Malpractice & Maladministration​

As an Approved Program Provider (APP) of WSET qualifications, Slate Wine & Spirits Academy is committed to upholding the integrity of WSET qualifications and protecting the interests of candidates. This policy sets out how Slate Wine & Spirits Academy identifies, reports, and manages any potential malpractice or maladministration, in line with WSET Policies and Procedures.

Definitions

Non-compliance with WSET Policies and Procedures generally falls into one of two categories:

  • Maladministration, where non-compliance is accidental rather than intentional.
  • Malpractice, where non-compliance is intentional or the result of negligence.

The boundaries between maladministration and malpractice are not clear-cut. Some incidents may fall into either category depending on the wider context. A maladministration incident may become malpractice through failure to implement corrective measures, repetition of the incident, or subsequent attempts at non-disclosure or misrepresentation. A malpractice incident may be treated as maladministration if there are extenuating circumstances. Whether a situation is maladministration or malpractice is determined by WSET following an investigation.

Examples of Malpractice or Maladministration by Slate Wine & Spirits Academy

  • failure to adhere to the terms of Slate Wine & Spirits Academy’s policies and procedures
  • failure to comply with Slate Wine & Spirits Academy’s Code of Conduct
  • failure to deliver a course or assessment in accordance with WSET requirements
  • failure to adhere to WSET’s candidate registration and certification procedures
  • late candidate registrations
  • fraudulent claim, use, reproduction, or forgery of certificates
  • withholding information from WSET that is critical to maintaining quality assurance
  • insecure storage of assessment materials
  • any action likely to lead to an adverse effect
  • breach of confidentiality
  • failure to disclose a conflict of interest
  • issue of incorrect exam results or failure to issue results to candidates in a timely manner
  • unauthorized reading, amendment, copying, or distribution of exam papers
  • failure to report changes in ownership, personnel, location, or facilities
  • denial of access to information, documentation, workforce, or facilities
  • failure to respond to WSET in a timely manner
  • failure to return exam papers within the specified timeframe or to follow delivery and tracking regulations
  • infringement of WSET copyright, trademarks, intellectual property rights, or brand identity
  • use of unqualified or unregistered educators or internal assessors
  • misleading advertising or publicity

Examples of Malpractice or Maladministration by a Candidate

  • failure to adhere to the terms of Slate Wine & Spirits Academy’s policies and procedures
  • failure to comply with Slate Wine & Spirits Academy’s Code of Conduct
  • fraudulent claim, use, reproduction, or forgery of certificates
  • withholding information from WSET that is critical to maintaining quality assurance
  • submission of false or inaccurate information to gain a qualification
  • cheating, including the use of unauthorized devices or materials
  • disruptive behavior in an exam
  • plagiarism of any nature
  • impersonation, including forgery of signatures
  • any action likely to lead to an adverse effect
  • unauthorized reading, amendment, copying, or distribution of exam papers
  • infringement of WSET copyright, trademarks, intellectual property rights, or brand identity

Reporting Malpractice or Maladministration

Any candidate, member of staff, or individual who becomes aware of suspected malpractice or maladministration must report it in writing to Lee Pancake, Academy Principal, at lee@slatewineacademy.com as soon as possible. Reports should include as much detail as possible, including the nature of the concern, the people involved, relevant dates, and any supporting evidence.

Reports of suspected malpractice or maladministration are handled in confidence, in line with our Data Protection Policy, to the extent possible while still allowing a fair investigation.

Slate Wine & Spirits Academy will not tolerate retaliation against any person who reports suspected malpractice or maladministration in good faith, or who cooperates with an investigation.

Reports made in bad faith (knowingly false or vexatious) may themselves be treated as malpractice.

How Cases Are Investigated

Slate Wine & Spirits Academy investigates all reports promptly and impartially. Where appropriate, cases are referred to WSET for further investigation or determination. The subject of an investigation is given a reasonable opportunity to respond to the allegations before any sanction is applied. Outcomes are communicated to the relevant parties in writing.

Candidates and staff who are the subject of, or witnesses to, an investigation must cooperate with the investigation. Failure to cooperate may be treated as malpractice in itself.

Sanctions Applicable to Candidates

Where a candidate is found to have committed malpractice or maladministration, sanctions may include, but are not limited to:

  • Written warning: the candidate is issued a written warning stating that if the offense is repeated within a set period of time, further specified sanctions will be applied.
  • Exam result declared null and void: the candidate’s exam result is invalidated. This may include the recall of a certificate already issued.
  • Disqualification from a qualification: the candidate is disqualified from the qualification in question with immediate effect and excluded from participating in any further WSET qualifications for a period of 12 months. This includes access to WSET materials.
  • Total disqualification: the candidate is disqualified from participating in any courses or assessments leading to WSET qualifications. This includes access to WSET materials.
  • Disqualification from use of WSET certified logos and post-nominals: actions bringing WSET into disrepute may result in the candidate or graduate being disqualified from all use of WSET certified logos and post-nominals.

Sanctions Applicable to Slate Wine & Spirits Academy Staff

Where a member of Slate Wine & Spirits Academy staff is found to have committed malpractice or maladministration, sanctions may include, but are not limited to:

  • Written warning: the staff member is issued a written warning stating that if the offense is repeated within a set period of time, further specified sanctions will be applied.
  • Suspension of duties: the staff member is suspended from conducting any and all duties related to their role within Slate Wine & Spirits Academy.
  • Permanent removal: the staff member is permanently removed from all Slate Wine & Spirits Academy activities.

Safeguarding Affected Parties

Slate Wine & Spirits Academy will take all reasonable steps to ensure that candidates and staff who are affected by malpractice or maladministration through no fault of their own are not disadvantaged. However, in some cases it may be necessary to disallow or withhold results or certificates.

Escalation to WSET

WSET retains ultimate authority over the integrity of WSET qualifications. Cases involving significant malpractice or maladministration are reported to WSET and may be escalated to WSET directly at governance@wsetglobal.com.

Appealing an Outcome

A candidate or member of staff who wishes to appeal an outcome reached under this policy should refer to our Complaints & Appeals Policy.

Records

Records of investigations under this policy are retained for a minimum of three years.

Related Policies

Last reviewed: April 2026.