Ofqual Imposes £25,000 Fine on OTHM for Allowing Colleges to Self-Investigate Malpractice Cases

The qualifications regulator, Ofqual, has imposed a £25,000 fine on OTHM Qualifications following the discovery of significant and repeated shortcomings in the organisation’s management of malpractice allegations. These deficiencies have persisted for over four years and encompass a range of serious issues, including the permitting of colleges and training providers accused of malpractice to self-investigate, maintaining disorganised and inconsistent records, and neglecting to report grave incidents to Ofqual for nearly a decade.

Investigation Uncovers Serious Irregularities

The investigation initiated by Ofqual in February 2024 was prompted by twelve allegations of malpractice associated with OTHM qualifications. Findings revealed alarming instances where OTHM instructed the implicated colleges to conduct their own investigations into the allegations against them, even in scenarios where these institutions had been warned of the potential loss of accreditation should any misconduct be established.

Additionally, OTHM’s record-keeping practices were found to be erratic. Each request from Ofqual for malpractice records resulted in a different register, often containing inconsistent details. Notably, OTHM failed to produce investigation reports for four cases that were mandated to be retained under its own operational policy.

Failure to Report Incidents

Between 2018 and 2024, OTHM submitted only one notification to Ofqual regarding a potentially serious incident, despite its internal records indicating numerous malpractice and maladministration cases that warranted reporting. This lack of communication hindered the possibility for timely intervention to safeguard learners.

In response to Ofqual’s intervention, OTHM has developed a comprehensive action plan and has significantly invested in enhancing its systems, processes, and personnel to prevent the recurrence of such failures. Furthermore, OTHM has committed to providing Ofqual with regular updates on the effectiveness of these improvements, which will be subject to verification by independent auditors.

Ofqual’s Call for Improved Governance

Amanda Swann, Ofqual’s Executive Director for Delivery, emphasised the importance of transparency among awarding organisations, stating, “I’d like to remind awarding organisations that event notifications are a sign of good governance, not a sign of failure. When Ofqual is not kept informed, we cannot step in to protect learners.”

OTHM has recognised its shortcomings and is taking measures to rectify them. Ofqual has indicated that it will closely monitor the situation. The imposed £25,000 fine serves as a substantial consequence, underscoring the critical need for trust in qualifications.

Further Information Available

Ofqual has released the Notice of Monetary Penalty issued to OTHM Qualifications for public access. For any media enquiries, please reach out to Ofqual’s press office via email at media@ofqual.gov.uk or contact them by phone at 0300 303 3014.