Malpractice & Maladministration​

The aim of this policy is to protect the interests of 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.

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

  • Maladministration, where non-compliance is accidental rather than intentional
  • 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 a maladministration or malpractice will be determined by WSET following an investigation. 

Malpractice or maladministration by Slate Wine & Spirits Academy may include: 

  • Failure to adhere to the terms of Slate Wine & Spirits Academy’s Policies and Procedures
  • Failure to comply with Slate Wine & Spirits Academy’s Code of Conduct
  • Failure to carry out the course or assessment delivery in accordance with WSET requirements
  • Failure to adhere to WSET’s 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, which is critical to maintaining the rigor of quality assurance
  • Insecure storage of assessment materials
  • Any action likely to lead to an adverse effect
  • Breach of confidentiality
  • Failure to disclose a Conflict of Interest
  • Issue of incorrect exam results/failure to issue results to students in a timely manner
  • Unauthorized reading/amendment/copying/distribution of exam papers
  • Failure to report changes in ownership/personnel/location/facilities
  • Denial of access to information, documentation, workforce, and facilities 
  • Failure to respond to WSET in a timely manner
  • Failure to return exam papers within the specified timeframe or to follow delivery and tracking regulations
  • Infringement of WSET copyright, trademarks, intellectual property rights, and brand identity
  • Use of unqualified and/or unregistered educators or internal assessors
  • Misleading advertising/publicity

Malpractice or maladministration by a student or candidate may include: 

  • Failure to adhere to the terms of Slate Wine & Spirits Academy’s Policies and Procedures
  • Failure to comply with the Slate Wine & Spirits Academy’s Code of Conduct
  • Fraudulent claim for certificates/fraudulent use of certificates/reproduction or forgery of certificates
  • Withholding of information from WSET, which is critical to maintaining the rigor of quality assurance
  • Submission of false or inaccurate information to gain a qualification
  • Cheating, including the use of unauthorized devices or materials
  • Disruptive behavior in an exam
  • Plagiarism of any nature by students
  • Impersonation (including forgery of signatures)
  • Any action likely to lead to an adverse effect
  • Unauthorized reading/amendment/copying/distribution of exam papers
  • Infringement of WSET copyright, trademarks, intellectual property rights, and brand identity

Slate Wine & Spirits Academy takes malpractice and maladministration very seriously. If malpractice or maladministration is identified, Slate Wine & Spirits Academy will consider its impact and may apply sanctions accordingly. Slate Wine & Spirits Academy will take all reasonable steps to ensure that students and staff who are affected by malpractice or maladministration through no fault of their own are not disadvantaged. However, in some cases, it may be necessary to disallow or withhold results and/or certificates. 

Sanctions applicable to students or candidates may include, but are not limited to, the following: 

  • Written Warning: The student is issued a written warning stating that if the offense is repeated within a set period of time, then further specified sanctions will be applied. 
  • Exam Result Declared Null and Void: A student’s exam result is disallowed. This may include invalidation and recall of a certificate already issued. 
  • Disqualification from a Qualification: The student is disqualified from participating in the concerned qualification with immediate effect and further excluded from participating in any further WSET qualifications for a period of 12 months. This includes access to WSET materials. 
  • Student Disqualification: The learner is disqualified from participating in any courses or assessments leading to WSET qualifications. This includes access to WSET materials. 
  • Disqualification from use of WSET certified logos and post-nominals: Actions bringing WSET into disrepute may result in the student or graduate being – disqualified from all use of WSET certified logos and post-nominals.

Sanctions applicable to Slate Wine & Spirits Academy’s staff may include, but are not limited to, the following: 

  • Written Warning: The staff member is issued a written warning stating that if the offense is repeated within a set period of time, then further specified sanctions will be applied.
  • Suspension of Duties: Staff member will be suspended from conducting any and all duties related to their role within Slate Wine & Spirits Academy.
  • Permanent Removal: A permanent removal of the staff member from all Slate Wine & Spirits Academy activities.

However, if a student or member of Slate Wine & Spirits Academy’s staff believes they have been adversely affected by or have been witness to an incident of malpractice or maladministration, please refer to the complaints policy detailed within these policies.