This policy sets out how National LifeSkills Academy prevents, identifies and deals with malpractice. It applies to learners, staff, associates, contractors and partners, and to all NLSA courses, assessments and certificates.

What malpractice means

Malpractice is any deliberate or careless act that undermines the integrity of NLSA's courses, assessments or certificates. It includes, but is not limited to:

By learners

• letting someone else complete an assessment, or completing it for someone else;
• sharing assessment questions or answers, or using someone else's answers;
• giving false identity or enrolment information; and
• altering or forging a certificate.

By staff, associates or partners

• issuing a certificate to someone who has not met the requirements;
• falsifying records, reviews or evidence of competence;
• misusing accreditation logos or provider numbers;
• using copyrighted material without permission; and
• accessing, changing or sharing confidential information or personal data without authority.

Prevention

• Learners confirm at enrolment that their assessment work will be their own.
• Assessments are designed to reduce opportunities for malpractice. For example, question and answer order is randomised for each attempt.
• Everyone working for NLSA is told what is expected of them and what happens if they fall short.
• Records, assessments and personal data are held securely.

Reporting a concern

Anyone who suspects malpractice should report it promptly to the Director at director@nlsa.uk. Concerns can be raised in confidence, and no one who reports a concern in good faith is treated unfairly.

Investigation

The Director, or someone independent that the Director appoints, investigates fairly and confidentially. The person concerned is told what is alleged and given the chance to respond before any decision is made. Investigations aim to finish within 30 calendar days, and the person is kept informed.

While an investigation is under way, a certificate or result may be put on hold.

Outcomes

If malpractice is found, the action taken depends on how serious it is, and may include:

• cancelling an assessment result;
• withdrawing a certificate, under the Certification Policy;
• ending a contract or engagement;
• telling the accrediting body, where required; and
• reporting to the police, where a crime may have been committed.

The person is told the decision and the reasons in writing, and may appeal under the Appeals Policy. NLSA also acts to stop the same thing happening again.

Records

A record of each case and its outcome is kept under the Data Protection Policy.

Review

This policy is reviewed annually, and sooner if law, the requirements of an accrediting body, or practice change.

National LifeSkills Academy Ltd  |  Malpractice Policy  |  v2.0 September 2026