Submitting a conflict of interest assessment declaration to Pearson
For general qualifications Awarding bodies must be informed about a conflict of interest before the published deadline for entries, for each examination series and for vocational qualifications Awarding bodies must be informed as soon as a registration is made, or as soon as a conflict of interest becomes apparent, of:
- any members of centre staff who are taking qualifications at their own centre which include internally assessed components/units
- any members of centre staff who are teaching and preparing members of their family (which includes step-family, foster family and similar close relationships) or close friends and their immediate family (e.g. son/daughter) for qualifications which include internally assessed components/units.
Where a potential conflict of interest exists, centres must declare the possible conflict of interest to Pearson, the work will be subject to moderation/verification.
Please note, when entering members of centre staff for qualifications with internally assessed components at their own centre, this must be as a last resort in cases where the member of centre staff is unable to find an alternative centre.
Full details of the regulations can be found in JCQ General Regulations for Approved Centres General and Vocational qualifications 2024-2025 (section 5.3 (j)) and JCQ Instructions for Conducting Coursework 2024-2025 (section 8).
Please note that you are required to submit a declaration of interest to us only if the qualification includes internal assessed components or units.
Declarations can be submitted to us via our Centre Declaration of Interest form.
Keeping internal records of potential conflicts
Centres must also maintain clear records of all instances where:
- exams office staff have members of their family (which includes step-family, foster family and similar close relationships) or close friends and their immediate family (e.g. son/daughter) being entered for examinations and assessments either at the centre itself or other centres;
- centre staff are taking qualifications at their own centre which do not include internally assessed components/units;
- centre staff are taking qualifications at other centres.
If you have any questions regarding declarations of interest, please email conflictofinterest@pearson.com.
We have also prepared some training to support centres who deliver Pearson qualifications, examinations or assessments to decide whether a declaration is required. Centre Declaration of Interest Exam Officer Training.
Thank you for supporting this activity to protect the integrity of our qualifications and assessments for our learners.
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