Conflicts of Interest
DAIS-POL-004
Conflicts of Interest Policy
Data and AI School of London, NCFE Approved Centre
Policy Owner: Head of Centre
Version: 1.0 | Date: April 2026 | Review: April 2027
NCFE Risk Level: High
Mode of Delivery: Fully Online
4.1 Purpose and Scope
This policy ensures that all staff involved in the delivery, assessment, and quality assurance of NCFE qualifications act with integrity and impartiality. It applies to all staff including online tutors, assessors, IQAs, and administrative staff with access to learner records.
4.2 Definition
A conflict of interest exists when a member of staff:
Has a personal relationship with a learner (e.g. family member, close friend, or romantic partner)
Has a financial interest in a learner's outcome
Has a professional relationship outside the centre that creates an imbalance of influence
Is being assessed themselves on the same qualification they are assessing
Has social media connections with learners that compromise professional boundaries
4.3 Declaration Requirements
All staff involved in delivery, assessment, and IQA must complete a Conflicts of Interest Declaration annually at the start of each academic year, and immediately upon becoming aware of a new potential conflict. Declarations are submitted digitally through the staff portal and stored securely by the Compliance Manager.
4.4 Managing Declared Conflicts
Where a conflict is declared, the Head of Centre will:
1. Assess whether the conflict creates a genuine risk to assessment integrity.
2. Where a risk exists, remove the affected staff member from assessing or quality-assuring the work of the learner concerned.
3. Arrange for the learner's work to be assessed and quality-assured by an independent staff member.
4. Record the conflict and action taken in the Conflicts of Interest Register.
5. Notify NCFE where required by their Conflicts of Interest Policy.
4.5 Digital and Social Media Boundaries
Staff must not connect with or follow learners on personal social media accounts during the learner's enrolment period. All communications with learners must be conducted through the school's official channels. Pre-existing social media connections must be declared and managed under this policy.
4.6 Consequences of Non-Declaration
Failure to declare a known conflict of interest is a serious breach of this policy and will be addressed through the school's disciplinary procedure. Depending on the nature and impact, it may also be reported to NCFE as potential malpractice under Policy 10.
4.7 Records
The Compliance Manager maintains a digital Conflicts of Interest Register recording all declarations, outcomes, and actions taken. The register is retained for a minimum of 3 years and is available to NCFE upon request.
This policy is reviewed annually. Next review: April 2027. Approved by: Head of Centre. © Data and AI School of London, April 2026. NCFE Approved Centre.