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CARM Malpractice and Plagiarism Policy

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide a clear framework for how the Cambridge Academy of Risk Management (CARM) addresses malpractice and plagiarism within teaching, learning, and assessment. Academic integrity is central to the values of CARM, and this policy ensures that all learners and staff uphold the highest standards of honesty, fairness, and professionalism. It sets out the institution’s approach to preventing malpractice and plagiarism through education and guidance, as well as its procedures for identifying and investigating suspected cases.

The policy ensures that all learners are treated fairly, with transparent processes in place to address concerns and apply sanctions proportionately where misconduct is confirmed. At the same time, it safeguards the credibility of CARM’s qualifications and maintains compliance with awarding body regulations. By clearly defining expectations and responsibilities, this policy promotes a culture of integrity and accountability that prepares learners for both academic success and professional practice.

Scope

This policy applies to all learners enrolled on programmes at the Cambridge Academy of Risk Management (CARM), as well as to all staff involved in the delivery, assessment, and administration of those programmes. It covers every form of assessment and academic work, including but not limited to assignments, projects, examinations, dissertations, and presentations.

The policy also extends to misconduct that may occur during teaching or administrative processes, ensuring that both learner and staff malpractice are addressed consistently and transparently. In addition, it aligns with the requirements of awarding bodies, meaning that any confirmed cases of malpractice or plagiarism will be reported where necessary. By applying equally to learners and staff, this policy safeguards the fairness of the assessment process, protects the credibility of qualifications, and upholds the integrity of CARM as a professional academic institution.

Definitions

Malpractice
Malpractice refers to any deliberate or reckless action, omission, or behaviour by a learner, staff member, or other individual that gives an unfair advantage in assessment or compromises the integrity of the teaching, learning, and assessment process. Malpractice undermines the principles of fairness, transparency, and credibility in education and assessment.

Examples of malpractice include, but are not limited to:

  • Falsifying or fabricating data, records, or results: This includes inventing experimental data, altering research results, or manipulating information in coursework, assignments, or assessments to misrepresent performance.
  • Impersonation: Arranging for another person to undertake an assessment on behalf of the learner, or attempting to impersonate another learner in examinations or assessments.
  • Collusion: Engaging in unauthorised collaboration with other learners or individuals in completing assignments, projects, or assessments. This includes sharing work, answers, or responses in a way that breaches assessment rules.
  • Misuse of assessment conditions: Failing to comply with examination regulations, using prohibited materials or devices, or obtaining unfair assistance during assessments.
  • Breach of awarding body or institutional policies: Violating any rules or regulations set out by CARM or associated awarding bodies, including but not limited to procedures for submitting assignments, conducting research, or maintaining academic integrity.
  • Other acts of dishonesty: Any other deliberate attempt to deceive, mislead, or gain an unfair advantage, including falsifying signatures, misrepresenting attendance, or submitting work under false pretences.

Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the act of presenting someone else’s work, ideas, expressions, or intellectual property as one’s own without proper acknowledgment. It constitutes a breach of academic integrity and can occur intentionally or unintentionally. Plagiarism compromises the originality and credibility of a learner’s work and may have serious academic consequences.

Examples of plagiarism include, but are not limited to:

  • Direct copying: Reproducing text, images, diagrams, code, or other materials from published or unpublished sources without appropriate referencing or quotation.
  • Close paraphrasing: Rewriting someone else’s work with minor changes to wording or structure without acknowledging the original source.
  • Submission of purchased or downloaded work: Submitting essays, reports, assignments, or other materials obtained from the internet, commercial sources, or third parties as if they were the learner’s own.
  • Self-plagiarism: Reusing one’s previously submitted work, in whole or in part, for another assessment without explicit permission from CARM or the relevant awarding body.
  • Inaccurate or incomplete citation: Failing to correctly cite sources, omitting references, or providing misleading or false attribution for ideas, quotations, data, or research findings.
  • Intellectual property misuse: Using another person’s concepts, theories, or creative work (including digital content, multimedia, software code, or designs) without proper acknowledgment or authorization.

Key Notes:

  • Malpractice and plagiarism may occur individually or together; a single act may constitute both.
  • CARM expects all learners and staff to adhere to ethical academic standards, demonstrate honesty, and give proper credit for the intellectual contributions of others.

Understanding and adhering to these definitions is a responsibility shared by all members of the CARM learning community, ensuring fairness, credibility, and trust in the institution’s qualifications.

Principles

CARM is committed to fostering a culture of academic integrity, fairness, and professionalism in all aspects of teaching, learning, and assessment. The principles outlined below underpin CARM’s approach to preventing and addressing malpractice and plagiarism, ensuring that learners, staff, and the institution operate in a transparent, ethical, and responsible manner.

  1. Upholding Academic Integrity
    • CARM is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of honesty, trust, and responsibility in all academic work.
    • Academic integrity is central to the value and credibility of CARM qualifications. All members of the institution are expected to act with honesty, avoid deception, and respect the intellectual contributions of others.
  2. Fair Treatment of Learners
    • All suspected cases of malpractice or plagiarism will be addressed with impartiality and transparency.
    • Learners will be given the opportunity to respond to allegations and provide evidence or explanations before decisions are made.
    • Outcomes and sanctions will be proportionate to the severity and nature of the offence, ensuring that learners are treated consistently and fairly.
  3. Education and Support
    • CARM emphasizes proactive education to prevent academic misconduct. Learners will be provided with guidance on ethical academic practices, referencing, citation, research methodologies, and the use of plagiarism detection tools.
    • Staff will receive training to identify potential malpractice and support learners in understanding and adhering to academic integrity standards.
  4. Transparency and Accountability
    • Procedures for detecting, investigating, and addressing malpractice and plagiarism will be clearly documented and communicated to learners and staff.
    • Decisions will be recorded and monitored to ensure accountability and consistency in handling cases.
  5. Protecting the Credibility of Qualifications
    • CARM recognizes that maintaining the integrity of its assessments is essential to the reputation and recognition of its qualifications.
    • Malpractice and plagiarism can compromise the value of awards; therefore, safeguarding assessment processes is a priority for the institution.
  6. Continuous Improvement
    • CARM is committed to reviewing and updating its policies and procedures in response to changes in academic standards, regulatory requirements, and emerging risks.
    • Lessons learned from previous cases of malpractice or plagiarism will be used to strengthen prevention strategies, improve guidance for learners, and enhance staff training.
  7. Ethical Responsibility of Staff
    • Staff are expected to model academic integrity, act fairly, and uphold the principles of honesty and professionalism in all interactions with learners.
    • Any suspected staff malpractice will be treated seriously, investigated thoroughly, and managed in line with institutional disciplinary procedures and awarding body regulations.

CARM’s principles provide a foundation for promoting a culture of integrity and ethical behaviour. By embedding these principles into teaching, learning, and assessment practices, CARM ensures that learners develop the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to succeed academically and professionally while maintaining trust in the institution’s qualifications.

Prevention

CARM emphasises proactive measures to prevent malpractice and plagiarism. Prevention is based on education, clear communication, and robust assessment design. Key prevention strategies include:

  1. Learner Education and Support
    • Learners receive comprehensive guidance during induction and throughout their studies on:
      • Academic integrity and ethical practice.
      • Referencing and citation styles (e.g., Harvard, APA).
      • Proper research and academic writing techniques.
      • Use of plagiarism detection tools such as Turnitin or equivalent.
    • Learners are encouraged to seek clarification from tutors if unsure about acceptable academic practice.
  2. Clear Assessment Guidance
    • Assessment tasks are designed to reduce ambiguity and minimise opportunities for malpractice.
    • Instructions clearly outline expectations, acceptable collaboration, referencing requirements, and submission procedures.
    • Marking criteria are transparent, ensuring learners understand how work is evaluated.
  3. Staff Training and Awareness
    • Staff receive training to:
      • Recognise different types of malpractice and plagiarism.
      • Provide guidance and support to learners on academic integrity.
      • Use plagiarism detection software effectively.
    • Staff are encouraged to model ethical behaviour in teaching, assessment, and feedback.
  4. Use of Technology
    • Plagiarism detection software is integrated into assessment processes to identify potential issues early.
    • Secure assessment platforms and exam protocols minimise opportunities for impersonation, collusion, or unauthorised assistance.
  5. Promoting a Culture of Integrity
    • CARM fosters a learning environment where honesty, fairness, and respect for intellectual property are valued.
    • Open discussion of ethical academic practice is encouraged in classrooms and tutorials.
    • Positive reinforcement of original work and critical thinking supports learners in developing responsible academic habits.
  1. Procedures for Suspected Cases

CARM follows a clear, fair, and transparent process for handling suspected malpractice and plagiarism. Procedures are designed to protect learners’ rights while maintaining academic standards.

6.1 Detection

  • Suspected malpractice or plagiarism may be identified by:
    • Tutors or assessors during marking or observation.
    • Plagiarism detection software reports.
    • Reports from other learners, staff, or third parties.

6.2 Initial Review

  • The module tutor or assessor conducts a preliminary review of the evidence.
  • If there is reason to suspect malpractice, the case is referred to the Academic Integrity Panel for formal investigation.
  • Learners may be notified at this stage, depending on the nature of the suspected offence.

6.3 Investigation

  • The learner is notified in writing, including:
    • Details of the suspected offence.
    • Evidence supporting the suspicion.
    • The process for responding and providing an explanation.
  • The learner has the opportunity to respond within a specified timeframe.
  • An impartial investigation is conducted, considering all available evidence, the learner’s response, and relevant institutional or awarding body regulations.

6.4 Decision and Outcomes

  • The Academic Integrity Panel or relevant authority makes a determination. Possible outcomes include:
    • No case to answer: Evidence is insufficient to proceed.
    • Warning and guidance: Minor or first-time offences may result in a formal warning and advice on correct academic practice.
    • Resubmission with penalties: The learner may be allowed to resubmit work with a reduced mark or other conditions.
    • Mark of zero for the assessment: For more serious offences or repeated issues.
    • Withdrawal from the programme: For severe or repeated malpractice, including serious plagiarism, falsification of results, or impersonation.

6.5 Appeals

  • Learners have the right to appeal decisions in accordance with CARM’s Appeals Policy.
  • Appeals must be submitted within the timeframe specified in the policy, providing clear grounds and supporting evidence.

6.6 Confidentiality and Record Keeping

  • All stages of the process are conducted confidentially.
  • Records of suspected and confirmed malpractice cases are retained securely and reported to awarding bodies when required.

6.7 Support for Learners

  • Learners are supported throughout the process, including access to guidance on academic integrity and clarification of institutional procedures.
  • Where appropriate, pastoral or academic support may be offered to help learners improve their skills and avoid future breaches.
  1. Staff Malpractice

CARM recognises that maintaining academic integrity requires vigilance across all levels, including staff involved in teaching, assessment, and administration. Staff malpractice undermines the credibility of the institution, compromises learner outcomes, and may breach awarding body regulations.

Definition:
Staff malpractice refers to any deliberate or reckless action, omission, or behaviour by a staff member that compromises the integrity, fairness, or accuracy of assessment, teaching, or academic administration.

Examples of Staff Malpractice include, but are not limited to:
Falsifying, altering, or misreporting assessment results, attendance records, or other learner data.

  • Providing unauthorised assistance to learners, including completing assignments or assessments on their behalf.
  • Breaching confidentiality, security, or procedural rules in examinations or assessment administration.
  • Misrepresenting or failing to follow awarding body regulations or CARM policies.
  • Failing to identify or report suspected learner malpractice where required.

Procedures for Handling Staff Malpractice:

  1. Detection: Concerns may arise from audits, internal checks, complaints, or reports from colleagues or learners.
  2. Initial Review: Senior management will conduct a preliminary review to determine if further investigation is warranted.
  3. Investigation:
    • Conducted impartially, gathering evidence, interviewing relevant parties, and reviewing documentation.
    • Staff are notified in writing of the investigation and invited to respond.
  4. Decision and Action:
    • Outcomes may include formal warnings, retraining, suspension, dismissal, or referral to the awarding body as required.
    • Disciplinary action will follow CARM’s internal HR and disciplinary procedures.
  5. Reporting:
    • Serious cases of staff malpractice are reported to university or awarding bodies to ensure compliance with regulations and maintain qualification credibility.
  1. Record Keeping

Accurate record-keeping is essential for transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in maintaining academic integrity.

Requirements:

  1. Documentation:
    • All suspected and confirmed cases of malpractice or plagiarism must be documented, including:
      • Evidence collected.
      • Communications with the learner or staff member.
      • Investigative notes and decisions made.
      • Outcomes and sanctions applied.
  2. Confidentiality and Security:
    • Records are stored securely and access is restricted to authorised personnel.
    • Confidentiality is maintained throughout investigations and subsequent reporting.
  3. Reporting to Awarding Bodies:
    • Records of serious or repeated offences are reported to awarding bodies as per their regulations.
    • Reporting ensures compliance, supports external quality assurance, and protects the integrity of CARM qualifications.
  4. Analysis and Review:
    • Annual reviews of malpractice and plagiarism cases are conducted to:
      • Identify trends, patterns, or emerging risks.
      • Inform updates to policy, guidance, and staff training.
      • Strengthen prevention strategies and assessment design.
9. Review

CARM is committed to ensuring that its Malpractice and Plagiarism Policy remain effective, fair, and aligned with current academic and regulatory standards. The policy will be reviewed at least annually, or sooner if required due to changes in awarding body regulations, legislation, or institutional processes. Reviews will involve consultation with key stakeholders, including learners, staff, and awarding bodies, to ensure that the policy reflects practical needs and compliance requirements. Feedback from previous cases, audit findings, and emerging best practices will be used to enhance prevention, detection, and investigation procedures. Any revisions to the policy will be communicated clearly to all learners and staff, accompanied by guidance on changes in procedures or responsibilities. Regular review ensures that the policy continues to safeguard academic integrity, maintain fairness, and uphold the credibility of CARM qualifications.