Conflict of interest policy

RHS Qualifications intends to avoid and manage potential conflicts of interest through this policy

This policy applies to all RHS Approved Centres that conduct assessments or administer examinations or providers of programmes which lead to RHS qualifications on behalf of the RHS awarding organisation.

Introduction

A conflict of interest exists in relation to the RHS awarding organisation where a person who works within an RHS Approved Centre or provider of programmes which lead to RHS qualifications has interests in any other activity which have the potential to lead that person to act contrary to the interests of the RHS awarding organisation in delivering qualifications. A conflict of interest also exists where any part of the assessment of a learner, including by way of quality assurance or internal verification, is undertaken by a person who has a personal interest in the result of the assessment.

All persons engaged by an RHS Approved Centre or provider of programmes which lead to RHS qualifications must take all reasonable steps to avoid any conflict of interest, and have a duty to report any actual or potential conflicts of interest to the awarding organisation. If Approved Centre or provider staff are not sure whether a conflict of interest exists or could exist, they should seek guidance from the RHS awarding organisation.

The following policy is designed to avoid or manage any potential conflict of interest

The Approved Centre will ensure that no part of the assessment of a learner, including by way of quality assurance or internal verification, is undertaken by a person who has a personal interest in the result of the assessment. In particular, no person engaged by an Approved Centre should assess, internally verify, invigilate, or administer assessment materials and results (e.g. exams officer) for themselves or any family member, partner, other relative, close friend or close colleague.

The Approved Centre or provider of programmes which lead to RHS qualifications must notify the RHS awarding organisation if any member of its staff registers for any RHS qualification. This applies to those staff who would normally be involved in the delivery or administration (e.g. Exams Officer) of courses and assessments leading to RHS qualifications.

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.