loss of academic credit or nullification of grades.
• Suspension or expulsion from the university.
• Revocation of awards or qualifications.

11.2 For Staff

• Formal warnings.
• Disciplinary action, up to termination of employment.
• Revocation of roles or responsibilities within the university.

11.3 For External Partners

• Termination of contracts or partnerships with Stonebridge University.
• Legal actions, if appropriate.

Any party affected by a decision under this policy has the right to appeal. Appeals must be submitted in writing within 14 days of the original decision. An independent committee will review the appeal, and the final decision will be communicated promptly.

Stonebridge University will monitor the implementation of this policy and gather data on instances of malpractice and maladministration. This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure its relevance and effectiveness, and updates will be made as necessary to align with changing academic and regulatory requirements.

Incidents of malpractice and maladministration may be reported in the following ways:

By email: qtd@stonebridge.university

By post:
For the attention of the Director of Quality, Training and Development
Stonebridge University
12 Hill View Studios,
160 Eltham Hill,
London,
SE9 5EA

By phone: +44 7438 541824

Opening hours: 9:30am-5:30pm (UK) Mon-Fri

Members of staff employed by Stonebridge University may use one of the methods above or, alternatively, should speak in confidence to the Director of Quality, Training, and Development.

All reports of malpractice and maladministration will be treated with the strictest confidence. Reports made anonymously will be treated with the same seriousness as all others.

Stonebridge University is dedicated to ensuring fairness, integrity, and transparency in all its academic and administrative processes. Through the Malpractice and Maladministration Policy, the university fosters an environment of trust and accountability, ensuring that all learners and staff members can succeed within a framework of ethical practice.