Conflict of Interest in Assessment Policy and Procedure

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all assessment and quality assurance activities for programmes delivered by the International College, Siam University are conducted fairly, objectively, and without bias.

In accordance with the requirements of the QUALIFICATIONS SCOTLAND (QUALIFICATIONS SCOTLAND), no individual with a personal interest in the outcome of an assessment will be involved in the assessment process.

This policy ensures the integrity, transparency, and credibility of assessment decisions.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all individuals involved in the assessment and quality assurance of QUALIFICATIONS SCOTLAND programmes, including:

  • assessors
  • internal verifiers (IVs)
  • invigilators
  • programme leaders
  • QUALIFICATIONS SCOTLAND coordinators
  • academic administrators

3. Definition of Conflict of Interest

A conflict of interest occurs when an individual involved in the assessment process has a personal, financial, professional, or familial relationship with a candidate that could compromise, or be perceived to compromise, impartiality in assessment. Conflicts may be actual, potential, or perceived.

4. Examples of Conflict of Interest

Situations that may create a conflict of interest include:

• assessing or verifying the work of a family member or relative
• assessing a close friend or personal associate
• supervising and assessing a candidate with whom the staff member has a business relationship
• assessing a candidate who is directly supervised or managed by the assessor outside the academic context
• involvement in an assessment where the individual has a personal stake in the candidate’s result

5. Principles

The International College will ensure that:

  • assessment decisions are objective and impartial
  • potential conflicts are declared and managed proactively
  • assessment responsibilities are reassigned where necessary
  • all staff understand their ethical responsibilities

6. Declaration of Conflict of Interest

All staff involved in the QUALIFICATIONS SCOTLAND programme delivery must:

  • declare any actual or potential conflicts of interest related to assessment activities
  • complete a Conflict-of-Interest Declaration Form annually or when a conflict arises
  • inform the Programme Leader or QUALIFICATIONS SCOTLAND Coordinator immediately if a conflict occurs.

7. Procedure for Managing Conflict of Interest

Step 1 – Identification

A conflict of interest may be identified by:

  • the staff member involved
  • programme leadership
  • the QUALIFICATIONS SCOTLAND coordinator
  • quality assurance processes

Step 2 – Declaration

The individual must submit a Conflict-of-Interest Declaration Form to the Programme Leader or QUALIFICATIONS SCOTLAND Coordinator.

Step 3 – Review

The Programme Leader or Academic Quality Manager will review the declaration and determine whether the conflict:

  • requires reassignment of assessment responsibilities, or
  • can be managed through appropriate safeguards.

Step 4 – Mitigation Measures

If a conflict is confirmed, appropriate actions may include:

• assigning a different assessor
• appointing an independent internal verifier
• assigning an alternative invigilator
• enhanced monitoring of the assessment process

Step 5 – Documentation

All declarations and decisions regarding conflicts of interest will be documented and securely retained by the Academic Quality Assurance Office.

8. Responsibilities

Role Responsibility
Assessors Declare conflicts and avoid assessing candidates where conflicts exist
Internal Verifiers Ensure assessments are verified independently
Programme Leaders/Academic Quality Manager Manage and resolve declared conflicts
QUALIFICATIONS SCOTLAND Coordinator Ensure compliance with QUALIFICATIONS SCOTLAND requirements
Academic Quality Office Maintain records and monitor implementation

9. Non-Compliance

Failure to declare a conflict of interest may be treated as professional misconduct and may result in:

  • removal from assessment duties
  • disciplinary action according to university policies

10. Record Keeping

The center will maintain records of:

  • conflict of interest declarations
  • mitigation measures implemented
  • reassignment of assessment responsibilities

These records will be retained for quality assurance and external verification purposes.

11. Monitoring and Review

Compliance with this policy will be monitored through:

  • internal verification activities
  • programme monitoring
  • external verification by the QUALIFICATIONS SCOTLAND.

The policy will be reviewed annually by the Academic Quality Assurance Committee.