SPM Development Services Limited
Assessment Policy
May 2025
Reviewed and Updated: September 2025
Next Review: September 2026, or sooner if awarding body or JCQ guidance changes.
Policy Statement
SPM Development Services Ltd defines malpractice as any act, neglect, default or other
practice that compromises the integrity of the assessment process and/or the validity of
certificates. This includes deliberate falsification of records, misuse of assessment materials
or failure to maintain proper systems.
Scope
This policy applies to all learners, tutors, mentors, staff and contractors working with SPM
Development Services Ltd. It covers all internal assessments and examinations, in line with
awarding body procedures.
Consequences
• Learners: Suspected malpractice will lead to an investigation. Serious cases may be
reported to awarding bodies, commissioning authorities or police. Possible consequences
include withdrawal of certificates, exclusion from future enrolments and notification of
malpractice to other organisations.
• Staff: Suspected malpractice will be investigated. Possible outcomes include suspension
from duties, disciplinary action, reporting to awarding bodies and in serious cases,
notification to legal authorities.
Prevention Measures
• Clear communication of malpractice rules during induction and at the start of courses.
• Regular internal moderation and standardisation to maintain assessment integrity.
• Assessors only using work for formal assessment when learner capability is well
understood.
• Raising awareness of malpractice during staff training.
Procedures for Handling Malpractice
• Investigations will be initiated upon suspicion of malpractice.
• Investigations will be conducted by a designated senior manager.
• Evidence will be collected and interviews held to ensure fairness.
• Findings will be recorded and shared with relevant awarding bodies and commissioning
authorities where required.
Definitions and Examples
• Learner Malpractice: plagiarism, collusion, use of unauthorised materials, false
declarations, AI misuse.
• Staff Malpractice: loss of learner work, inappropriate award of marks, fraudulent
certification claims, falsification of records.
AI Use in Assessments
AI misuse includes using AI tools to generate or assist in assessments where this is not
declared. Learners must acknowledge any use of AI in their submissions. Unacknowledged
or dishonest use of AI will be treated as malpractice and may result in disqualification, loss
of certification and reporting to awarding bodies. Educators must ensure learners are aware
of the ethical use of AI and detection tools may be used where appropriate.
Safeguarding Link
If malpractice investigations raise safeguarding concerns, these will be referred
immediately to the DSL in line with the Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy (2025).
Review
This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if awarding body, JCQ or statutory guidance
changes.