舞弊及管理不善

The aim of this policy is to protect the interests of WSET students and safeguard the integrity of WSET qualifications by ensuring compliance with WSET Policies and Procedures. It provides a framework for the identification, reporting and management of any potential malpractice or maladministration and for the application of sanctions. 

Non-compliance with WSET Policies and Procedures generally falls into one of two categories: 

1. Maladministration, where non-compliance is accidental rather than intentional; and 

2. Malpractice where non-compliance is intentional or the result of negligence. 

The boundaries between maladministration and malpractice are not clear-cut. Some incidents may fall into either category depending on the wider context. Some maladministration incidents may become malpractice e.g. through failure to implement corrective measures, repetition of the incident, or subsequent attempt at non-disclosure or misrepresentation. A malpractice incident may be deemed to be maladministration if there are extenuating circumstances. Whether a situation is maladministration or malpractice will be determined by WSET Awards following an investigation.

Malpractice or maladministration may include:

• Failure to carry out course or assessment delivery in accordance with WSET Awards requirements;
• Failure to adhere to WSET Awards’ candidate registration and certification procedures;
• Late student registrations;
• Fraudulent claim for certificates/fraudulent use of certificates/reproduction or forgery of certificates;
• Withholding of information from WSET Awards which is critical to maintaining the rigour of quality assurance;
• Insecure storage of assessment materials;
• Submission of false or inaccurate information to gain a qualification;
• Cheating, including the use of unauthorised devices or materials;
• Disruptive behaviour in an examination;
• Plagiarism of any nature by students;
• Impersonation (including forgery of signatures);
• Any action likely to lead to an adverse effect;
• Breach of confidentiality;
• Failure to a disclose Conflict of Interest;
• Issue of incorrect exam results/ failure to issue results to students in a timely manner;
• Unauthorised reading/ amendment/ copying/ distribution of exam papers.
   

Where MWEC staff members are involved, we will take procedures to correct any existing malpractice/maladministration. Based on the degree of violation, warning letters will be issued, and utmostly termination of employment contract could be applied.

MWEC will report any case of suspected/actual malpractice and maladministration immediately to WSET Awards in order to ensure the appropriate action to be taken. MWEC will co-operate fully with WSET Awards in any investigation of alleged malpractice/maladministration.

If our action/maladministration leads to students/candidates being disadvantaged, it will be handled in accordance with our Complaints and Appeals Policy.