Malpractice and Maladministration Policy
How AMSC prevents, detects, investigates and acts on malpractice and maladministration, to protect the integrity of every qualification we deliver.
Applies to all learners, staff, contractors and partners, in and outside PakistanWho this policy applies to
- All learners registered on AMSC courses, approved qualifications, or units (within or outside Pakistan).
- All staff, contractors, and partners involved in the delivery, assessment, or administration of these qualifications.
Centre's responsibilities
We ensure that:
- All staff involved in management, assessment, and quality assurance are familiar with this policy.
- Procedures are in place to prevent, detect, and investigate malpractice and maladministration.
- All cases are handled consistently, fairly, and promptly.
Malpractice vs. maladministration
Malpractice
Any deliberate activity, neglect, or default that compromises the assessment process, the integrity of a regulated qualification, the validity of a result or certificate, or the reputation of AMSC, awarding bodies, or the wider qualifications community.
- Failure to carry out assessment or verification in line with requirements
- Falsifying or forging records or evidence
- Fraudulent claims for certificates
- Collusion or allowing collusion in exams/assessments
- Plagiarism
- Claiming certification for learners still working towards qualification requirements
Maladministration
Any non-deliberate but persistent or serious failure to follow administrative requirements.
- Repeated late learner registrations or certification claims
- Poor record keeping or loss of auditable evidence
- Withholding important information from awarding bodies or regulators
- Unreasonable delays in communication
Reporting suspected cases
Who can report
Staff, learners, contractors, or third parties.
How to report
Immediately notify the Chief Executive in writing or via email, including:
- Learner's name and registration number (if relevant)
- Staff names/roles (if relevant)
- Course/qualification details
- Nature, date, and details of the suspected case
- Any investigation or action already taken
Confidentiality
- We protect the identity of whistleblowers where legally possible.
- Anonymous reports will be investigated where sufficient information is provided.
Investigation process
Initial review
- The Chief Executive appoints an independent investigator without any conflict of interest.
- Relevant awarding bodies or regulators may be informed immediately if the case could affect qualification integrity.
Investigation
- Aim to resolve within 14 working days of receiving the allegation.
- All evidence gathered must be secure and auditable.
- Interviews may be conducted with relevant parties.
- Results may be withheld during the investigation.
Cooperation
All parties must fully cooperate. Failure to cooperate may itself be treated as malpractice.
Investigation report
The report will:
- Confirm whether a breach occurred.
- Identify who is responsible.
- Summarise the facts and evidence.
- Recommend remedial or disciplinary action.
A draft is shared with involved parties for factual accuracy checks before finalisation.
Outcomes & actions
If malpractice or maladministration is confirmed, actions may include:
- Withdrawing/invalidating certificates and informing awarding bodies/regulators.
- Reassessment for affected learners.
- Disciplinary action against staff or learners.
- Strengthening internal processes to prevent recurrence.
- Informing third parties if they may be affected.
Record keeping
All case records, evidence, and reports are retained for five years or until any appeal is resolved.
Commitment
AMSC has zero tolerance for malpractice and maladministration. We act swiftly, fairly, and transparently to protect: