Orvanta Open College
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to protect the integrity, transparency, and credibility of Orvanta Open College’s operations by ensuring that all actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest are identified, declared, and managed appropriately.
Scope
This policy applies to:
All staff, contractors, assessors, internal quality assurers (IQAs), and management of Orvanta Open College.
All learners enrolled on programmes delivered by the College.
Any external partners, associates, or stakeholders engaged with the College’s activities.
Policy Statement
Orvanta Open College is committed to maintaining the highest standards of fairness, objectivity, and impartiality in all areas of operation. Staff and learners must avoid situations where personal interests conflict, or could reasonably be perceived to conflict, with their professional duties and responsibilities.
Conflicts of interest can arise where:
An assessor is related to, or has a close personal relationship with, a learner.
A staff member stands to benefit personally or financially from decisions made by the College.
External business interests could compromise the impartiality of assessment or decision-making.
Personal loyalties, beliefs, or activities influence professional judgement.
Responsibilities
All staff, contractors, and learners are responsible for declaring actual or potential conflicts of interest immediately.
Assessors and IQAs must ensure that assessment decisions remain free from bias or favouritism.
Line Managers and the Quality Assurance Team must record, monitor, and mitigate declared conflicts.
The Centre Director has overall responsibility for ensuring this policy is implemented and upheld.
Conflict of Interest Procedure
Declaration – All staff and contractors must complete a Conflict of Interest Declaration Form on appointment and update it annually, or whenever a new conflict arises.
Notification – Any emerging conflict must be reported in writing to the Quality Assurance Team immediately.
Review – The Quality Assurance Team will review the declaration and decide whether the conflict can be managed, or whether reassignment is required.
Action – Measures may include: Reallocation of assessment or IQA duties.
Restriction from involvement in specific decisions.
Enhanced monitoring to ensure impartiality.
Record-Keeping – All conflicts will be recorded in the Conflict of Interest Register, which will be reviewed annually.
Non-Compliance
Failure to declare a conflict of interest may be considered misconduct and may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or referral to the awarding body.
Monitoring and Review
The Conflict of Interest Register will be maintained by the Quality Assurance Team.
Trends and risks will be reviewed annually to strengthen College governance.
This policy will be reviewed on an annual basis or earlier if required by regulatory or awarding body changes.
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