Contents

Introduction

The aim of the Plagiarism, Collusion and Cheating Policy is to reduce incidents that may negatively affect centre risk ratings and qualification integrity. The policy helps staff and learners understand what constitutes plagiarism, collusion, and cheating, while promoting fair assessment practices and reducing the risk of malpractice investigations.

Scope

This policy applies to all staff members and registered learners at BCM Academy Ltd who are involved in the delivery, assessment, or completion of qualifications and units.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the use of another person’s work while changing words or structure without acknowledging the original source. BCM Academy Ltd uses assessment controls and quality assurance processes to identify plagiarism during assessment and EQA reviews.

Common examples of plagiarism include copying information from the internet, using another learner’s work, providing false references, copying text without citation, or receiving inappropriate assistance from family or friends during assessment preparation.

BCM Academy Ltd ensures that learners and staff have access to this policy to support awareness, encourage academic honesty, and reduce unintended breaches caused by poor planning or misunderstanding.

Collusion

Collusion occurs when two or more individuals intentionally work together and submit work that is not entirely their own. It is considered a form of plagiarism where learners knowingly cooperate inappropriately during assessments.

Examples include learners sharing information that leads to identical work submissions, allowing others to copy work, or revealing answers during examinations to provide an unfair advantage.

Cheating

Cheating is the deliberate intention to gain an unfair advantage by presenting another person’s work or assistance as one’s own. BCM Academy Ltd ensures safeguards are in place to protect both learners and staff during examinations and assessments.

Examples of cheating include accessing examination materials before an assessment, impersonating another learner, receiving unauthorised help from assessors or tutors, copying another person’s work, using mobile phones during examinations, or accepting assistance from others during assessments.