Purpose and Scope
TESS Group is committed to maintaining the integrity and credibility of apprenticeship qualifications and assessments. This policy sets out our definitions of cheating and plagiarism, our approach to prevention, and the procedures we follow when malpractice is suspected or identified.
The policy applies to all apprentices, learners, staff, and anyone involved in assessment activities with TESS Group.
Our Values and Approach
We Believe In:
- Prevention - Supporting apprentices to understand academic integrity and develop good study practices from the outset
- Sympathetic Treatment - Recognising that vulnerable or inexperienced learners may unintentionally breach academic integrity, and handling such cases with understanding
- Fair Investigation - Conducting thorough, impartial investigations and giving the accused opportunity to respond
- Supportive Process - Viewing investigation and disciplinary processes as opportunities to educate and support learning, not solely to punish
Definitions
Cheating
Cheating is gaining an unfair advantage in assessment through any unauthorised means, including but not limited to:
- Using unauthorised materials, notes, or technology during assessment
- Submitting work completed by another person (including work purchased from online services, ghost-written work, or output from AI generative platforms without acknowledgement)
- Receiving assistance or answers from another person during assessment
- Attempting to communicate with others during controlled assessment
- Misrepresenting your own work as assessment
- Submitting the same work for assessment twice without permission
Malpractice
Malpractice is any conduct that disrupts the fair and equal opportunity for all learners to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and understanding. This can include cheating, plagiarism, and other breaches of assessment regulations.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is presenting work created by another person as your own without proper acknowledgement. This includes:
- Copying text, ideas, or concepts from books, journals, websites, or other sources without citing the source
- Paraphrasing or rewriting others' work without acknowledgement
- Using work generated by AI tools (ChatGPT, generative AI platforms, etc.) without clear disclosure and proper attribution
- Downloading essays or assignments from online essay mills or homework sites
- Copying from another student's work
- Submitting work that is substantially similar to another student's work
Important: Intentional vs Unintentional Plagiarism
TESS Group recognises the distinction between:
- Intentional plagiarism - Deliberately passing off others' work as your own, knowing it is wrong
- Unintentional plagiarism - Failing to properly cite or acknowledge sources due to misunderstanding of citation rules, poor academic practice, or lack of awareness
While both are breaches of academic integrity, unintentional plagiarism is typically handled more supportively, with an emphasis on education and developing proper referencing skills.
Acceptable Use of AI and Digital Tools
The use of artificial intelligence and generative AI tools in education is evolving. TESS Group permits the use of AI tools in some contexts but not others:
Where AI Tools Are Generally Permitted
- As a learning and research aid to understand concepts, explore ideas, or generate initial thoughts (clearly disclosed as AI assistance)
- For grammar and spell-checking to improve written work
- To generate structure or outline ideas that you then develop substantially in your own words
- As specified in assignment guidance from your assessor
Where AI Tools Are NOT Permitted
- Submitting AI-generated work as your own without disclosure
- Using AI to produce the majority of assessment output without substantial personal contribution
- Using AI where assessment specifically requires you to demonstrate your own knowledge or skills
- Using AI during controlled or supervised assessments unless explicitly permitted
Best Practice with AI
If you use AI tools in your work:
- Be transparent - disclose that you have used AI assistance
- Cite the tool - note the specific AI platform used (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot)
- Show your contribution - make clear what you generated yourself and what came from AI
- Check quality - AI output can contain errors; verify accuracy and relevance
- Add value - use AI as a tool to support your own thinking, not replace it
Academic Integrity Principles
Academic integrity is about honesty and responsibility in your learning. It means:
- Honesty - Submitting work that is genuinely your own (or clearly acknowledged collaboration)
- Responsibility - Taking responsibility for your learning and for understanding referencing and citation requirements
- Respect - Respecting the intellectual property of others by properly acknowledging sources
- Fairness - Contributing to a fair assessment environment where all learners play by the same rules
Prevention and Support
Stage 1: Prevention
TESS Group takes proactive steps to prevent cheating and plagiarism:
- Clear Guidance - All apprentices receive clear guidance on what constitutes academic malpractice and why it matters
- Study Skills Support - Training on effective study approaches, note-taking, paraphrasing, and understanding others' ideas
- Referencing Training - Induction and ongoing support on how to properly cite and reference sources (Harvard, APA, or other systems as required)
- AI Guidance - Clear guidance on when and how AI tools can be used, and how to disclose AI assistance appropriately
- Assessment Design - Assessments designed to promote original thinking and make plagiarism more difficult
- Regular Reminders - Posters, newsletters, and toolkits to keep academic integrity in focus
Support for Learners
Apprentices and learners have access to:
- One-to-one support with study skills and referencing
- Workshops on academic integrity and plagiarism prevention
- Support for learners with English as a second language
- Access to learning support for those with identified needs (dyslexia, etc.)
- Guidance on managing workload and time to reduce pressure that leads to malpractice
Procedures for Dealing with Suspected Malpractice
Stage 2: Formal Investigation
Step 1: Report and Documentation
When suspected cheating or plagiarism is identified, it is reported immediately to the Senior Manager responsible for assessment. The concern is documented with details of what was suspected, when it was noticed, and any evidence.
Step 2: Notification
The apprentice or learner is informed that a concern has been raised. They are told:
- What is alleged
- Why it is considered a breach of academic integrity
- What evidence exists
- Their right to respond and present their case
Step 3: Response and Investigation
The apprentice or learner is given the opportunity to respond to the allegation. They may:
- Provide their account of what happened
- Explain any misunderstanding
- Provide evidence in their defence
- Request support from an advocate or representative
A thorough investigation is conducted, which may include comparing work with sources, checking originality, or seeking specialist advice.
Step 4: Meeting and Decision
A meeting is held with the apprentice or learner to discuss the investigation findings. They have the right to bring an advocate or support person. The outcome is discussed, and if malpractice is found, the learner is informed of the sanctions.
Step 5: Right to Appeal
If found to have committed malpractice, the learner has the right to appeal the decision if they believe it is unfair or not supported by evidence.
Sanctions and Consequences
Serious Consequences
Cheating and plagiarism are serious breaches of academic integrity. Depending on the severity and circumstances, sanctions may include:
| Severity |
Examples |
Possible Sanctions |
| Minor / First Offence |
Unintentional plagiarism, poor referencing, minimal copying |
Warning, requirement to resubmit work with proper citations, loss of credit for assignment, educational intervention |
| Moderate |
Significant plagiarism, copying from another student, submitting AI work without disclosure |
Loss of credit for unit/module, disciplinary meeting, potential suspension from assessment |
| Severe / Repeated |
Purchasing essays, systematic cheating, repeated offences after warning |
Disqualification from qualification, termination of apprenticeship, referral to Awarding Organisation as malpractice, potential legal action |
Additional Consequences
- Work may be deemed as void or disqualified from assessment
- The incident may be recorded on the apprentice's record
- In serious cases, the matter may be referred to law enforcement if theft of intellectual property is involved
- Employers may be informed if cheating occurs in workplace assessment
Reporting and Support
If You're Concerned About Your Work
If you're unsure whether your work might be seen as plagiarism or cheating, talk to your assessor or trainer immediately. It's much better to discuss concerns in advance than to face investigation later. You can:
- Ask for clarification on what constitutes plagiarism
- Get feedback on your referencing
- Discuss the appropriate level of AI use for your assignment
- Request support if you're struggling
If You Witness Malpractice
If you suspect another apprentice or learner of cheating or plagiarism, you can report your concern confidentially to TESS Group staff. All reports are taken seriously and investigated appropriately.
Compliance and Awarding Organisation Obligations
TESS Group is required to report suspected malpractice to the relevant Awarding Organisation or End-Point Assessment Organisation. Failure to follow correct procedures or failure to report malpractice could result in:
- Sanctions against TESS Group by the Awarding Organisation
- Suspension or withdrawal of our permission to deliver qualifications
- Harm to the reputation and credibility of qualifications we offer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it plagiarism if I use an idea from a book but put it in my own words?
If you've changed the wording but not acknowledged the original source, yes, this is plagiarism. Even if you paraphrase, you must cite the original author. The rule is: cite any idea that is not your own, whether quoted directly or paraphrased.
Can I use AI to help with my assignment?
This depends on the assignment and your assessor's guidance. If permitted, you can use AI to explore ideas, generate outlines, or check grammar. However, you must disclose your use of AI and make clear what is your own thinking. You cannot submit AI-generated text as your own work.
What if I accidentally plagiarised something?
Accidental plagiarism is still a breach of academic integrity, but TESS Group recognises it's often unintentional, particularly for learners new to academic writing. If you realise you've accidentally plagiarised, inform your assessor immediately. Coming forward proactively will typically result in a more sympathetic outcome than being discovered during investigation.
What happens if I'm found guilty of malpractice?
This depends on the severity. For minor, unintentional breaches, you may be asked to resubmit work or lose marks. For serious or repeated malpractice, you could be disqualified from the qualification or have your apprenticeship terminated. The Awarding Organisation will also be notified.
Review and Updates
This policy is reviewed annually to ensure it remains relevant and reflects current guidance on academic integrity, emerging technology (including AI), and best practice. Updates are communicated to all apprentices and staff.
Last Updated: March 2026 | Next Review: March 2027
