Malpractice Policy

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Introduction

This policy is aimed at our customers, including those registered on our courses, as well as those delivering our course material.  It is also to be utilised by Autism Support Consultancy (ASC) staff to ensure that they deal with malpractice investigations in a consistent and rigorous manner.  This policy sets out the steps that ASC learners or staff would follow when either reporting or dealing with malpractice.  This policy also outlines the procedure ASC will take when reviewing such incidents.

Autism Support Consultancy and associated 3rdparty responsibility:

It is important that anyone involved in the management and quality assurance of ASC customers are fully aware of the contents of this policy, and that arrangements are in place to prevent and investigate instances of malpractice.  To receive guidance on how to prevent, investigate and deal with malpractice then please contact ASC, we will be happy to advise you.  ASC will periodically review how employees and associated third parties adhere to this policy, as well as how reasonable steps are taken to avoid and/or investigate malpractice.

Review arrangements

Autism Support Consultancy will review this policy annually and will revise when necessary, in response to customer or learner feedback to ensure that our methods of dealing with suspected malpractice is effective.

Definitions of Malpractice

Malpractice is essentially any activity or practice which deliberately contravenes regulations and compromises the validity of the internal or external assessment process.  It covers any deliberate actions, neglect, default or other practice that compromises or could compromise:

1. The quality of the autism training provided as well as the learning process.

2. The integrity of the training we provide.

3. ) The reputation and credibility of Autism Support Consultancy.

4. The autistic community or learning community.

Malpractice may include a range of issues from the failure to maintain appropriate records or the deliberate falsification of records. For the purpose of this policy this term also incorporates misconduct and other forms of unnecessary discrimination or bias towards certain groups of learners.

Examples of malpractice

These examples are not exhaustive.

1. Denial of access to records and information for employees or customers.

2. Failure to carry out internal assessment of procedures and policies.

3. Deliberate failure to maintain appropriate auditable records.

4. Deliberate use of ASC’s logo.

5. A loss or theft of confidentiality.

6. Deliberate failure to adhere to the requirements of our Reasonable adjustments and special considerations Policy.

Process for making an allegation of malpractice

If you identify or are made aware of suspected or actual cases of malpractice, then please contact ASC immediately.

All allegations must be made in writing/email including where possible:

1. The customer’s details.

2. Detail of the member of staff from Autism Support Consultancy if they are involved in this case (Name, job role, etc.)

3. The nature of the allegation of malpractice and relevant dates.

4. Any supporting evidence.

5. The name of any associated 3rdparties involved.

ASC should ensure that all investigations are carried out rigorously and effectively.

Confidentiality and Whistle blowing

Sometimes a person making an allegation of malpractice wish to remain anonymous.  If there are any concerns regarding this, a request can be made not to divulge your identity to the member of staff the allegation involves.

Responsibility for the investigation:

In accordance with regulatory requirements, all suspected cases of malpractice will be examined promptly by ASC.  ASC will take all reasonable steps to prevent any adverse effects from occurring.

All suspected cases of malpractice will be fully investigated and receipt will be acknowledged within 5 working days.  A senior member of staff will ensure that investigation will be carried out in a prompt manner, in accordance with the procedures in this policy.

Notifying relevant parties

In all cases of suspected or actual malpractice, the member of staff or third party concerned will be notified, whilst maintaining confidentiality of the person making the allegation.

Investigation timelines and summary of process:

ASC aim to set actions and resolve all stages of investigation within 10 working days.  Please note that in some cases this may take longer.  The intention would be to carry out any investigation in a fair and unbiased manner.  ASC will assure that all information collected as part of any investigation will be kept secure and be destroyed in accordance with GPDR policy.

Investigation report

After an investigation, ASC will produce a brief report explaining the details of the case, as well as any remedial action to be taken.

Investigation outcomes

If malpractice is confirmed, ASC will:

1. Take action to maintain confidence in the delivery of courses.

2. Take action to prevent others from carrying out further incidents of malpractice.

3. Ensure that any lessons learnt from the investigation are passed on the relevant colleagues, thereby preventing the same incidence of malpractice reoccurring.

If relevant parties wish to appeal against this process, please refer to Autism Support Consultancy’s appeals policy.