Privacy Policy
The Aim
The aim of this document is to explain the assessment process and the actions that Certigates
will follow. The assessment of learner work is broken down into three parts:
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- The Marking – The initial marking of learner work by an assessor
- Internal verification – The check of an assessors marking by an internal verifier
- External Verification – The check of the learner work and all related documents by an external verifier appointed by the awarding body.
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The Marking
The learner work is initially marked by an assessor appointed by Certigates. This may be an
academic employed or contracted to carry out the marking of the learner work. The assessor
will refer to the relevant awarding body specification document and mark against the learning
outcomes and criteria relevant to the specific assessment. The marker will grade the learner
work and give examples to demonstrate the grade awarded.
Internal Verification
Internal verification is the review of the marking, grade and feedback given by a marker to
learner work. The internal verifier will check that the marker has sufficiently identified that the
learning outcomes and criteria has been met by the learner. In the event the marking is
insufficient, the internal verifier will record the finding and feedback to the marker. Additional
reviews will then take place within timescales as agreed by the internal verifier and marker.
Should the marking be found adequate the internal verifier and marker will review, agree and
record the results in a minuted meeting.
External Verification
External verification is the review of learner work by an external verifier appointed by an
awarding body. To start the process, Certifika will download and complete the relevant
results sheet found on the awarding body portal. The result sheet is the opportunity for
Certigates to submit the learner grades awarded by their assessors.
Upon receipt the awarding body will appoint an external verifier. The external verifier will
request all learner work from the centre and then choose the work to be reviewed. The
amount of learner work reviewed is dependent upon the number of learners submitted for
certification. The ratio covers 10+ 10% of learner work. The purpose to cover the whole
qualification. The results are provided to the centre, ie, Certigates by way of a report.Learners that successfully pass the qualification will be awarded a certificate. Should a
learner not pass one or more assessment, they will be awarded a transcript of all
assignments acheived. Transcipts and/or certificates will be posted Certigates by the awarding
body. The external verification process can take upto 28 days.
Documents requested by an External Verifier
The following is a list of documents likely to be requested by the external verifier. The list is
not exhaustive and the external verificator may request additional documents.
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- All learner work
- Sample plan
- Internal Verification Policy
- Statement of Authentiity
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Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that assessments are valid, reliable, and consistent with the standards set by the relevant Awarding Body. The aim is to ensure decisions made by assessors are accurate and consistent for the same qualification for all learners and are applied fairly and consistently to meet awarding body requirements.
Scope
This policy applies to all courses offered by Certigates where assessment for certification by relevant Awarding Bodies is required. The policy covers the recording of accurate marking and internal verification to meet thecriteria set by the awarding body ATHE with whom the Certigates is accredited.
Introduction
Certigates will ensure that assessment criteria established by ATHE is met; that standards are applied and the integrity of the assessment process is quality assured using a verification process.Verification is a process designed to ensure the quality of delivery and assessment of all courses is established and in place. It ensures all learners who undertake the same qualification are assessed fairly and consistently to the specified standards set by the Awarding Body.
Assessment – Marking
The assessment and marking of assignments is the responsiblity of Certigates. All markers have been approved by the awarding body to assess learner work. Marking is the first stage of the assessment process.
Assessment – Internal Verification
The Internal Verifier (IV) is a process responsible for ensuring the suitable assessment of learner work has taken place by the marker. The IV should ensure that the chosen assessment is practicable. A valid assessment is one that is designed to allow candidates to produce evidence to show that they have the required knowledge, understanding and skills for the qualification they are aiming for. All assessments are provided by the awarding body. Assignments and the relevant specification document gives details of the learning outcomes and assessment criteria for each assignment.
Standardisation Exercises
The assessment of learner assignments and the assessor judgements must be accurate and consistent across all learner work. Standardisation is an important part of the assessment process and is designed to ensure accuracy of making and the erradication of differences. By conducting standardisation exercises Certigates is able to identify any discrepancies that may exist between assessors.
Standardisation exercises are carried out periodically in the assessment process. The internal verifier (IV) will meet with assessor(s) that have marked common pieces of learner work. The purpose to discuss the decision and marks awarded for learner work. The IV will be responsible for recording any conclusions made during the meeting and disseminate to assessors.
Sampling Assessment Decisions and Candidate Evidence
The IV must select a sample of learner work to check that each assessor is making
consistent decisions in line with awarding body standards. The IV will take a representative
sample of the learner work and check the assessor judgmenst are correct. The sampling
process is ongoing to ensure decisions are accurate and consistent between markers.
Learner work is sampled to ensure:
1.Assessments have been carried out in accordance with the unit specification
2. All assessors are assessing to the same standard
3.Feedback is appropriate and aids the learner
4.The outcomes of internal verification is fed back to the assessors and used to refine assessment. All assessment that leads to certification must be sampled and signed off by the IV before results are sent to the Awarding Body. This is carried out upon the satisfaction of the IV ofthe assessment decisions, and once any corrective action has been completed. The IV must sign off assessments by countersigning the assessor marksheet.
Number of Learners – Sample Size
Each learner will have a minimum of 1-2 assignments internally verified with the aim to cover
the whole qualification. An example is as follows:
Assignments per qualification of 8. Two learners will have 4 assignments internally verified.In contrast 8 learners with a qualification assignment of 8 will have 1 assignment per learner internally verified. The purpose to cover the whole qualification.
Maintaining Assessment and Verification Records
Certigates is committed to accurately recording internal verification activity and to secure
storage of assessment and verification records securely. All documents are made available
to the External Verifier appointed by ATHE.
Post-Delivery Verification
Assessors and the internal verifiers meet quarterly to discuss assessments and any
changes. This ensures a consistent approach.
Introduction
Plagiarism is the passing off or attempting to pass off another person’s work as your own. It includes copying words, ideas, images or research results of another without
acknowledgement or reference. In the academic field an example of plagiarism is to copy the work of another learner or to include an article without crediting the author.
Plagiarism can undermine a learner’s integrity, research and the assessment process. The following guidance explains what is meant by plagiarism, and includes preventative measures.
Avoiding plagiarism
Students whom register with Certifika automatically consent to their work being checked for plagiarism. Certifika will electronically submit leaner work for review. The plagiarism software used by Certifika is Turnitin. Should Turnitin not be accessible for any reason an alternative
software will be used of the same standard.
The purpose of the plagiarism check is to ensure learner work does not contain sections that
match another’s’ work.Learner work is meant to be original to the learner and should include reference to source
material.
Learners are requested to observe the following guidelines:
● Copied or quoted material from another source including electronic sources such as
the internet, must be in quotation marks and attributed to the original author.
Learners must acknowledge the source and give full details, such as the author, date,
page number.
● Synthesising work of others involves the learner using the ideas of another in their
words. This is acceptable but acknowledgement of the source must be made. This
can be done in a number of ways depending on the context. For example: ‘Hart
(2003, 52) maintains that…’ ‘Hart (2003, 52) provides evidence for..’: ‘It is argued, or
submitted by Hart (2003, 52) that…’ The learner must give the source of the original
work.
● Full citations are not expected. Learners must indicate general indebtedness and
always credit any quotations used to remember.
Academic Appeal PolicAs an academic provider of learning Certifeka is duty bound to
provide a means by which learners are able to appeal against an assessment decision. The
aim of this document is to detail the mechanism by which an appeal against assessments
can be made.
Right to Appeal
The appeal process is available to all learners. The following are the circumstances which a
learner can appeal. They are for:
● A grade awarded for any piece of work that contributes to the final grade
● A grade awarded which may affect a learners transfer/progression opportunities
between courses or level of courses
● A final year/course grade
Grounds for Appeal
Learners can appeal against any aspect of an assessment decision. However, it is expected
that student’s would normally appeal against the following:
● That parts of the documented procedures have disadvantaged the learner to a
degree which has materially affected the decision/recommendation made, rendering
it unsound.
● The lack of opportunity to show examples of competency against the assessment
criteria/and or national academic standards.
● That the decision-making body took a decision which no reasonable person
would find comprehensible. Note that a disagreement with the decision does not
make it incorrect. To apply this ground, learners must provide substantive
argumentation as to why no reasonable person could have arrived at the decision
that was made.
● The prejudice or bias of an assessor, which can be proven.
Invalid Grounds for Appeal
The following circumstances will not be considered grounds for appeal:
● Perceived shortcomings in tuition, supervision or support not previously raised with
the college cannot be considered as grounds for appeal. Concerns relating to the
quality of teaching or supervision, or other circumstances that relate to the delivery of
a program must be raised under the Complaints Policy.
● An Appeal may not be made to question the academic judgment. A learner’s feeling
that the result unfairly reflects the merit of their work or their ability is not a ground of
appeal.
● An Appeal may not be made against the actual mark awarded for a piece of
assessed work, which is a matter of academic judgment, except where the case rests
on a claim of procedural irregularity.
● Errors in calculating or recording marks on the basis of which the original decisions
made cannot be submitted as grounds for appeal, unless these errors have been
identified by the leaner and brought to the attention of the college.
Submission of Appeals
Appeals will only be accepted if submitted within one calendar month of the learner receiving
notification of their result. Only written cases, made clearly and comprehensibly using the
below form, will be accepted. There may be times when a student submits an appeal, the
subject of which is actually a complaint, or vice versa. In these cases, the college may
decide to reclassify the appeal or complaint, at whatever stage of the procedure that has
been reached, and the college will inform the student of this. The procedure for an Appeal is
shown inschedule
1 of the chart below. Forms to be completed are found at schedule
2.(Schedule 1)
Stage 1
Learner to discuss grade/mark awarded with the assessor. Recorded at stage 1.
Timescale: Submitted no later than 5 working days from the assessment decision.
Assessor to compile a written response based on competence needed to gain grade and
send to the learner.
Timescale: Response sent no later than 5 working days from receipt of the initial appeal.
Stage 2
Internal verifier will review all evidence and assessment records. The learner is informed
orally and in writing of the proposed decision.
Timescale: Draft decision to be sent to the learner within 5 working days.
If no resolution is found the appeal is referred to an appeal panel. Both parties can submit
details to the panel. The awarding body is informed of the referral to the appeals panel.
Stage 3
The appeal panel will convene. The panel will consist of an academic, internal verifier and
the program head.
Learner and assessor are invited to representations to the appeal panel.
Timescale: Appeal panel review and decision conveyed no longer than 14 working days.
The matter is reviewed and final decision made. Learner and assessor informed of decision.
Awarding body advised of decision. If the learner is still dissatisfied they will be provided with
the contact details of the appropriate awarding body. The college will make all documents
available to the awarding body as requested.
Complaints Policy
Overview
Certifeka seeks to always provide the highest possible levels of service but also recognises
that in doing so, there may be times when this falls short of student’s expectations. In these
instances, the focus is on finding an acceptable outcome. All complaints are taken seriously
and will be investigated according to the procedures laid down.
Any student who makes a complaint shall not be disadvantaged in any way and the
complaint will be undertaken by Certifeka impartially and without bias. Privacy andconfidentiality will be maintained throughout the process and each case will be considered
on its own merits and taking into account:
● The seriousness of the issue raised
● The credibility of the concern
● The likelihood of confirming the issue from attributable sources.
Aims
Certifeka committed to ensure the complaints procedure will:
- Make the process open and transparent
- Place the emphasis on prompt resolution
- Not apportioning blame
- Take forward all reasonable complaints made
- Ensure that complaints are quickly rectified
- Ensure learners are supported during the complaint procedure
- Collect equality data on complaints for monitoring purposes (through confidential
means)
(Schedule 1)
Informal Process – Stage 1
Complaint sent to Learner to discuss grade/mark awarded with the assessor. Recorded at
stage 1.
Timescale: Submitted no later than 5 working days from the assessment decision.
Assessor to compile a written response based on competence needed to gain grade and
sent to the learner.
Timescale: Response sent no later than 5 working days from receipt of the initial appeal.
Stage 2
I nternal verifier will review all evidence and assessment records. The learner is informed
orally and in writing of the proposed decision.
Timescale: Draft decision to be sent to the learner within 5 working days.
If no resolution learner the appeal is referred to an appeal panel. Both parties can submit
details to the panel. The awarding body is informed of the necessity of the review by the
appeals panel.
Stage 3
The appeal panel will convene and consist of an appointed academic, internal verifier and
program head.
Learner and assessor invited to make appeal to panel.Final decision made. Learner and assessor informed of decision. Awarding body advised of
decision.
Introduction
Certifeka is committed to ensure learners are treated fairly throughout the learning process
and seeks to eliminate discriminatory behaviour.
The aim of the policy is to ensure all Certifeka’s stakeholders including; directors,
employees, and learners who interact with our centre understand how conflict of interest is
managed.
Certifeka ensures guidance is given through training to management, staff, and learners
about how to deal with any potential conflicts of interest that arise.
Conflict of Interest – Definition
Certifeka defines a conflict of interest as a position where an individual or organisation has
competing interests or loyalties. In such cases a conflict will arise that may potentially
influence decisions, so they become invalid. A conflict can arise in a variety of circumstances
and can be found in a variety of ways.
Conflict of Interest – Examples
Examples where a conflict of interest may occur are shown below. The list is not exhaustive.
● When an individual is contracted by Certifeka to work on its behalf but has competing
and/or other interests in a separate organisation(s) which are directly or indirectly
pertinent to the work of Certifeka.
● Where an individual has a position in another organisation and may seek to influence
decisions at Certifeka for financial and/or personal reward.
● Where the learner is known to the tutor/centre on a personal level and will gain an
advantage from being known.
Conflict of Interest – Approach
The Conflict of Interest Policy provides for a three-fold approach:
● Disclosure of the conflict to those involved
● Manage the conflict
● Prohibit the activity where necessaryRecognising and Managing Conflicts of Interest
Certifeka recognises that a conflict or potential conflict that is identified will need to be
managed effectively.
● All individuals involved in the management, delivery, quality assurance or promotion of the qualifications offered by Certifeka will need to read the Conflicts of Interest Policy.
● Individuals employed or contracted will expressly confirm to adhere to the policy.
● Individuals are responsible to disclose any potential or actual conflict to the head of centre. The potential or actual conflict will be held on file.
Managers
● Manager must ensure all individuals employed or contracted sign a declaration stating any potential Conflict of Interest that has or may occur when they enter into a contract with Certifeka.
● Certifeka does not discourage staff to study a qualification at the centre. However, the centre must be informed when this takes place, and should explain how the assessment and internal quality assurance processes will be managed.
● Staff at Certifeka with a financial interest in the outcome of assessment, such as directors and shareholders should not normally make assessment or internal quality assurance decisions at he centre. If they have a role in the centre as internal quality
assurer, or assessor this must be declared to the EQA at the health check and/or monitoring and development visit by the awarding body.
Responsible Officer
● The Responsible Officer will report any actual or likely conflicts of interest to the
Board and to the regulatory authorities as necessary.
● All cases of actual or likely conflicts of interest will be checked and/or investigated
and a judgement and/or report will be produced as appropriate.
Conflicts of interest – Awarding Body
The awarding body will require all centres to have policies on conflicts of interest which will
be checked during the health check process. The awarding body expects centres to
implement the policy which will be checked as part of the monitoring and development visits.
Guidance will be provided by the awarding body if requested by the centre.
- 1. Introduction
Certifeka is committed to ensuring the establishment of a culture and environment in which learners, staff and visitors understand and embrace the principles and practices of equality and diversity.
In addition, Certifeka seek to ensure that all learners are able to maximise their potential and do not face any unfair barriers. The college will therefore college will not tolerate discriminatory behaviour with respect to any of the following protected characteristics of Equity Law. - Age
- Race
- Gender reassignment
- Religion or belief
- Marital status
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
- Disability
- Pregnancy and Maternity
2. Aims
Certifeka will continually develop strategies and procedures to tackle varying forms of
discrimination, unfair treatment and barriers which may occur.
These will broadly fit into the following categories:
● Direct discrimination – where a person in not treated equally due to any of the
categories listed above.
● Indirect discrimination – where a requirement, situation or condition, which is applied
for all groups, has an adverse effect on one or more groups.
● Harassment – where someone is subjected to unwanted conduct, i.e. unwelcome
sexual attention or racial harassment.
● Victimisation – where someone is treated less favourable due to action taken against
others.
● Segregation – where someone is segregated due to his or her beliefs, attitudes or
opinions.
3. Roles and responsibilitiesIt is the duty of all individuals and groups associated with Certifeka to avoid discriminatory
practices themselves to condone and discourage discriminatory practices from others.
Certifeka will encourage those who wish to report instances of discrimination and provide a
confidential process by which all discriminatory matters can be dealt with by means of the
formal Grievance Procedures.
A designated Certifeka senior manager who will be responsible for Equality and Diversity
monitoring and the point of contact for those who may wish to discuss any discriminatory
practice informally in the first instance.
Certifeka will communicate Equality and Diversity in a variety of forms to all staff, learners,
potential applicants (staff and learners), contractors and collaborative partners. Certifeka will
take action against anyone who is in breach of the Equality and Diversity Policy.
4. Learners
Certifeka will offer equity for access to all its courses and will encourage the recruitment of
students from the widest possible audience both nationally and internationally. Certifeka will
also offer flexibility of access to the curriculum by enabling students to enrol for both units of
programmes and full awards. This will be reinforced by:
● Marketing literature which is produced for all courses
● An admissions process which is sensitive and supportive to the needs of all students
which includes
● An enrolment process, which provides for assessment of learning support for those
students who may have special needs.
Regarding the curriculum, student progress and achievement will be monitored by the
course review process to ensure that equality of opportunity has taken place.
All materials used for distance learning study and assessment will be subject to evaluation
prior to issue to make sure that they do not contain anything which could be considered
discriminatory or offensive to individual students or groups.
5. Statistical Analysis
Equal opportunities statistical information will be provided to focus primarily on equal
opportunities statistics of those who register for the courses.
Documentation relevant to Equality and Diversity - Admissions Procedures
- Induction Procedures
- Assessment Policy
- Grievance Procedure
- Complaints Procedure
- Assessment Policy
- 1. Introduction
- Company Name: Certifeka Inc.
Company Address: Building 93, 2nd District, 5th Settlement, New Cairo, Cairo, Egypt.
United States: 2035 Sunset RD, Suite B-2, NEWARK, DE 19702
Introduction
Certifeka is committed to upholding the privacy of its learners and employees and conforming towards the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). To achieve this commitment, information about our learners, employees and other clients, contacts and other stakeholders must be collected and used fairly, stored safely and not unlawfully
disclosed to any other person or third party. It should be clear why the data has been collected and how it will be used.
It is a policy to make as much information public as possible and in particular the following information will be available to the public. - Names of our Directors
- Photographs of key staff
- List of staff
- Learner performance data
Principles
Certifeka, its staff and others who process or use any personal information must ensure that
they follow the data protection principles set out in the GDPR. Certifeka will ensure that the
following is adhered to pertaining to Data.
● Be obtained and processed fairly and lawfully
● Be obtained for a specified and lawful purpose and shall not be processed in any
manner incompatible with that purpose
● Be adequate, relevant and not excessive for those purposes
● Be accurate and kept up-to-date
● Not be kept longer than is necessary for that purpose
● Be processed in accordance with the data subject rights
● Be kept safe from unauthorised access, accidental loss or destruction
● Not be transferred to a country outside the European Economic area, unless that
country has equivalent levels of protection for personal data
Certigates will not release staff or learner data to third parties except to relevant statutory
bodies. In all other circumstances Certifeka will obtain the consent of the individuals
concerned before releasing personal data.Use of Personal Data
Certigates uses personal data to:
● Keep those who contact the centre up-to-date on news and stories about work at
Certigates
● Provide a personalised service, such as customised website content or personalised
emails
● Keep records of questions, suggestions, or complaints made by those who contact
Certigates
● Conduct market research to help understand our customers and the views they give.
Responsibilities
The management is responsible for the review and implementation of this policy.
The Principal and Senior Staff Members are responsible to ensure compliance of the policy
and to communicate the policy to all Certigates staff.
All staff are responsible for ensuring that any personal data held must be secure and to
ensure it is not disclosed to any unauthorised third party. All staff are responsible for
ensuring any personal data provided to Certigates is accurate and up-to-date.
All learners are responsible for ensuring that all personal data provided to Certigates is
accurate and up-to-date.
Use of personal data
Certigates may use the personal data collected to:
● Keep learners up-to-date on news and stories about work at Certigates.
● Provide a personalised service, such as customised website content or personalised
emails.
● Keep records of relationship with Certigates e.g. questions asked, suggestions or
complaints made by individuals.
● Conduct market research to aid understanding of customers and their views.
Consent
Certifeka will process learners and staff members personal data only upon consent given by
the individual. Preference may change at any time by contacting Certigates by telephone,
post or email as shown in the section ‘Learner rights and telling the college when things
change’ below.
Safety and duration of information Certigates will hold information only as long as deemed necessary and you have the right to
ask us to remove the data we hold about you. Our network is robustly protected from
unauthorised access and is routinely monitored.
Certigates ensure that access to personal data is restricted only to those staff members or
associates whose job roles require such access and that suitable training is provided for
these staff members and associates.
Certigates may make limited use from time to time of external companies to collect or process
personal data on behalf of our college. When done so, we carry out checks on these
companies, put in place contracts to make sure the college’s requirements are clear, and
carry out periodic reviews.
When external companies are used Certigates will remain responsible for the storing and
processing of learners personal data. Note however, the internet cannot be 100%
guaranteed and learners submit data at their own risk.
Personal information stored
Certigates uses cloud-based systems to process data. Certigates will take all reasonable
steps to ensure that your data is stored and processed securely in accordance with
this policy. By submitting personal data learners agree to the transfering, storing and
processing of information. Should sensitive personal data be requested by a third party
for whatever reason Certigates will seek the consent of the learner.
Credit / debit card security
Certigates may use a third party to process payments using cards. The third party will be
required to process in line with the GDPR and the Payment Card Industry Data Standards.
In addition, payment by the college will also be done so in accordance with the Payment
Card Industry Data Standards.
All card detailsare not stored upon completion of a payment. Bank details of learners are
kept and held securely.
Service providers and third parties
Associates may be asked to carry out tasks on behalf of Certigates, such as Learner
Verifications or Health Checks. These associates are bound by contract to protect learner
data and remain responsible for their actions.
Certigates may provide third parties with general information about users of the site. The
information is both aggregate and anonymous. However, Certigates may use IP address
information to identify a user.
Learner rights and telling the college when things change Certigates recognise a learner rights to have data removed, to be forgotten, to opt out of
communications or withdraw consent and to have a copy of personal data.
Request college to stop processing
Learners have the right to ask Certigates to erase personal data, to ask the college to restrict
processing or to object to the processing of a learners personal data. To do so learner will
need to write to the college with their request at: [email protected]
Rights of Access Information
Should learners want to exercise the right to request the information held about them please
write to the Access to Data Personal/Data Controller at [email protected]
will be sent the form at appendix 1.
Certigates will make a charge on each occasion that access is requested, although Certigates
has discretion to waive this. This charge will be automatically waived off for staff.
Certigates aims to comply with requests for access to personal information as quickly as
possible, but will ensure that it is provided within 21 days unless there is good reason for
delay. In such cases, the reason for delay will be explained in writing to the data subject
making the request.
Conclusion
Compliance with the DPA 1998 Act is the responsibility of all members of Certigates. Any
breach of the policy may lead to disciplinary action being taken, access to being Certigates
withdrawn, or even a criminal prosecution. Any questions or concerns about the
interpretation of this policy should be referred to your line manager.
Marketing
The marketing team coordinate a number of recruitment activities that span the full
Business Management Curriculum. Recruitment activities are ongoing through digital
marketing. Facebook, Instagram and internet visibility.In addition, the centre may host at
least one open event to encourage enrolments. Prospective learners are encouraged
to register their interest online and are welcome to refer friends and family members.
Learner Suitability
Learner who enquiry about a course will be given detailed information such as course
content, structure and entry requirements. Learners that register will be required to
complete an application form and provide evidence, if applicable, of previous studies
by way of certificates gained. The centre will review the learner’s eligibility to the entryrequirements of the course. Should a learner not meet the entry requirements they will be
advised to join an alternative foundation course.
Learners where English is a second language may be required to write a short paragraph
about themselves to assess their level of English.
Induction
Learners can join a course at any point. Upon joining learners will receive a welcome email
with login details to their own dedicated learner portal.
Learners are invited to an induction. The induction is an opportunity for Certifeka to explain;
how to access course material through their learner portal; how assignments are assessed,
how to submit assignment and availability of 1-2-1 tutor sessions.
Scope of the policy
This policy is aimed at all college learners of Certifeka, and staff who use any of the college products and services and who are involved in suspected or actual malpractice or maladministration.
The policy sets out how the centre should work to deal with reported, suspected or actual cases of malpractice and maladministration. It also identifies the college’s responsibilities in dealing with such cases and the steps that will be followed when reviewing such cases.
Definitions of Malpractice
For the purposes of this policy ‘Malpractice’ is defined as
“Any deliberate activity, neglect, default or other practice that compromises the integrity of the assessment process and/or the validity of certificates”
For the purposes of this policy it also includes some forms of misconduct and forms of unnecessary discrimination or bias towards certain groups or groups of learners.
Definition of Malpractice:
Malpractice is any activity – intentional or otherwise – that is likely to undermine the integrity essential to study and research. It includes;
plagiarism,
collusion,
fabrication or falsification of results,
anything else that could result in unearned or undeserved credit for
those committing it.
Predominantly academic malpractice can result from a deliberate act of cheating or may
be committed unintentionally. Whether intended or not, all incidents of academic malpractice will be treated seriously by the college.
Safeguards:
Wherever practicable assessment tasks and topics will vary periodically.
Assessment will focus on demonstration of the understanding of
knowledge rather than the relatively straightforward repetition of such knowledge.
Learners will be asked to submit a draft or outline of major pieces of work; this allows useful formative feedback, helps Certifeka assessors the opportunity to identify possible plagiarism, and help to combat plagiarism from the internet.
All assignments issued to Distance Learning learners will require that they sign a declaration that it is the learners own work. This will be countersigned by a designated mentor.
Wherever practicable assignments will be submitted for electronic scrutiny using the plagiarism detection systems (usually ‘Turnitin’) to check for passages found elsewhere on the web, in books and journals or in work submitted previously. The college will inform learners of this procedure as needed.
The college will give learner clear guidance on the appropriate styles of referencing, the need for bibliographies and their layout, etc.
A single instance of the copying or close paraphrasing of two or three sentences of perhaps no more than 50 words in total of someone else’s material, without direct acknowledgement, or the reproduction of a single unacknowledged diagram should not necessarily be regarded as plagiarism. These might better be described as ‘poor academic practice’, rather than malpractice. In such cases, learners should be informed why they fall below the standards required, and should then be penalized accordingly through appropriate assessment criteria, which explicitly mention the need for the use of quotation marks, referencing and the provision of a full bibliography.
Before reporting suspected instances of collusion, the college will check with the learners concerned, at the earliest opportunity, that they have properly understood what is required of them in terms of the submission or presentation of assignments. In cases where misunderstandings have apparently occurred, a request for resubmission or re-presentation would probably be the most appropriate form of action.
Investigation
Initial response
Where a centre discovers any irregularity in internally assessed work, they will be expected to have robust policies in place and reference the actions they will take should malpractice in learner work be identified for example a refusal to accept learner work for assessment purposes.
The verifiers who discover or suspect malpractice in assessments when visiting centres, or when sampling learner evidence record their findings, including supporting evidence in full in their report. The centre is given initial oral feedback on the findings and the contents of the report. The centre is also informed that the report will be sent to the Head of Quality and Assessment or Centre Head at the college for final checking and approval. In such cases the college will formally write to the Head of Centre and request information so that an investigation into the malpractice and appropriate action can be undertaken.
Procedures
In conducting an investigation the college will follow the below procedures:
Inform the learner in writing at the earliest opportunity of the nature of the alleged or suspected malpractice, of the procedures that will be followed, and the possible penalties if malpractice is proved
Undertake an investigation of the allegation or suspicion
Provide the learner with an opportunity to contest or refute the allegation or suspicion, either in writing, or at a hearing, or both
Allow the learner to be accompanied by a friend at any hearing
Make a decision based on the investigation
Inform the learner of the outcome in writing
Update the awarding body of the final outcome
Penalties of Malpractice
The following penalties may be imposed, depending on the nature and gravity of the malpractice:
A written warning
Loss of credit in the unit concerned
Loss of credit in all units in the qualification concerned
Disqualification from the qualification concerned
Learner is barred from registering for qualifications for a set period of
time
1
1.Where the malpractice appears to involve a criminal offence, it may be appropriate to report the case to the police
Receipt of allegation. | Acknowledge within 3 working days of receipt |
The college investigation into malpractice or maladministration | Action and resolve all investigations normally within 10 working days and no more than 20 working days unless a centre visit is required in which case the investigation will be completed as soon as possible |
The college decision on sanctions/penalties following centre investigation into alleged malpractice | Inform learner and awarding body of the decision within 5 working days from completion of the investigation |
The following is the resubmission and retake policy of Certifeka.
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Resubmission. Learners are able to resubmit their work to Certifeka in the event of a fail. Learners can submit work on no more than 4 occasions prior to submission for External Verification (EV) with the awarding body. This gives learners the opportunity to benefit from assessor feedback by their Certifeka assessor.
The assessor will work with the learner to revise the work ahead of its submission to the relevant awarding body. Certifeka will submit all work the the awarding body for the learner.
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Retake. If, once presented to the awarding body the work is judged to have failed to meet the standards required, the learner will have the opportunity to retake the assignment in line with the awarding body Retake Policy. The policy states that learners have one opportunity to retake the same assignment. If upon resubmission to the awarding body the work is deemed to have failed again then the learner can retake the assessment using a new assignment.
Should the assignment be failed again at External Verification then the learner will need to retake the assignment for a third time using the same new assignment provided for the second retake. If this fails then the learner cannot retake and will not be able to achieve the full diploma.
Purpose
This policy:
Although predominantly an online education provider, Certifeka is committed to ensure the
health and safety of staff members, learners where appropriate, and any visitors by way of
contractors or those invited to the centre for any reason.
Our aim is to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all those mentioned above and ensure
our business operations or works carried out are done so safely.
Responsibilities
Our management team and staff members are all responsible for providing and maintaining
the following:
- a safe working environment
- safe systems of work
- plant and substances in safe condition
- facilities for the welfare of all workers
- any information, instruction, training and supervision needed to make sure that all workers are safe from injury and risks to their health
Staff and any student are responsible for:
● ensuring their own personal health and safety, and that of others in the workplace
● complying with any reasonable directions (such as safe work procedures, wearing
personal protective equipment) given by management for health and safetyWe expect any visitor to our centre is must:
● comply to all reasonable directions and procedures to ensure one’s health and safety during the visit at our premise.
A failure to adhere to health and safety will be taken seriously by the centre and potential
disciplinary action by way of verbal or written warning given if deemed necessary.
Reporting an Issue
Any issue of health and safety must be reported immediately to ensure the safety of self and
others. Instances should be reported to;
Any incident will be recorded by the Head of Centre and a review undertaken to ensure any
future incidents minimised. Health and Safety update will be given to staff bi-annually to
ensure the safety of staff and visitors. Training will be undertaken where deemed necessary.
This Policy sets out the centre’s position regarding the ownership of intellectual property (IP)
developed by the centre staff, students and consultants as instructed by the centre.
For clarification IP may be regarded as ‘knowledge and its creative application’. IP covers
the following. The list is not exhaustive:
- Learning material generated by the centre;
- Assessments generated by the centre;
- Material and ideas generated by the centre
- Any activity as instructed by the centre
For the security of the centre this policy is referred to in employee contracts and any contract
of those of any consultants as instructed by the centre.
Ownership of IP
IP is owned by the centre in the following circumstances. This is not an exhaustive list:
● Where a member of staff creates IP during the course of their employment
● Where a student creates IP as part of their academic studies
● An idea/work carried out within a project created by an individual(s) as instructed by
the centre
It must be noted that the centre will normally be regarded as owning all intellectual property
generated by the centre of any work created by staff in the course of their employment.
However, not all IP generated by staff during the course of their employment necessarily
belongs to the centre. This is:● Where with prior agreement any document written by another for centre is deemed
not to be IP. The agreement must be recorded in the event of any dispute.
Commercial Exploitation
For the purposes of this Policy commercial exploitation is where the centre or members of
staff seek the commercial exploitation of the IP owned in whole or in part by the centre. The
precise mechanism for exploitation may vary: in some cases it may be through a new
company, licensing, or revenue share. Where a financial return is generated the inventors
will receive a proportion of the net proceeds.
Dispute
I n the event of a dispute or issue of IP by staff member or contractor appointed by the
centre, the centre will look to resolve matters amicably without legal recourse. Should all
reasonable avenues be exhausted the centre reserves the right to seek legal advise.
Modern Slavery Statement
Certifeka is an online provider of accredited courses. Based in the UAE we want to be a
leader of the most up-to-date policies in the field of education in the region. We take on
board, adhere and amend our policies to meet modern day issues. Modern day slavery is
one such issue and policy that we want to address.
We believe there are two main areas of risk in respect of modern slavery:
1. People: our demographic is may on occasion be very diverse where we register
students from all regions. Whilst most of our undergraduate students will come from
the Egyptian region we will also have a large student population from the UAE region
and internationally.
2. Supply chains: we are predominantly an online provider. To this end we have a
supply chain from which we purchase a diverse range of works, and services. As a
centre we are committed to spend our money in a responsible manner.
We are committed to equality and inclusion and have a zero tolerance approach to slavery
and human trafficking. We have a chain of accountability for modern slavery with the Head of
Centre being inform of an suspected cases. We take our responsibility seriously and will
contact external agencies to highlight any suspected cases. We ensure all staff members are
appraised of modern slavery issues as part of the annual training.
Certifeka recognises its pastoral duty to safeguard learners that are deemed at risk and who
may participate in any activity organised or managed by the centre, or who may come into
contact with any member of staff employed by the centre.This policy supports the protection of those deemed vulnerable. The policy sets out how the
centre will deal with concerns that are raised by a learner who may be at risk of harm,
exploitation, or abuse (including radicalisation), and the type of action that will be taken to
manage such matters and provide support.
For the purposes of this Policy the term “centre” is deemed to include all of those
participating in centre business and who represents the centre. The centre will ensure that it
maintains the highest standards possible to meet its responsibilities in order to safeguard
and protect the welfare of learners wherever possible. The centre is committed to take action
appropriate to protect those from harm and/or to respond to any allegations or suspicions.
Scope
This Policy is designed to assist the centre to achieve the commitments set out above and to
take reasonable steps to safeguard those who are vulnerable by ensuring there are clear
guidelines and procedures for identifying risk, reporting concerns and taking action.
Whilst the centre is predominantly an online provider of education it may now or in the future
come into contact with adults who may be at risk. These periods of contact may include the
following (this is not an exhaustive list):
- Any pre-arranged admissions event for learners;
- Any pre-arranged summer school event;
- Any pre-arranged day event by the centre;
- Any pre-arranged online forum event by the centre;
- Any online teaching session by the centre;
- Any visit to the centre for any reason other than those listed above;
An Adult at Risk
The centre regards the definition of an adult (aged 18 or over) to be at risk if they are in need
of additional support services due to them being unable to protect themself from significant
harm, abuse or exploitation.
An adult at risk may:
● Include a person who is experiencing any form of neglect or abuse
● Not be able to protect themselves from neglect or abuse.
Taking Action
A safeguarding concern needs to be reported to the Head of Centre where an initial
response be received within 24 hours. Should the issue raised be deemed true or an
element of truth necessary agencies will be notified to protect the victim of neglect of abuse.
Environmental Policy/Mission Statement
Certifeka is committed to protecting the environment, the health and safety of our
employees, and the community in which we conduct our business. It is our policy to seek
continual improvement throughout our business operations to lessen our impact on the local
and global environment by conserving energy, water and other natural resources; reducing
waste generation; recycling and; reducing our use of toxic materials. We are committed to
environmental excellence and pollution prevention, meeting or exceeding all environmental
regulatory requirements, and to purchasing products which have greater recycled content
with lower toxicity and packaging, that reduce the use of natural resources.
Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) Policy
Preference will be given to purchasing products and services that have the following
environmentally friendly attributes with acceptable parameters for price, quality and delivery:
- Maximizes post-consumer recycled content.
- Minimizes packaging and other wastes.
- Minimizes toxicity.
- Are durable and reusable.
- Are more locally available to minimize transportation.
- Are made from sustainably produced materials.
- Are compostable or biodegradable.
- Conserves energy, water and other natural resources.
Environmentally preferable products and services that are comparable in quality to their
standard counterparts will receive a purchasing preference. In situations where the most
environmentally preferable product is unavailable or impractical, secondary considerations
will include production methods and the environmentally and socially responsible
management practices of suppliers and producers. Environmentally preferable purchasing is
part of our long term commitment to the environment. By sending a clear signal to producers
and suppliers about this commitment, we hope to support wider adoption of environmentally
preferable products and practices.
Intellectual Rights Release Form
Certifeka LLC, is committed to ensure learners are treated fairly throughout the
learning process and seeks to eliminate discriminatory behaviour.
The aim of the policy is to ensure all Certifeka’s stakeholders including; directors,
employees, and learners who interact with our Centre understand how conflict of
interest is managed.
Certifeka LLC ensures guidance is given through training to management, staff, and
learners about how to deal with any potential conflicts of interest that arise.Certifeka recognizes that a conflict or potential conflict that is identified will need to
be managed effectively.
I, ________________, grant permission to CERTIFEKA LLC,hereinafter the usage of the
delivered output (Academic Curriculum of_______________)
I hereby waive any right to inspect or approve the finished electronic matter that may be
used in conjunction with them now or in the future, whether that use is known to me or
unknown, and I waive any right to royalties or other compensation arising from or related to
the use of the image.
Signature:\_\_\____________________________
Date:\_\_\___________________
Name (ID or Passport): ______________________________
ID number ( National ID or passport) ______________________________
Mobile number:\_\_\______________________________
1. This policy establishes the guidelines and methodology for managing the payroll and
salaries, that certifeka for training, hereinafter the “Company”, grants its employees,
while monitoring and ensuring their opportune payment in due time and form, in
compliance with the unalterable commitment to gender equity and the respect for the
human rights of all employees.
2. Salary Policy covers the managers and employees working in every level in the
Company.
Salary structure
1. The following factors must be taken into consideration to establish the employee
salary structure:
- Comply with Egyptian laws and regulations.
- relevant to the declared Egyptian minimum wage
- Relevance of the position in terms of its responsibilities
- Performance of individuals in the fulfillment of their duties
- Competitiveness in the salary market in the region
- Increase in the cost of living
- The Company’s economic situation
2. The salary structure must abide by the following guidelines:
- All employees will be qualified by the title of the position they hold
- Each position will be assigned a salary band, with minimum, average, and maximum limits
3. Annual salary increase
- minimum annual salary increase 3% of insurance subscription wage stipulated in the social insurance and pensions law per financial year with minimum 100 L.E
- Increases to a salary range will not result in an automatic or general increase to salaries of employees within a respective salary range. At the time of a range increase or promotion, the company will review employees whose salaries may fall below the minimum of their respective range and may adjust salaries based on the individual’s evaluated performance and other relevant circumstances, to the extent possible.
4. Laws and regulations
1. All the Egyptian laws and regulations must be applied; According to Egyptian law
number 119 for 1918 the company must adhere to the declared minimum wage and
permissible working hours.
Minimum wage: refers to lowest nominal wage per month, for permanent workersand the
current minimum wage is 2700 EGP per month.
Working hours: Minimum wage is based on 8 hours per day – five-day workweek. Or 6-day
work week, 7 hours per day (42-hour working week is standard) More than eight hours each
hour must count for overtime.
5. Policy change
1. Salary Policy shall be revised and updated by the company director for at least once
a year with the purpose of keep updated with laws and regulations and increasing
motivation and loyalty of the employees in such a manner that it supports the targets
and strategies of the Company
| We are committed to a systematic and comprehensive approach to effective management of potential opportunities and adverse effects, by achieving best practice in the area of risk management. |
| Certifeka embraces intelligent risk taking and recognizes that risks can have both positive and negative consequences. |
| Risk management helps us achieve our objectives, operate effectively and efficiently, protect our people and assets, make informed decisions, and comply with applicable laws and regulations. |
| Risk Management will be fully integrated with corporate processes at all levels to ensure it is considered in the normal course of business activities. |
| A formal Risk Management Strategy will be developed each year, which directly and demonstrably supports corporate objectives. It will be implemented with the sustained involvement of all levels of the organization via adequately resourced plans with measurable timelines and objectives. |
| The success of our risk management will be measured by its impact on our corporate objectives, by audits, annual risk management review, the ongoing collection of risk data and the evaluation of risk models. |
| High, Extreme, and/or Strategic risks are controlled through senior management action with documented treatment strategies assigned. Medium risks are assigned specific management responsibility, while Low risks are managed through routine procedures |
| Each stage of the risk management process is appropriately documented, particularly decisions and risk treatments. Individual projects and groups maintain risk registers, while enterprise risks are recorded in the strategic risk database. |
| Risk management is a core business skill and integral part of day-to-day activity. As individuals we all play our part in managing risk, and staff at all levels are responsible for understanding and implementing risk management systems in their workplace. Managers and leaders at all levels are responsible for applying agreed risk management policy, guidelines, and strategies in their area of responsibility and are expected to ensure risk management is fully integrated with, and considered in the normal course of activities at all levels. Visible commitment requires active participation in risk management processes, effective resource allocation, and making ‘risk’ the first agenda item at all meetings. Divisional Managers are responsible for reporting the progress of risks and treatment plans to the CEO on a monthly basis, reporting strategic or Extreme risks in timely fashion, driving implementation of the Risk Management Framework, and for ensuring that managers are equipped with necessary skills, guidance, and tools The CEO is responsible for managing risk across the organization. |
Course Library – Terms and Conditions
Welcome to Certifeka! Before you begin your learning journey with us, please take a
moment to read and understand the terms and conditions that apply to your chosen learner
tier/package.
Course LibraryTimeline: Your subscription is on a monthly basis, with automatic renewal. You can cancel
your subscription at any time.
Access to Course Content: Upon subscribing, you will have immediate access to one
course content.
Refund Policy:
● You are eligible for a refund within 7 days from the original subscription day.
● No refunds will be provided for any unused subscription period.
Course Content :
- You will receive one course certificate of completion by Certifeka per month.
- You can enroll in and access only one course at a time.
- Once you have completed the current course, you may access another course.
- The maximum number of courses you can access in a month is two.
Cancellation and Extension :
- To avoid being billed for another month, you must cancel your subscription before the next renewal date.
- Certifeka does not offer extensions to the subscription period.
- Cancellation requests should be initiated by the user through the website.
- By subscribing to Certifeka, you agree to abide by these terms and conditions. Please make
- sure to read our Privacy Policy and Code of Conduct as well. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact our support team.
- Thank you for choosing Certifeka as your learning platform. We look forward to helping you achieve your educational goals!
Professional Certificate – Terms and Conditions
Welcome to the Certifeka Professional Certificate Tier! Please read and understand the
terms and conditions applicable to your chosen package.
Timeline :
1. You will have access to the Certifeka platform and course content for a period of 90
days.
2. If needed, you may request a 7-day extension, which will be granted at the discretion
of our community specialist.
3. You are entitled to submit two assignments for evaluation during your subscription.
4. We aim to deliver your CMI (Certifeka Membership and Certification) within 10 days
of successfully completing your course.5. Also, a certificate of completion from Certifeka is auto generated upon completion of
Course content.
Refund Policy :
1. You can request a refund within 7 days of your initial subscription date.
2. No refunds will be provided for any unused portion of your subscription period.
Content:
1. You will have access to one course during your subscription.
2. We recommend submitting your assignment within week 4 of your subscription for
the best experience.
Cancellation and Extension :
1. You can request a 7-day extension if needed.
2. If you decide to cancel, please initiate the cancellation process through the Certifeka
website.
Assignment :
1. Assignment verification will be completed within 7 business days, either internally or externally.
2. If you wish to submit additional assignments beyond the included two, a fee of $75 per extra assignment submission will apply.
Important Notes :
If you are unable to submit your assignment within the 97-day period (subscription period +extension), you will be given a 1-month allowance period to submit it.
The decision to extend the assignment period beyond this will be at the discretion of the Community Specialist.
By subscribing to the Certifeka Professional Certificate Tier, you agree to abide by these terms and conditions. Be sure to review our Privacy Policy and Code of Conduct as well.
If you have any questions or require further assistance, please feel free to contact our support team.
Thank you for choosing Certifeka for your professional development journey!
