GROW is committed to maintaining the integrity, quality and reputation of its programmes, certification and accreditation processes.
This policy explains how GROW will deal with suspected malpractice or misconduct by learners, Licensed Providers, Accredited Coaches, contractors or anyone involved in the delivery or assessment of GROW programmes.
What Is Malpractice or Misconduct?
Malpractice or misconduct is any action that compromises, or attempts to compromise, the fairness, integrity, quality or credibility of a GROW programme, assessment, certification or accreditation process.
Examples of Learner Malpractice
Examples may include:
- Plagiarism or presenting someone else's work as your own
- Submitting false or misleading information or evidence
- Asking or allowing another person to complete assessments on your behalf
- Having another person complete e-learning assessments required for GROW Coach Accreditation
- Falsifying records, documents or supporting evidence
- Providing false information in relation to reasonable adjustments or special consideration requests
- Misrepresenting GROW certification, accreditation or digital badges
- Any other attempt to gain an unfair advantage
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
GROW encourages learners to use AI as a support tool where appropriate. However, learners must submit their own ideas, reflections, experiences and evidence.
AI may be used to support learning, planning, research or writing, but it must not be used to generate assessment evidence that is intended to represent the learner's own knowledge, experience, reflections or work.
Examples of Misconduct
Examples may include:
- Bullying, harassment or discrimination
- Abusive, threatening or offensive behaviour
- Disruptive behaviour during coaching sessions, live events or community activities
- Conduct that damages the learning experience of others
- Conduct that damages the reputation of GROW or its programmes
Reporting Concerns
Anyone who becomes aware of suspected malpractice or misconduct should report it as soon as possible.
For learners participating through a GROW Licensed Provider, concerns should normally be raised with the Licensed Provider first.
If the matter cannot be resolved, or if escalation is appropriate, concerns should be reported to support@growformula.org.
Reports should include as much information as possible, together with any supporting evidence.
Investigation Process
GROW will investigate all credible reports of suspected malpractice or misconduct.
The investigation may include:
- Reviewing evidence and documentation
- Speaking to relevant individuals
- Requesting additional information
- Giving the individual concerned an opportunity to respond
Once the investigation is complete, GROW will make a decision and communicate the outcome in writing.
Individuals have the right to appeal a decision using GROW's Appeals Policy.
Possible Outcomes
Where malpractice or misconduct is found to have occurred, GROW may take one or more of the following actions.
Learners
- Advice or a formal warning
- Requirement to resubmit work
- Failure of an assessment
- Removal from a programme
- Refusal or withdrawal of certification or accreditation
Licensed Providers, Accredited Coaches, Contractors or Associates
- Advice or a formal warning
- Additional conditions, monitoring or training requirements
- Suspension from GROW activities
- Removal of Licensed Provider or Accredited Coach status
- Termination of the relationship with GROW
In serious cases, GROW may report matters to relevant professional bodies, regulators or legal authorities where appropriate.
Record Keeping
Records of malpractice and misconduct investigations will be retained in accordance with GROW's data retention arrangements.
Responsibility
The Founder of GROW or their nominated representative is responsible for overseeing the implementation of this policy.
Related Policies
This policy should be read alongside the following policies:
- Appeals Policy
- Assessment and Certification Policy
- Complaints Policy
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy
- Intellectual Property and Use of Materials Policy
- Learner Charter