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Study.spaedu.global recognizes the value of computer and other electronic resources to improve student learning and enhance the administration and operation of its schools. To this end, study.spaedu.global encourages the responsible use of computers; computer networks, including the Internet; and other electronic resources in support of the mission and goals of study.spaedu.global and its schools.

Because the Internet is an unregulated, worldwide vehicle for communication, information available to staff and students is impossible to control. Therefore, study.spaedu.global adopts this policy governing the voluntary use of electronic resources and the Internet in order to provide guidance to individuals and groups obtaining access to these resources on study.spaedu.global-owned equipment or through study.spaedu.global-affiliated organizations.

Study.spaedu.global Rights and Responsibilities

It is the policy of the study.spaedu.global to maintain an environment that promotes ethical and responsible conduct in all online network activities by staff and students. It shall be a violation of this policy for any employee, student, or other individual to engage in any activity that does not conform to the established purpose and general rules and policies of the network. Within this general policy, the study.spaedu.global recognizes its legal and ethical obligation to protect the well-being of students in its charge. To this end, the study.spaedu.global retains the following rights and recognizes the following obligations:

1.     To log network use and to monitor fileserver space utilization by users, and assume no responsibility or liability for files deleted due to violation of fileserver space allotments.

2.     To remove a user account on the network.

3.     To monitor the use of online activities. This may include real-time monitoring of network activity and/or maintaining a log of Internet activity for later review.

4.     To provide internal and external controls as appropriate and feasible. Such controls shall include the right to determine who will have access to study.spaedu.global-owned equipment and, specifically, to exclude those who do not abide by study.spaedu.global’s acceptable use policy or other policies governing the use of school facilities, equipment, and materials. Study.spaedu.global reserves the right to restrict online destinations through software or other means.

5.     To provide guidelines and make reasonable efforts to train staff and students in acceptable use and policies governing online communications.

Staff Responsibilities

1.     Staff members who supervise students, control electronic equipment, or otherwise have occasion to observe student use of said equipment online shall make reasonable efforts to monitor the use of this equipment to assure that it conforms to the mission and goals of the study.spaedu.global.

2.     Staff should make reasonable efforts to become familiar with the Internet and its use so that effective monitoring, instruction, and assistance may be achieved.

User Responsibilities

1.     Use of the electronic media provided by study.spaedu.global is a privilege that offers a wealth of information and resources for research. Where it is available, this resource is offered to staff, students, and other patrons at no cost. In order to maintain the privilege, users agree to learn and comply with all of the provisions of this policy.

Acceptable Use

1.     All use of the Internet must be in support of educational and research objectives consistent with the mission and objectives of study.spaedu.global.

2.     Proper codes of conduct in electronic communication must be used. In news groups, giving out personal information is inappropriate. When using e-mail, extreme caution must always be taken in revealing any information of a personal nature.

3.     Network accounts are to be used only by the authorized owner of the account for the authorized purpose.

4.     All communications and information accessible via the network should be assumed to be private property.

5.     Subscriptions to mailing lists and bulletin boards must be reported to the system administrator. Prior approval for such subscriptions is required for students and staff.

6.     Mailing list subscriptions will be monitored and maintained, and files will be deleted from the personal mail directories to avoid excessive use of fileserver hard-disk space.

7.     Exhibit exemplary behavior on the network as a representative of your school and community. Be polite!

8.     From time to time, the study.spaedu.global will make determinations on whether specific uses of the network are consistent with the acceptable use practice.

Unacceptable Use

1.     Giving out personal information about another person, including home address and phone number, is strictly prohibited.

2.     Any use of the network for commercial or for-profit purposes is prohibited.

3.     Excessive use of the network for personal business shall be cause for disciplinary action.

4.     Any use of the network for product advertisement or political lobbying is prohibited.

5.     Users shall not intentionally seek information on, obtain copies of, or modify files, other data, or passwords belonging to other users, or misrepresent other users on the network.

6.     No use of the network shall serve to disrupt the use of the network by others. Hardware and/or software shall not be destroyed, modified, or abused in any way.

7.     Malicious use of the network to develop programs that harass other users or infiltrate a computer or computing system and/or damage the software components of a computer or computing system is prohibited.

8.     Hate mail, chain letters, harassment, discriminatory remarks, and other antisocial behaviors are prohibited on the network.

9.     The unauthorized installation of any software, including shareware and freeware, for use on study.spaedu.global computers is prohibited.

10.   Use of the network to access or process pornographic material, inappropriate text files (as determined by the system administrator or building administrator), or files dangerous to the integrity of the local area network is prohibited.

11.   Study.spaedu.global network may not be used for downloading entertainment software or other files not related to the mission and objectives of study.spaedu.global for transfer to a user's home computer, personal computer, or other media. This prohibition pertains to freeware, shareware, copyrighted commercial and non-commercial software, and all other forms of software and files not directly related to the instructional and administrative purposes of study.spaedu.global.

12.   Downloading, copying, otherwise duplicating, and/or distributing copyrighted materials without the specific written permission of the copyright owner is prohibited, except that duplication and/or distribution of materials for educational purposes is permitted when such duplication and/or distribution would fall within the Fair Use Designs and Patents Act 1988 UK.

13.   Use of the network for any unlawful purpose is prohibited.

14.   Use of profanity, obscenity, racist terms, or other language that may be offensive to another user is prohibited.

15.   Playing games is prohibited unless specifically authorized by a teacher for instructional purposes.

16.   Establishing network or Internet connections to live communications, including voice and/or video (relay chat), is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the system administrator.

Disclaimer

1.     Study.spaedu.global cannot be held accountable for the information that is retrieved via the network.

2.     Pursuant to the Electronic Communications Privacy, section 7 of the Telecommunications Act 1984 notice is hereby given that there are no facilities provided by this system for sending or receiving private or confidential electronic communications. System administrators have access to all mail and will monitor messages. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities will be reported to the appropriate authorities.

3.     Study.spaedu.global will not be responsible for any damages you may suffer, including loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, or service interruptions caused by our own negligence or your errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained is at your own risk.

4.     Study.spaedu.global makes no warranties (expressed or implied) with respect to:

·             the content of any advice or information received by a user, or any costs or charges incurred as a result of seeing or accepting any information; and

·             any costs, liability, or damages caused by the way the user chooses to use his or her access to the network.

5.     Study.spaedu.global reserves the right to change its policies and rules at any time.

Electronic Mail Policy

User Responsibilities

These guidelines are intended to help you make the best use of the electronic mail facilities at your disposal. You should understand the following:

1.     The agency provides electronic mail via its e-learning platform to students to enable them to communicate effectively and efficiently with other students or lecturers.

2.     When using the agency's electronic mail facilities, you should comply with the following guidelines.

3.     If you are in any doubt about an issue affecting the use of electronic mail, you should consult study.spaedu.global

4.     Any breach of the agency's Electronic Mail Policy may lead to disciplinary action.

DO

1.      Do check your electronic mail daily to see if you have any messages.

2.     Do include a meaningful subject line in your message.

3.     Do check the address line before sending a message and confirm you are sending it to the right person.

4.     Do delete electronic mail messages when they are no longer required.

5.     Do respect the legal protections to data and software provided by copyrights and licenses.

6.     Do take care not to express views that could be regarded as defamatory or libelous.

DO NOT

1.     Do not print electronic mail messages unless absolutely necessary.

2.     Do not expect an immediate reply; recipients might not be at their computer or could be too busy to reply straight away.

3.     Do not forward electronic mail messages sent to you personally to others, particularly newsgroups or mailing lists, without the permission of the originator.

4.     Do not use electronic mail for personal reasons.

5.     Do not send excessively large electronic mail messages or attachments.

6.     Do not send unnecessary messages such as festive greetings or other non-work items by electronic mail, particularly to multiple people.

7.     Do not participate in chain or pyramid messages or similar schemes.

8.     Do not represent yourself as another person.

9.     Do not use electronic mail to send or forward material that could be construed as confidential, political, obscene, threatening, offensive, or libelous.

Please note the following:

1.     All electronic mail activity is monitored and logged.

2.    All electronic mail coming into or leaving the organization is scanned for viruses.

3.    All the content of electronic mail is scanned for offensive material.

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APPEAL POLICY

FOR LEARNERS

The School of Practical Accounting (S.P.A.) Education Ltd. is committed to providing students with an education of the highest possible quality. This extends to the providing and safeguarding of the right of the students to express their concerns, complaints or grievances about matters or issues relating to their academic experiences at the School of Practical Accounting (S.P.A.) Education Ltd.

I.                   SCOPE

This policy details the rights and opportunities afforded to students and potential students to raise concerns, complaints or grievances about matters or issues relating to their academic experiences at the Institution.

II.                PURPOSE

This policy will:

•       ensure every student has an equal and fair right to file an appeal;

•       ensure that the procedures used to review and resolve complaints or grievances are fair and must be seen to be fair;

•       respect the confidentiality for all parties, unless the use of the information is authorized by law;

•       ensure that faculty and/or staff involved in resolving complaints or grievances will act fairly at all times and ensure that conclusions will be based on a fair hearing of each point of view;

•       ensure that there are no reprisals or acts of victimization as a result of a complaint or grievance made  by a student in good faith;

•       ensure that complaints or grievances are handled in a timely manner with achievable deadlines specified for each stage in the resolution process; and

•       ensure that any student who makes a complaint or grievance and any staff member or student on whom the complaint or grievance has a direct impact, is regularly informed of

the progress of the matter.

III.             POLICY

It is the policy of the School of Practical Accounting (S.P.A.) Education Ltd to ensure that each student is satisfied with the quality of education and academic experience achieved at all levels of the Institution. 

In achieving this, all appeals, concerns, complaints or grievances are dealt with in an ethical and non-adversarial manner. The person initiating the appeal or queries, or any other individuals so concerned, must accept the final decision of the Appeals Procedure as final.

IV.             PROCEDURE

1.      All formal appeals are to be submitted using the Student Formal Appeal Form. 

2.      All formal appeals will be acknowledged in writing within seven (7) days of the date of receipt of the Appeal Form. 

3.      Once a formal appeal has been filed, all appeals or queries in all scenarios will be impartially investigated once the matter has sufficient evidence and facts available. 

4.      In some instances, matters will be invalid and may not be favourable for the student. This occurs when there is insufficient evidence, and the claims are unfounded. These matters are dealt with according to specific policies and regulations.  Deviations will arise based on the severity of each appeal or query made. 

5.      All formal appeals are separated based on ‘Appeals specific to marks, grades and

percentages’ and ‘Other Queries’. 

Appeals Specific to Marks, Grades and Percentages

The formal procedure for student queries is as follows:

•                     Scenario One

The student (s) speaks directly to the lecturer. 

Problem is dealt with immediately – Positive Solution.

If the problem cannot be positively solved - Scenario Two is enacted.

•                     Scenario Two

The student speaks to the lecturer but does not receive the desired response. 

Problem is dealt with by the Academic Manager – Positive Solution.

The lecturer may or may not be involved at this point.

If the problem cannot be solved - Scenario Three is enacted.

•                     Scenario Three

The student speaks to the Academic Manager and is not satisfied. He/she will then speak to the Academic Director.

This is the final stage – The outcomes of all matters will be reported to the Executive Director. 

Other Queries

The formal procedure for dealing with queries which do not include marks, grades and percentages is as follows:

•                     Step One

Problem /Query is taken to the Administrative Department.

If problem is not solved:

•                     Step Two

Problem /Query is escalated to the Management level.

If problem is not solved:

•                     Step Three

Problem /Query is taken to the Academic Director.

If problem is not solved:

•                     Step Four

Problem/Query is taken to the Executive Director.

Final decisions and definite problem solving is achieved at this stage.

     V.        DOCUMENT REVISION 

This policy is reviewed to determine its appropriateness and effectiveness. This policy may be amended to ensure that it remains relevant and consistent with our mission and strategic purpose, the requirements of our stakeholders and best practice.

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COMPLAINTS

POLICY

The School of Practical Accounting (S.P.A.) Education Ltd. is committed to providing a secure, fair and welcoming environment to all its stakeholders. This extends to the providing and safeguarding of the right of all stakeholders to express their concerns, complaints or grievances about matters or issues relating to their experiences at the School of Practical Accounting (S.P.A.) Education Ltd.

     I.         SCOPE

This policy details how an individual can lodge a complaint to the School of Practical Accounting (S.P.A.) Education Ltd. regarding the Institution, its staff, any stakeholders and experiences within same. 

     II.        PURPOSE

This policy will: 

•      ensure that all stakeholders have an equal and fair right to lodge a complaint; 

•      ensure that the procedure regarding a complaint is straightforward and impartial; 

•      allow for a full and fair investigation into the complaint; 

•      ensure confidentiality is respected for all parties involved, with the exception of circumstances permitted by law; and 

•      ensure the delivery of an effective response and appropriate redress.

     III.      DEFINITIONS

For the purpose of this policy:

“Criminal behavior” refers to the conduct of an offender that leads to the commission of an unlawful act.

“Data protection” refers to restrictions that keep information stored in the possession of the Institute private and that control who can read it or use it. 

“Confidentiality” refers to the process of an obligation to keep a transaction, document or any information private and secret. 

“Discrimination” refers to the practice of treating a person or a particular group of persons in society less fairly than others. 

“Malpractice” is a term that covers any act, dereliction, default or other practice which is deemed to be in breach of the Institution’s’ standards, which can in turn lead to the undermining of the integrity of the institution.

“Maladministration” is the mismanagement of administrative aspects of the institution’s provision of learning and its Duty of Care to its constituents, be that learner or other stakeholder.

“Unreasonable behavior” refers to the conduct of a person or group of persons that is considered unacceptable by the reasonable man. 

     IV.       TYPES OF COMPLAINTS

Individuals may wish to raise a complaint where they are dissatisfied with the conduct of the Institution, its staff and any stakeholders within same. Examples of where an individual may wish to make a complaint include, but are not limited to, instances of:

a.       Criminal Behaviour

b.      Data Protection/ Confidentiality Breach

c.       Delays in the issuing of certificates upon learner achievement

d.      Discrimination

e.       Enquiries sent are not responded to in a timely or appropriate manner 

f.        Malpractice or Maladministration

g.      Unacceptable or Unreasonable Behaviour

     V.        PROCEDURE

Step 1: Notification

All complaints are to be made in writing to the Executive Director with the inclusion of the following information:

a.       The individual’s full name and contact details, including a daytime telephone number and email address;

b.      A full description of the complaint, including as much detail as possible such as dates, times and individuals involved;

c.       Details of any responses already received from the School of Practical Accounting (S.P.A.)

Education Ltd.; and

d.      Copies of any supporting documentation or evidence related to the complaint.

Step 2: Acknowledgement

All complaints are to be received by Administration where all complaints will be acknowledged in writing within seven (7) business days of the receipt of the complaint. The acknowledgement will indicate the action that is to be taken and the likely timescale for resolution.

Step 3: Investigation and Resolution

Depending on the type of complaint, Administration will forward the complaint to the relevant department and/or authorized personnel. All complaints will be impartially investigated by the relevant department and/or authorized personnel. At this point, there may be a request for additional information from the complainant and to speak to the complainant personally and to others who have knowledge of the circumstances. Following appropriate investigation, the Executive Director and Board of Directors will be notified and briefed on the complaint, the investigation and the outcome for approval. The Board of Directors will convene for the hearing of the investigation for the complaint and hold a vote on the most appropriate form of redress to all parties included.

Administration will then notify the complainant in writing of the decision and the reasons for it.

Step 4: Outcome

Following an impartial and fair investigation, with the approval of the Board of Directors, Administration will inform the complainant of the outcome of the investigation and the resolution to the complaint in writing.  

Step 5: Record of Complaints

Administration is responsible for keeping a log of all complaints received or referred to the School of Practical Accounting (S.P.A.) Education Ltd. The log should provide a brief written summary of the name of the complainant, the date of receipt of the complaint, the matter complained of and the manner and date of its resolution. 

     VI.       DOCUMENT REVISION 

This policy is reviewed to determine its appropriateness and effectiveness. This policy may be amended to ensure that it remains relevant and consistent with our mission and strategic purpose, the requirements of our stakeholders and best practice.

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CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY

I.                   SCOPE

This policy details the expectations, responsibilities and procedure to ensure that all staff members at the School of Practical Accounting (S.P.A) Education Ltd. and the broader school community are aware of how to identify, disclose and manage any actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest in order to protect the integrity of the Institution. 

II.           PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to:

1.      Define what is conflict of interest;

2.      Declare the duty and expectation of all staff members to freely, openly and honestly disclose any and all conflicts of interest;

3.      Identify the typical conflict of interest situations within the education sector and work environment; and

4.      Establish the procedure for disclosing and managing conflicts of interests at the Institution. 

III.        DEFINTIONS

“Conflict of interest” occurs when an individual’s personal interests – family, friendships, financial or social factors – could compromise his or her judgment, decisions or actions in the workplace. 

“Actual conflict of interest” occurs where there is a real conflict between a staff member’s professional duties and private interests. 

“Potential conflict of interest” occurs where a staff member has private interests that could conflict with their professional duties. This also refers to circumstances where it is foreseeable that a conflict may arise in future. 

“Perceived conflict of interest” occurs where a member of the school community, the public or third party could form the view that a staff member’s private interest could improperly influence their decisions or actions, now or in the future. 

IV.             POLICY STATEMENT

•  All directors, managers, teachers and other internal and external staff members of S.P.A are expected to freely, openly and honestly declare all and any actual, potential and perceived conflicts of interest, in full and without reservation, at the earliest opportunity. 

•  Having a conflict of interest does not necessarily amount to a breach of this policy.

However, failure to disclose a conflict of interest may constitute a breach.  

V.                TYPICAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST SITUATIONS

• The following is a non-exhaustive list of the most common conflict of interest situations that arises within the education sector and work environment:

VI.        PROCEDURE FOR CONFLICT OF INTEREST

•  All directors, managers, teachers and other internal and external staff members of S.P.A must freely, openly and honestly declare all and any actual, potential and perceived conflicts of interest, in full and without reservation, at the earliest opportunity.  

•  All declarations of interests must be detailed in writing and directed to the Executive Director.

•  The Executive Director will take the appropriate decisions and actions in order to manage the declared conflict of interest. 

•  All declarations of interests will be processed confidentially and in accordance with data protection principles, unless required otherwise. 

•  If it is found that any director, manager, teacher or any other member of staff of S.P.A has failed to declare and disclose any actual, potential and perceived conflict of interest, that staff member is held in breach of this policy. The breach will be treated according to the circumstances, at the discretion of the Executive Director.

VII.          DOCUMENT REVISION 

This policy is reviewed to determine its appropriateness and effectiveness. This policy may be amended to ensure that it remains relevant and consistent with our mission and strategic purpose, the requirements of our stakeholders and best practice.

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VIII.   CHALLENGING DISCLOSURE

1. All individuals who are dissatisfied with the data protection principles and practices of the Institution have the right to make a complaint.
2. This complaint will be treated in accordance with the procedure outlined in the Complaints Policy.
3. If upon the execution of the Complaints Procedure, the individual is dissatisfied with the outcome, the individual has the right to make a complaint to the Office of the Information Commissioner.

IX.   DOCUMENT REVISION

This policy is reviewed to determine its appropriateness and effectiveness. This policy may be amended to ensure that it remains relevant and consistent with our mission and strategic purpose, the requirements of our stakeholders and best practice.

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EQUAL OPPORTUNITY POLICY

The School of Practical Accounting (S.P.A) Education Ltd. is committed to an environment of equal opportunity. The Institution will strive to ensure that no student, employee or any other stakeholder be discriminated against in terms of race, ethnicity, nationality, origin, creed, colour, religion, sex, marital status, disability or age. It is the responsibility of the School of Practical Accounting (S.P.A) Education Ltd. through members of staff to ensure that all equal opportunity measures are enacted, maintained, and incorporated into all the Institution’s activities. The Institution will strive to ensure that all procedures and policies regarding equal opportunity rights comply with Government Laws and Standards.

     I.         SCOPE

This policy details the commitment of the School of Practical Accounting (S.P.A) Education Ltd.

to ensure that equal opportunity rights are provided to all its stakeholders

     II.        PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to secure and safeguard the rights of all stakeholders, to provide a comfortable learning facility, to increase productivity and promote excellence.

III.   DEFINITIONS For the purpose of this policy;

“disability” means—

(a)   total or partial loss of a bodily function;

(b)  total or partial loss of a part of the body;

(c)   malfunction of a part of the body including a mental or psychological disease or disorder; or

(d)  malformation or disfigurement of part of the body.

“ethnicity”, in relation to a group of people, means the origin, characteristics, classification and distinctive cultural or aesthetic traditions of that group of people.

“marital status” means the status or condition of being—

(a)   single;

(b)  married;

(c)   married but living separately and apart from one’s spouse;

(d)  divorced; or (e) widowed.

“race”, in relation to a person, means a group of persons of common ethnic origin, colour or of mixed race.

“sex” does not include sexual preference or orientation.

     IV.       EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

In accordance with The Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Chapter 1:01 and the Equal Opportunity Act Chapter 22:03, the School of Practical Accounting (S.P.A) Education Ltd.is mandated and committed to providing equal opportunities and rights to all its stakeholders, including but not limited to:

A. Students and Potential Applicants

All students and potential applicants must have equal rights regarding entry into programmes, entry requirements, access to programmes, assessments and the facilities.  

The School of Practical Accounting (S.P.A) Education Ltd. shall not discriminate against any student or potential applicant:

a.       by refusing or failing to accept that person’s application for admission as a student; 

b.      in the terms and conditions on which it admits him/her as a student;

c.       by denying or limiting the student’s access to any benefits, facilities or services provided by the School of Practical Accounting (S.P.A) Education Ltd.; and

d.      by expelling the student or subjecting the student to any other detriment. 

The School of Practical Accounting (S.P.A) Education Ltd. must take extensive steps, through its members of staff and representatives, to incorporate, maintain and safeguard these equal rights and opportunities to the students and potential applicants. 

B. Employees and Prospective Employees

All employees and prospective employees must be afforded equal rights and opportunities to the terms and conditions in the determination of employment, the offer of employment and the workplace. 

The School of Practical Accounting (S.P.A) Education Ltd. shall not discriminate against any employee or prospective employee:

a.       In the arrangements made for the purpose of determining who should be offered employment; 

b.      In the terms and conditions on which employment is offered;

c.       By refusing or deliberately omitting to offer employment; 

d.      In the terms and conditions of employment that the School of Practical Accounting (S.P.A)

Education Ltd. affords the employee; 

e.       In the way the School of Practical Accounting (S.P.A) Education Ltd. affords the employee access to opportunities for promotion, transfer or training or to any benefit associated with employment, or by refusing or deliberately omitting to afford access to them;

f.        By dismissing the employee or subjecting the employee to any other detriment; and

g.      By hindering the right of the employee or prospective employee to the freedom of speech and freedom of expression within respectful bounds. 

The School of Practical Accounting (S.P.A) Education Ltd. must take extensive steps, through its Directors and their policies and regulations, to incorporate, maintain and safeguard these rights and opportunities afforded to their employees and prospective employees. 

C. Other

It is the responsibility of the School of Practical Accounting (S.P.A) Education Ltd. to provide and maintain an equal, fair and welcoming environment to all its stakeholders, including but not limited to staff and prospective employees, students and potential applicants, visitors and persons frequenting the building, regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, origin, creed, colour, religion, sex, marital status, disability or age.

     V.        APPEALS

Any person who feels discriminated against has the right to file a complaint in accordance with the Complaints Policy. Allegations of discrimination, harassment or unfair treatment should be made in writing to the Executive Director, who will investigate the matter, and take appropriate action. The Executive Director of School of Practical Accounting (S.P.A) Education Ltd. exercises the right to assist those with complaints and concerns and strives to rectify any problems regarding equal opportunity rights. All allegations will be reported to the Board of Directors.

     VI.       DOCUMENT REVISION 

This policy is reviewed to determine its appropriateness and effectiveness. This policy may be amended to ensure that it remains relevant and consistent with our mission and strategic purpose, the requirements of our stakeholders and best practice.

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Hasty messages sent without proper consideration can cause upset, concern or misunderstanding;

       4. if E-mail is confidential the user must ensure that the necessary steps are taken to protect confidentiality.

• S.P.A will not tolerate the use of the E-mail system for unofficial or inappropriate purposes, including: -

1. any messages that could constitute bullying, harassment or other detriment;
2. personal use (e.g., social invitations, personal messages, jokes, cartoons, chain letters or other private matters);
3. on-line gambling;
4. accessing or transmitting pornography

Penalty for Security Violation

 S.P.A takes the issue of security seriously. Users who use the technology and information resources of S.P.A must be aware that they can be disciplined if they violate this policy. Upon violation of this policy, an employee may be subject to discipline up to and including discharge. The specific discipline imposed will be determined on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the nature and severity of the violation of the Cyber Security Policy.

IV.    DOCUMENT REVISION

This policy is reviewed to determine its appropriateness and effectiveness. This policy may be amended to ensure that it remains relevant and consistent with our mission and strategic purpose, the requirements of our stakeholders and best practice.

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MALPRACTICE, MALADMINISTRATION AND PLAGIARISM POLICY

It is the responsibility of the School of Practical Accounting (S.P.A) Education Ltd. to prevent the occurrence or possibility of an occurrence of malpractice, maladministration and plagiarism. Incidents of malpractice, maladministration and plagiarism can potentially lead to learners being disadvantaged, can require the conducting of costly and time-consuming investigations and may cause reputational damage to the Institute. In circumstances where prevention is unlikely, suspected or actual cases should be dealt with quickly, thoroughly and effectively. This policy applies to internal and external summative assessments, assignments and examinations and their reporting.

I.                   SCOPE

This policy details the procedures to be adopted and the roles and responsibilities of all relevant personnel regarding malpractice, maladministration and plagiarism. 

II.                PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to:

a.       Define what constitutes malpractice and maladministration;

b.      Minimise the risk to the integrity of the School of Practical Accounting (S.P.A) Education

Ltd. And its stakeholders;

c.       Protect the learners’ interest;

d.      Outline the policies and procedures to be adopted when a case of malpractice and maladministration arises;

e.       Define what constitutes plagiarism; 

f.        Outline the policies and procedures to be adopted when a case of plagiarism arises; 

III.             DEFINTIONS

For the purpose of this policy;

“Malpractice” is a term that covers any act, dereliction, default or other practice which is deemed to be in breach of the institution’s’ standards, which can in turn lead to the undermining of the integrity of the institution.

“Maladministration” is the mismanagement of administrative aspects of the institution’s provision of learning and its Duty of Care to its constituents, be the learner or other stakeholder.

“Plagiarism” is presenting work or ideas from another source as your own, with or without consent of the original author, by incorporating it into your work without full acknowledgement.

IV.             MALPRACTICE AND MALADMINISTRATION

Maladministration is often unintentional, and may be superficial or infrequent enough not to warrant suggestion of malpractice. Any instances of maladministration must however be addressed in order to prevent their reoccurrence and/or development into a more significant issue.

The School of Practical Accounting (S.P.A) Education Ltd. will take all reasonable steps to prevent the occurrence of malpractice and maladministration through the introduction, adoption and monitoring of policies and procedures which reduce the risk of malpractice and maladministration from occurring during the administration and delivery of programmes. 

When a suspected case of malpractice and maladministration arises, the School of Practical Accounting (S.P.A) Education Ltd. is to be notified in writing to the Executive Director. This will be treated as a complaint as detailed in the Complaints Procedure as contained in the Complaints Policy.  

Should maladministration and/or malpractice become known, the School of Practical Accounting (S.P.A) Education Ltd. reserves the right to take legal or punitive action as the incident/s warrants within the legal authority to which we operate.

V.                PLAGIARISM

The School of Practical Accounting (S.P.A) Education Ltd. is committed to deterrence and prevention of plagiarism in order to preserve the integrity of the Institution and the promotion of student development and learning. 

When a suspected case of plagiarism arises, the following procedure is adopted:

1.      An initial review of the assessment by the Assessor must be conducted to determine whether the maximum allowable plagiarism percent of 20% was exceeded. 

2.      Once the determination of the suspected case is positive, the Academic Manager is informed.

3.      The Academic Manager conducts a second review of the assessment and engages discussion with the Academic Council on the level of plagiarism and the appropriate repercussions. The Academic Council consists of the Executive Director, Academic Director and Academic Manager. 

4.      The Academic Manager then prepares an Academic Report accordingly. This Academic Report provides a description of the assessment, a summary of the level of plagiarism and the plagiarized work, a listing of the evidence corroborating the offence of plagiarism and the decision taken by the Academic Council. 

5.      The Academic Manager holds a meeting with the student(s) and the Assessor on the outcome of the investigation. 

VI.             APPEALS

If any party is of the belief that this policy and procedure have not been applied consistently, accurately or fairly regarding their case, they can appeal the decision made by the Academic Council through the submission of a complaint in accordance with the Complaints Policy.  

VII.          DOCUMENT REVISION 

This policy is reviewed to determine its appropriateness and effectiveness. This policy may be amended to ensure that it remains relevant and consistent with our mission and strategic purpose, the requirements of our stakeholders and best practice.

Full policy

REFUND POLICY

I. SCOPE

This policy details the procedure and conditions upon which a refund of the fees incurred by the learners is to be processed and granted by the School of Practical Accounting (S.P.A) Education Ltd.

II. PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to:

III. REFUND OF TUITION FEES

IV. PROCEDURE FOR REFUND OF TUITION FEES

 V. EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES

VI. REFUND OF REGISTRATION FEES

• Registration fees are usually non-refundable.

• Registration fees may be refundable only under the following circumstances:

VII. DOCUMENT REVISION

This policy is reviewed to determine its appropriateness and effectiveness. This policy may be amended to ensure that it remains relevant and consistent with our mission and strategic purpose, the requirements of our stakeholders and best practice.