Conflict of interest policy (Education)

Introduction 

Conflict of interest in an assessment is when a tutor or member of staff has a personal interest (good or bad) in the outcome of an assessment. This is seen to pose a risk to the integrity of assessment. 

No member of staff should be solely involved in the supervision, assessment, examination or internal verification of a student or group of students where there is a close personal relationship. (This is defined as a family relationship, personal partnership, civil partnership or marriage.  The term may also apply to close personal friendship, business partnership or association.) 

Declaration 

A member of staff that finds themselves in this situation must notify the Course Director/Co-ordinator or head of Education department immediately. Failure to declare a conflict of interest may result in disciplinary action following RBGE staff conduct and disciplinary policies.  

The Course Director/Co-ordinator or head of Education department will review the conflict of interest and make alternative arrangements for the assessment. These should be agreed and upheld for the duration of the student’s enrolment with RBGE. 

Record Keeping 

The Course director/Co-ordinator or head of Education department must keep a record and inform any external awarding body adhering to the policies and procedures of that body as soon as reasonably possible. For example SQA, University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow and RHS.