WSET Conflict of Interest Policy

CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY

As an APP NZSFW is required to identify to WSET and assist in managing or monitoring actual, potential and perceived conflicts of interest (‘Conflicts of Interest’) involving both APP staff and students. This policy complements WSET’s conflicts of interest policy and works to safeguard the integrity of WSET qualifications and promote confidence in WSET and NZSFW processes and procedures.

This policy applies to all NZSFW staff and students and to any individual acting on behalf of NZSFW.

A Conflict of Interest exists where an individual has interests or loyalties that could adversely influence their judgement, objectivity or loyalty to WSET or NZSFW when conducting activities associated with WSET qualifications.

Examples of Conflicts of Interest include: The assessment of candidates by an individual who has a personal interest in the result of the assessment for any or all individuals concerned;

• The moderation of assessment of candidates by an individual who has a personal interest in the result of the assessment for any or all individuals concerned;
• The undertaking of a WSET qualification by any individual employed by an APP;
• The invigilation of a WSET assessment by any individual involved in the delivery of training leading to the assessment;
• The coaching of candidates by any individual involved in the assessment of candidate scripts;
• The employment by an APP of individuals engaged in the delivery of taught programmes or in the role of Internal Assessor in another APP;
• The investigation of a non-compliance incident by someone who is unable to act impartially.

Some of these Conflicts of Interest are manageable and therefore acceptable. For example, if family member of one of NZSFW’s educators or APP staff takes a qualification and exam through NZSFW, or when an employee of NZSFW or of the WSET, takes a WSET qualification through NZSFW, we can notify WSET in advance and work with them to put in place measures to maintain the integrity of the exam.

Some Conflicts of Interest are not manageable and are not acceptable. For example, no mitigation efforts overcome the conflict created when an individual when a single individual serves as the educator and exam officer of an exam for a family member where an external invigilator is not available.

Any staff member or student of NZSFW who becomes aware of a Conflict of Interest must inform NZSFW contact person (Celia Hay) + contact information or refer them to your Complaints policy as soon as possible. APP Contact Person (Celia Hay will inform the WSET of the possible conflict of interest and will work with WSET to put any protective or mitigating measures in place to manage the conflict on a case-by-case basis.

If WSET and NZSFW determine the conflict is not manageable, APP Contact Person (Celia Hay) will inform any impacted APP staff or students.

Please note that the failure to declare a conflict of interest may have consequences for the student or NZSFW because we are required to report conflicts to WSET.

DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST

NZSFW staff are reminded of their obligation to maintain a clear separation between their personal interests and their duties as a tutor and invigilator of the WSET Programmes offered by NZZSFW.

Any interests should be declared.

1. The invigilation of a WSET assessment by any individual involved in the delivery of training leading to the assessment;

Assessment times are often on the Sundays or in the evening when no other staff member is present. When possible another staff member will be asked to invigilate exams.