OTHM fined £25,000 by UK regulator for handling of malpractice cases
The UK’s qualifications regulator, Ofqual, has fined OTHM Qualifications £25,000 after uncovering repeated failures in how malpractice allegations were managed. The regulator found that OTHM allowed colleges and training providers accused of malpractice to investigate themselves, kept inconsistent records, and failed to report serious incidents over several years. Ofqual began its investigation in February 2024 after receiving multiple allegations. OTHM has since taken steps to address the issues and agreed to provide regular progress updates.
What we know
- Ofqual fined OTHM Qualifications £25,000 for serious and repeated failures in handling malpractice allegations.
- The failures, which occurred between 2018 and 2024, included self-investigation by accused colleges and inconsistent record-keeping.
- Ofqual’s investigation started in February 2024 after it received 12 allegations of malpractice.
- OTHM submitted only one notification to Ofqual about malpractice incidents between 2018 and 2024, despite dozens meeting the reporting threshold.
- OTHM has developed an action plan, invested in improvements, and agreed to regular, independently audited progress reports to Ofqual.
