How to Report Training Malpractice: Steps for Security Learners & Employers in 2025
Training malpractice threatens the integrity of security qualifications across the UK. Every learner and employer has the power to protect industry standards by reporting suspicious activity.
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) and awarding bodies take training malpractice seriously. Recent enforcement actions show they're cracking down harder than ever on substandard providers. Your report could prevent unqualified individuals from entering the security sector.
What Is Training Malpractice?
Training malpractice covers any deliberate activity that compromises assessment integrity and certificate validity. This includes actions by learners, trainers, or training providers that undermine qualification standards.
The consequences extend beyond individual certificates. Malpractice damages the reputation of legitimate training providers and puts public safety at risk when unqualified personnel receive security licenses.
Common Types of Training Malpractice
Learner-Related Malpractice
- Cheating during examinations
- Using unauthorized materials or devices
- Helping other learners cheat
- Submitting work completed by others
- Plagiarizing coursework or assignments
Trainer-Related Malpractice
- Providing exam answers before or during assessments
- Falsifying attendance records
- Passing learners who haven't completed required hours
- Altering assessment results without justification
- Allowing unqualified staff to conduct training
Provider-Related Malpractice
- Operating without proper accreditation
- Using unqualified trainers
- Failing to maintain proper facilities
- Misrepresenting course content or outcomes
- Issuing certificates for incomplete training
These practices undermine the entire security training system. They put employers at risk of hiring unqualified staff and compromise public safety.
Who Can Report Training Malpractice
Anyone can identify and report suspected training malpractice. The system relies on vigilant learners, employers, and industry professionals to maintain standards.
Learners should report if they witness cheating, receive inadequate training, or encounter unqualified instructors.
Employers should report if they discover employees with questionable qualifications or suspect training providers of cutting corners.
Training Providers should report competitors engaging in malpractice to protect industry integrity.
Industry Professionals should report any suspicious activity they encounter through their work.
Step-by-Step Reporting Process
Step 1: Gather Evidence
Document everything before making your report. Collect names, dates, locations, and specific details about the malpractice. Take photos or screenshots if possible. Keep records of any communications related to the incident.
Strong evidence makes investigations more effective. Vague reports without supporting details rarely lead to successful outcomes.
Step 2: Identify the Right Authority
You must report to both the awarding organization and the qualifications regulator. Different organizations handle different aspects of the investigation process.
Step 3: Submit Your Report
Contact the relevant bodies simultaneously. Don't wait for one response before contacting others. Multiple reports to different authorities strengthen the case.
Step 4: Provide Complete Information
Include comprehensive details in your report. Incomplete information delays investigations and may prevent successful prosecution of malpractice cases.
Step 5: Follow Up
Stay engaged with the investigation process. Respond promptly to requests for additional information. Your continued cooperation helps ensure thorough investigation.
Essential Information to Include
Your report needs specific details to trigger effective investigation. Generic complaints without supporting evidence rarely lead to action.
Who: Names of all individuals involved, including learners, trainers, assessors, and training provider staff. Include job titles and roles where known.
What: Clear description of the malpractice observed or suspected. Be specific about actions, behaviors, or practices that violate standards.
Where: Complete address of training facilities. Note if providers operate from multiple locations. Include room numbers or specific areas where malpractice occurred.
When: Exact dates and times of incidents. Include training course dates, assessment periods, and any relevant deadlines.
Evidence: Copies of documents, photographs, emails, or other supporting materials. Organize evidence chronologically for easy review.
Impact: Describe how the malpractice affected training quality, assessment validity, or public safety.
Where to Report: Key Contacts
Awarding Organizations
Each awarding body handles reports for their specific qualifications:
- BIIAB: complianceandregulation@biiab.co.uk
- Highfield: centresupport@highfield.co.uk
- Pearson BTEC: pqsmalpractice@pearson.com
- Qualifications Network: feedback@qnuk.org
- SFJ Awards: qateam@sfjawards.com
- Trident Awards (LASER): compliance@laser-awards.org.uk
Qualifications Regulators
Report to the appropriate regulator based on location:
- England: Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual)
- Scotland: Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA)
- Wales: Qualifications Wales
- Northern Ireland: Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA)
Security Industry Authority
The SIA accepts reports and forwards them to appropriate organizations. This provides a single point of contact for complex cases involving multiple bodies.
Investigation Process and Outcomes
Once reported, investigations follow established procedures. Awarding bodies and regulators have specific protocols for handling malpractice cases.
Initial Review
Authorities assess the evidence and determine if formal investigation is warranted. Strong evidence with specific details increases the likelihood of proceeding to full investigation.
Formal Investigation
Investigators interview witnesses, review documentation, and gather additional evidence. They may visit training facilities and examine records in detail.
Outcomes
Proven malpractice can result in:
- Written warnings to training providers
- Suspension of accreditation
- Certificate invalidation
- Disqualification from assessments
- Legal action in serious cases
- Criminal prosecution for fraud
Recent SIA enforcement actions show authorities are taking stronger action against malpractice. Training providers face significant consequences for violations.
Zems Academy's Commitment to Quality
At Zems Academy, we maintain the highest standards in security training. Our qualified instructors, proper facilities, and transparent processes ensure legitimate qualifications for all learners.
We encourage reporting of any suspected malpractice across the industry. Protecting training standards benefits all legitimate providers and maintains public trust in security qualifications.
Our comprehensive security training programs meet all SIA requirements. From Door Supervisor to Close Protection, CCTV to Security Officer training, we deliver quality education that prepares you for successful security careers.
Take Action Now
Don't ignore training malpractice. Your report could prevent unqualified individuals from entering the security industry and protect public safety.
Report immediately if you suspect or witness training malpractice. The longer you wait, the more difficult investigation becomes.
Choose quality training from accredited providers like Zems Academy. Verify credentials, check facilities, and ensure trainers hold proper qualifications.
Stay informed about training standards and malpractice indicators. Knowledge helps you identify problems before they affect your qualifications or career.
The security industry depends on qualified professionals. Your vigilance helps maintain standards that protect everyone.
Book your legitimate security training with Zems Academy today. Get proper qualifications from a trusted provider committed to excellence and industry integrity.